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📢 Join Our Team!
Winnebago County Public Health is a pioneer in public health strategy, collaborating to implement change that will improve the health of our communities, and we are hiring! Please click each position for additional information.
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Click the graphic above to apply and learn more about what Public Health does below! | |
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Written by Heidi Keating, Public Health Planner
Winnebago County Public Health is pleased to share the 2023 Community Health Assessment (CHA). Local health departments are required to conduct a CHA that results in a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) at least every five years. The CHA is a collaborative community process to collect, analyze, and share information on the health status, challenges, and assets of the community.
While overall health data suggests positive outcomes for residents of Winnebago County, a closer examination reveals an increasing number of households struggling to meet basic needs and there remain significant disparities among various populations. These disparities lead to a substantially lower quality of life, chronic stress, low income, adverse childhood experiences, and poor health outcomes.
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When we look at the community through the lenses of income, race, educational status, housing, and other factors that influence health, we see where our community is struggling and where we can make the most difference.
The CHA serves as a starting point to bring residents, partners, and community leaders together to determine priorities, identify strategies, and develop plans of action.
If you would like a presentation about the CHA or have questions, contact us by email at health@winnebagocountywi.gov or by phone at 920-232-3000.
Learn more and read about the Community Health Assessment here.
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🎉 Three Cheers for Public Health!
National Public Health Week is April 1 to 7. Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. This year's theme, Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health, highlights how relationships and being connected affect our health and well-being. When we support and promote public health — individuals, families, and communities — we can achieve public health's goals to promote, protect, and prevent. Achieving good health is more than just health care; it's the steps we take to make sure our neighborhoods and environments are free from pollution. It's making sure our food and water are safe to eat and drink. It's also the relationships we foster in our communities.
While a doctor treats individuals who are sick, public health's work is to work with and across communities to improve the health of the public as a whole. We all can make our communities healthier, safer, and stronger when we focus not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as communities to protect, prioritize, and influence the future of public health. So, join in as we give three cheers for our Public Health staff and all those who support what we do!
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Winnebago County Public Health offers a variety of services and resources to keep you,
your loved ones, and your community safe and healthy. Most of the services we offer are free (eligibility requirements may apply). Give us a call at 920-232-3000, email us, or
stop by to learn what public health can do for you!
Here are some of the services we provide:
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Lead testing for your home and children
Licensing and permits for new businesses
Vaccinations
Radon testing kits
In-home nurse visits
Wellness Plus Classes
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Resources for free breast cancer screenings
In-home falls risk assessments
Substance use resources
Mental health resources
Parent Resource Hours
WIC
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💊 Drug Take Back Day
Have you been holding onto expired or unused medications? If so, then mark your calendars for the National Drug Take Back Day on April 27 at locations countywide. This event, which happens twice a year, provides a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications.
Winnebago County Public Health partners with other community organizations to bring attention to safe ways to dispose of unwanted medication. In addition to making your home safer by discarding unused medication, it also helps reduce the environmental risk, especially to our drinking water. The Drug Drop program is simple to use. Residents can bring their medications to one of our designated drop-off locations and deposit them in a secure box. The medications are then sorted by staff and volunteers and safely disposed of. This program is free and anonymous, and no personal information is collected. In 2023, public health staff assisted with sorting approximately 800 pounds of medication from our Oshkosh location. We encourage all residents to take advantage of this program and help keep our community safe and healthy.
For more information about the Drug Drop program, including permanent drop-off locations and accepted medications, please visit our website or contact us directly at 920-232-3000.
Get additional information on the National Drug Take Back Day from DHS here.
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⚡ Severe Weather Awareness Week: April 8 to 12
As we enter the severe weather season in Wisconsin, it is important to stay informed and prepared. Severe weather can strike at any time and can cause significant damage and danger to individuals and communities. Winnebago County Public Health is here to help and encourage our community to be ready for all emergencies, including those weather related.
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Stay informed. Sign up for local alerts from Winnebago County Emergency Management here. You can also download weather apps on your phone or tablet or purchase a NOAA weather radio. It is also important to stay informed about the aftermath of severe weather events. This can include power outages, road closures, and other hazards. Make sure to follow the guidance of local officials and emergency management personnel to stay safe and avoid any unnecessary risks.
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Have a plan. It is also important to have a plan in place for what to do in the event of severe weather. This should include identifying a safe location in your home or workplace, such as a basement or interior room without windows. Make sure everyone in your household or workplace knows the plan and practices it regularly.
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Have an emergency kit. This should include water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, and extra batteries. It is also good to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed of any updates or developments during a severe weather event.
By taking these steps to stay informed and prepared, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during severe weather events in Wisconsin.
Additional Information
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💪🏼 Vaccines Protect
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 22 to 28. Each year, NIIW celebrates the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children and families — and this year we’re reminding parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines.
Vaccinating your child before the age of two, according to the recommended immunization schedule, gives them the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough. Winnebago County Public Health encourages you to make sure your child is up to date on vaccines by ensuring that they haven’t missed any check-ups. Well-child visits are essential. If you're pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you may have about growth and development and vaccines.
Winnebago County Public Health offers free vaccines to qualified infants and children. Vaccines are provided by appointment at our Oshkosh location (112 Otter Ave). Give us a call today at 920-232-3000 to schedule.
Additional Information:
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👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours
Stop by during our Parent Resource Hours for information on child developmental screenings, infant safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Please go online or call ahead at 920-232-3000 to schedule an appointment if you're interested in a car seat check, immunizations, or lead screening.
Tuesday, April 9 and May 14
1 - 4 pm
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Thursday, April 25
11 am - 2 pm
Neenah Office, 211 N Commercial St
Click on the flyers to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages.
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🧒🏻👶🏽 Parent Resource Fair
Co-hosted by Family Services, the Parent Resource Fair is a FREE event for parents and parents-to-be looking for information and resources on parenting, child development, child safety, education, job advancement, health, community assistance, family legal information, and more!
Join for the whole event or drop in as you can. Walk-ins are welcome, however, register ahead of time to use the free onsite childcare. Enjoy a bite to eat and enter for a chance to win a prize! Make sure to stop by the Winnebago County Public Health booth on May 3 for information on WIC and car seat safety.
When: Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4
Time: 12 to 3 pm both days
Where: Fox Valley Technical College (1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton)
Register here!
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❤️ Emotional CPR Practitioner Certification
Emotional CPR (eCPR) is a community education program that teaches people, with or without previous training, how to support another person experiencing emotional distress. This training is for everyone. People who use eCPR report that it strengthens their relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and community members.
When: Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17
Time: 9 am to 4 pm both days
Where: Oshkosh, Location TBD
Register here!
Questions? Email Karen Iverson Riggers or Lynn McLaughlin.
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Public Health Information
Communicable Disease, Environmental Concerns, Community Resources,
WIC, and more!
Contact 920-232-3000 or visit our website.
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Non-Medical Related Information
Utility, Food & Housing Assistance, Elder Care, Crisis Intervention, Alcohol & Drug Recovery
Contact 211 or visit their website.
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Mission: Winnebago County Public Health protects and promotes health through services, partnerships, and equitable practices and policies so all can live their best life. | |
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STAY UP TO DATE!
Visit wchd.pub/newsletter to receive Public Health Happenings, press releases, or
public service announcements from Winnebago County Public Health.
Find a copy of this newsletter on our website.
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Please distribute widely. The format may be altered when forwarded in an email. Find a shareable link here. | | | | |
