Elkhart County Health Department phone, records, shots, STI clinic, lead screening, septic, wells and food inspection help
The Elkhart County Health Department serves residents through Lincoln Center, Patient Services, Vital Records, Environmental Health, Healthy Beginnings and Health Education programs.
Use this guide to find the correct phone number, address, window hours, official link, documents, fees and next step before you visit, request a birth certificate, schedule vaccines, report an animal bite, file a restaurant complaint or start a septic/well permit question.
What do you need from Elkhart County Health Department?
Select the service closest to your need. This tool does not book appointments, but it helps you call the correct office and prepare the right documents.
Call 574-523-2283. Say you are calling Elkhart County Health Department and name the exact service you need.
Elkhart County Health Department quick answer
The main Elkhart County Health Department location is Lincoln Center, 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516-2116. The main phone number is 574-523-2283, fax is 574-295-6186, and toll-free number is 877-523-2283.
Main office hours are listed as Monday 8:00am-5:00pm and Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Vital Records has separate window hours, and Environmental Health is located at 4230 Elkhart Road, Elkhart, IN 46516.
Official verification before using this Elkhart County guide
Updated for publication on June 26, 2026.
This refreshed guide uses official Elkhart County Health Department pages for contact information, Patient Services, immunizations, STI clinic, childhood lead screening, animal bites and rabies, Vital Records, Environmental Health, food service inspection, septic permits, well permits, Healthy Beginnings and forms.
Office hours, appointment rules, certificate fees, vaccine fees, STI clinic fees, environmental permit rules and forms can change. Always verify live details on the official ECHD website before visiting, mailing documents, paying a fee, applying for a permit or relying on a deadline.
What this Elkhart County Health Department guide covers
Elkhart County Health Department phone numbers by service
Use the specific program number when you know what you need. This saves time and reduces wrong transfers.
| Need | Best phone or route | What to say when you call | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|---|
| General health department help | 574-523-2283 | “I need help reaching the correct Elkhart County Health Department program.” | Service need, city, address if relevant and callback number. |
| Patient Services | 574-523-2127 | “I need Patient Services for vaccines, lead, animal bite or rabies guidance.” | Photo ID, vaccine records, school forms, child age, bite details or exposure facts. |
| STI/HIV clinic | 574-523-2128 | “I need STI/HIV clinic information and current appointment rules.” | Exposure date, symptoms, privacy needs, ID, payment question and result timing. |
| Birth or death certificate | 574-523-2107 | “I need a birth/death record for an event that occurred in Elkhart County.” | Valid photo ID, full name, event date, proof of relationship/legal interest and payment. |
| Environmental Health | 574-971-4600 | “I need Environmental Health for food, septic, well, pool, radon, mold or vector help.” | Business/property address, complaint details, permit history, photos or project deadline. |
| Healthy Beginnings | 574-522-0104; dental 574-522-6702 | “I need Healthy Beginnings or dental support.” | Pregnancy/infant/child need, location preference, schedule and dental question. |
| Forms or public records | Official ECHD forms page | “I need the correct official form for this program.” | Program name, record type, property address, date range or permit number. |
Elkhart County Health Department locations, hours and maps
Elkhart County Health Department services are not all handled at the same door. Lincoln Center, Vital Records, Environmental Health and Healthy Beginnings have different routing.
| Location | Address | Phone | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECHD Lincoln Center | 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516-2116 | 574-523-2283 | Main routing, Patient Services, Vital Records, immunization routing, STI/HIV routing, animal bite/rabies questions and lead screening. |
| Vital Records window | 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516 | 574-523-2107 | Elkhart County birth and death certificates for events that occurred in Elkhart County. |
| Environmental Health Services | 4230 Elkhart Road, Elkhart, IN 46516 | 574-971-4600 | Food service inspection, septic permits, well permits, groundwater, pools, environmental complaints, radon, mold, insects, vectors and rodents. |
| Healthy Beginnings Elkhart | 1400 Hudson Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 | 574-522-0104; dental 574-522-6702 | Pregnancy, infant, child, dental, breastfeeding, nutrition and family support routing. |
| Healthy Beginnings Goshen | 117 N. 2nd Street, Goshen, IN 46526 | 574-522-0104 | Healthy Beginnings services in Goshen. Call for current hours before visiting. |
Map to Lincoln Center
Map to Environmental Health Services
Before you call or visit Elkhart County Health Department
Patient Services: immunizations, lead, animal bites, rabies and clinic help
Patient Services is the route many residents need first. ECHD describes Community Health Nursing as promoting community health through assessment, prevention, surveillance, education, screening and treatment.
A picture ID is required for listed Patient Services. Use 574-523-2127 for many patient-service questions, including immunizations, lead screening, animal bite and rabies routing.
Immunizations for children, adults and school requirements
ECHD offers child immunizations based on ACIP recommendations and links users to Indiana school immunization requirements. ECHD says it can see children with private insurance as well as children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children program.
For adult immunizations, ECHD says vaccines are available at the Elkhart office by appointment only. Adult vaccines listed include MMR, varicella, Tdap, influenza and HPV, with additional state-funded vaccine options depending on eligibility and availability.
| Immunization need | What ECHD says | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Child vaccines | Vaccines are offered based on ACIP recommendations, with child vaccine and school requirement resources. | Call 574-523-2127 and bring complete vaccine record, school forms and payment/insurance information. |
| Child administration fee | ECHD lists a $15 administration fee per vaccination, subject to change, and says VFC-eligible clients will not be denied due to inability to pay the administration fee. | Ask about VFC eligibility, Medicaid/insurance billing and current fee before the visit. |
| Adult vaccines | Adult immunizations are available at the Elkhart office by appointment only. | Call for eligibility, cost and availability. Bring current picture ID and complete vaccine record. |
| Vaccine records | ECHD provides immunization record request forms and points users to MyVaxIndiana. | Request records early; do not wait until the school, work, college or travel deadline. |
STI, HIV and tuberculosis services in Elkhart County
The Elkhart County STI Program offers confidential screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, syphilis, Hepatitis C and HIV. ECHD states that STI testing is the only way to know if you have an STI.
The STI clinic information says clinic services are by appointment only and directs users to call and ask for Community Health Nursing. Existing page details also list 574-523-2128 for STI/HIV clinic questions.
Childhood lead screening, animal bites and rabies information
ECHD says the Childhood Lead Program provides free lead screening tests and case management for elevated blood lead levels. Screening uses a finger stick to obtain a small blood sample.
ECHD also reports animal bites to the Indiana State Department of Health and works with the state on rabies control. The department clearly states it does not carry rabies vaccine.
| Need | Best first step | Prepare this |
|---|---|---|
| Lead screening for a child | Call Patient Services at 574-523-2127 | Child age, address, housing age, childcare location and any known exposure source. |
| Child under age six | Ask whether screening is recommended | Whether child lives in or visits a pre-1978 home or childcare center. |
| Animal bite | Handle medical safety first, then call 574-523-2127 | Animal type, owner if known, vaccination status, bite location, date/time and medical care received. |
| Bat or possible rabies exposure | Seek urgent medical guidance if exposure is possible | Bat location, whether contact occurred, sleeping-room exposure, victim information and animal capture status if safe. |
Elkhart County birth certificates and death certificates
Elkhart County Vital Records holds birth and death records from 1882 to present for births and deaths that occurred only in Elkhart County. If the birth or death happened outside Elkhart County, use the correct county or state vital records office.
Vital Records is at 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart. Phone is 574-523-2107. Window hours are listed as Monday 8:00am-4:50pm and Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-3:50pm.
| Record or service | Current listed fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Certified birth certificate | $18 | Valid photo ID and eligibility/relationship proof may be required. |
| Non-certified birth certificate | $10 | Ask whether this meets your use case before ordering. |
| Certified death certificate | $18 | The death must have occurred in Elkhart County. |
| Non-certified death certificate | $10 | Not suitable for every legal or official purpose. |
| Paternity affidavit | $80 | Ask Vital Records what documents and appointment timing are needed. |
| Birth correction by notification | $15 | Correction rules may require supporting documents. |
| Affidavit of Amendment | $20 | ECHD says amendment visits should come before 3:00pm on weekdays. |
Certificate copy cost estimator
This estimates only the listed copy fee for certified birth or death certificates. It does not include online vendor, amendment, mailing, pouch, correction or convenience fees.
One certified copy using the listed $18 fee.
Vital Records payment and ordering notes
- Online ordering is available through Permitium, the authorized partner listed by ECHD.
- ECHD states it will not process online applications using other unapproved vendors.
- Personal checks are not accepted.
- Cash, certified check or money order payable to Elkhart County Treasurer may be used through official routes.
- Credit and debit cards may be accepted in office, with a convenience fee.
- No telephone or fax orders are accepted for card payments.
Environmental Health: food, septic, wells, pools, radon, mold and complaints
Environmental Health Services works on food service inspection, emergency response, groundwater, insect/vector/rodent control, lead inspection, meth lab information, radon and mold, septic permits, well permits, pool inspections, forms and environmental complaints tied to places or properties.
Environmental Health is located at 4230 Elkhart Road, Elkhart, IN 46516. Phone is 574-971-4600. Hours are listed as Monday 8:00am-5:00pm and Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.
Food service inspection, septic permits and well permits
If your question involves a restaurant, food event, septic system, well, pool, property sale, new construction, complaint or permit, start with Environmental Health instead of Patient Services.
| Need | Best official route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant or food complaint | Call Environmental Health at 574-971-4600 | Business name, address, date, time, food item, symptoms if illness occurred, receipt and photos if available. |
| Food permit or inspection question | Food Service Inspection / Environmental Health | Business type, event date, location, food prep details, owner information and deadline. |
| Septic permit | Septic Permits / Environmental Health | Property address, parcel, site plan, soil boring/evaluation, installer and project type. |
| Well permit | Well Permits / Environmental Health | Property address, well location, contractor, water concern and project timeline. |
| Pool, rodent, insect, mold or radon concern | Environmental Health | Exact address, issue, date/time, photos if safe and whether there is immediate danger. |
Healthy Beginnings, pregnancy, infant, child and dental support
Healthy Beginnings is focused on prevention, education and early intervention for infants, young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. It has Elkhart and Goshen locations, with a separate dental phone number.
| Healthy Beginnings route | Phone | Location / note |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Beginnings main phone | 574-522-0104 | Use for pregnancy, infant, child and family support routing. |
| Healthy Beginnings dental | 574-522-6702 | Use for dental questions connected to Healthy Beginnings services. |
| Elkhart location | 574-522-0104 | 1400 Hudson Street, Elkhart, IN 46516. |
| Goshen location | 574-522-0104 | 117 N. 2nd Street, Goshen, IN 46526. Call for current hours. |
What to ask before a Healthy Beginnings visit
- Which location should I use?
- Do I need an appointment?
- What documents should I bring?
- Is dental support available for my child?
- Can you help with pregnancy, infant, breastfeeding, child wellness or nutrition questions?
- What hours apply to the Elkhart or Goshen location this week?
What Elkhart County Health Department does not replace
A county health department is important, but it is not the right office for every medical, legal or emergency issue.
For broader office-finding help, use our health department near me guide. For statewide context, see our Indiana Department of Health guide. For a nearby county guide, see our St. Joseph County Health Department guide.
Official Elkhart County Health Department links
Use these official resources for final verification, forms, appointments, fees, current rules and program contacts.
Elkhart County Health Department official websiteMain official ECHD site for public health programs, announcements, services and department divisions. ECHD contact and locationsOfficial phone numbers, Lincoln Center, Environmental Health, Healthy Beginnings and office hours. Patient ServicesOfficial route for immunizations, lead, communicable disease, animal bites, rabies, HIV and STI-related services. Immunizations for childrenOfficial child vaccine, VFC, school requirement and fee information. Immunizations for adultsOfficial adult vaccine availability, appointment, ID, record request and MyVaxIndiana information. STI clinicOfficial confidential STI/HIV screening and clinic information. Vital RecordsOfficial birth and death records, fees, window hours, ID rules and payment notes. Environmental HealthOfficial food, septic, wells, pools, radon, mold, groundwater, vectors and environmental public health programs. ECHD formsOfficial forms and downloadable documents for ECHD programs. Healthy BeginningsOfficial pregnancy, infant, child, dental, nutrition and family-support program route.Elkhart County Health Department FAQ
What is the Elkhart County Health Department phone number?
The main Elkhart County Health Department phone number is 574-523-2283. Patient Services uses 574-523-2127, Vital Records uses 574-523-2107, and Environmental Health uses 574-971-4600.
Where is the Elkhart County Health Department located?
The main Lincoln Center location is 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516-2116. Environmental Health Services is at 4230 Elkhart Road, Elkhart, IN 46516.
What are the Elkhart County Health Department hours?
Main Lincoln Center hours are listed as Monday 8:00am-5:00pm and Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Vital Records has separate window hours.
How do I get a birth certificate in Elkhart County?
Call Vital Records at 574-523-2107 or use the official Permitium route. Elkhart County Vital Records holds birth records for births that occurred in Elkhart County from 1882 to present.
How much is an Elkhart County birth or death certificate?
The listed fee is $18 for a certified birth certificate and $18 for a certified death certificate. Fees can change, so verify on the official Vital Records page before ordering.
Does Elkhart County Health Department offer immunizations?
Yes. ECHD provides child and adult immunization information. Adult immunizations are listed as appointment-only at the Elkhart office. Call 574-523-2127 and bring vaccine records and photo ID.
How do I get an immunization record in Elkhart County?
Use the official immunization record request forms or MyVaxIndiana. Start early if you need records for school, work, college, daycare or travel.
Does Elkhart County Health Department offer STI or HIV testing?
Yes. The Elkhart County STI Program offers confidential screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, syphilis, Hepatitis C and HIV. Call the clinic route for current appointment rules and fees.
Who handles restaurant complaints, septic permits and well permits?
Environmental Health Services handles food service inspection, restaurant complaints, septic permits, well permits, groundwater and many environmental health concerns. Call 574-971-4600.
Does Elkhart County Health Department provide rabies vaccine?
No. ECHD says it does not carry rabies vaccine. For animal bites or possible rabies exposure, get medical guidance quickly and call Patient Services at 574-523-2127 for reporting guidance.