🎉 Happy New Year!

We would like to take a moment to express our sincerest wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We hope this year brings you joy, success, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. We also want to extend our gratitude to the community and our partners for your continued support as we work together to build thriving communities. We look forward to an exciting 2024!

☢️ Radon Action Month

January is Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and take action to protect our families. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is naturally present in soil and rocks. It can seep into homes and buildings through cracks and openings. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer.

The only way to know if you have a safe level of radon inside your home or place of business is to conduct a radon test. The winter months are the best time to test because most homes are tightly closed up. If elevated levels are found it is important to reduce these levels of radon in the home. A professional radon mitigation contractor can install a system in your home that reduces the level of radon.

We encourage all homeowners to test their homes for radon and take action to reduce their exposure. We offer do-it-yourself tests that are quick and simple. By working together, we can create healthier homes and communities for ourselves and our loved ones.

$5 Radon Test Kits in January

Radon test kits are half-off this month and only $5 when purchased at our public health offices in Neenah or Oshkosh. In addition, Winnebago County Public Health will be at the Oshkosh Farmers Market on Saturday, January 27, from 9 am to 12:30 pm, offering test kits, answering questions, and raising awareness about the significance of radon testing in preventing potential health risks. Information on our Lead Safe Homes Program will also be available at the Farmers Market.

If you have questions or want more information about radon, please call us at 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagocountywi.gov/health.

❤️ We Heart You Award

The Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Team announced Megan Edwards, program director of Solutions Recovery, Inc., and Trevor Fenrich, executive director of Solutions Recovery, Inc, as the 2023 We Heart You Celebration of Excellence Award recipients. 

Edwards was pivotal in creating the Solutions Peer Response Team (SPRT) Program which connects people in crisis to recovery coaches with lived experience. The program aims to minimize the risk of overdose, guide individuals through available resources, facilitate access to care and treatment, and provide rapid response to substance use crises. Furthermore, Edwards actively coordinates the Sobriety Treatment Assisted Recovery (STAR) program in collaboration with the Winnebago County Jail. Through this initiative, incarcerated individuals receive support and guidance from SPRT's recovery coaches during their time in jail and after their release, promoting a path to recovery.

Fenrich was the lead technician behind the We Heart You mobile app launched earlier this year. The app connects people to substance use resources in Winnebago, Calumet, and Outagamie counties. It features a 24/7 live chat function that connects people with the Solutions Peer Response Team. Fenrich serves as the representative of Solutions Recovery in various OFR committee activities, contributing valuable perspective, expertise, and leadership.

Learn more about the We Heart You Celebration of Excellence Award here. 

Learn more about the Winnebago County OFR Team at winnebagocountywi.gov/health.

Learn more about Solutions Recovery, Inc. at solutionsrecovery.org.

🧒🏻👶🏽 Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children's Resource Network

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a new service to support families with children experiencing developmental delays, disabilities, special health care needs, or mental health conditions. The new Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children's Resource Network connects families with special health care needs to essential support and resources.

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network includes a user-friendly website and toll-free helpline that lets families, caregivers, professionals, and organizations easily connect with staff – dedicated children’s resource guides – who will help navigate through the essential services and supports that will enable children to thrive.

Services are free and confidential. Connect with a children's resource guide. Call 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929) or use the DHS contact form.

🚌 Transit Equity Day Events: February 5 & 6

Transit Equity Day is held every year on February 4 to commemorate the birthday of Rosa Parks, tying her efforts to integrate public transportation systems in the 1950s to the belief that all people should have the right to transit mobility and accessibility.

Safe, reliable and affordable public transit is an essential service that all people - regardless of race, ability, age, income or identity - have a right to. Transportation access impacts a person’s ability to be healthy; stay socially connected; go to work, school or the grocery store; and so much more.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the importance of public transit and recognize those making a difference at the following Driver and Rider Appreciation Events:

• Monday, February 5 at 3 pm at the GO Transit Center (110 Pearl Ave, Oshkosh)
• Tuesday, February 6 at 9 am at the Valley Transit Center (100 E Washington St, Appleton)

For additional information please visit our website or contact Susan Garcia Franz at 920-420-8139.

🦠 Say No to Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of very contagious viruses that cause stomach illness. People of all ages can get sick with norovirus by accidentally consuming small amounts of fecal matter or vomit from an infected person. Common symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Norovirus is also called gastroenteritis, and although it is commonly called the stomach flu, norovirus is not related to the flu (influenza). Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Wisconsin.

Norovirus spreads quickly and easily. Watch the video below to see how to clean up after someone vomits or has diarrhea so others don't get sick.

Additional Information

• Norovirus Information from DHS
• Norovirus Information from CDC

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. However, with early detection and treatment, cervical cancer can be successfully treated. Screening tests can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. The most common screening test is the Pap smear, which can be done in a doctor's office.

Another important step in preventing cervical cancer is getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccination is safe, effective, and recommended for males and females starting at age 9 through age 45. The vaccine is most effective before exposure to the virus.

The Wisconsin Well Woman Program coordinates access to free Pap smears and HPV screening for women, over 40, who qualify. To learn more or see if you qualify, please call us at 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagocountywi.gov/health.

The Vaccines for Children program offers free HPV vaccination to children, between ages 9 and 18, who qualify. To learn more or see if you qualify, please call us at 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagocountywi.gov/health.

🤰🏽 Vaccination During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, getting vaccinated can help protect both you and your developing baby from serious illnesses. By getting vaccinated during pregnancy, you can pass on antibodies to your child that will help protect them in their first few months of life.

Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are safe and recommended for you based on your health status and the stage of your pregnancy. It is important to receive vaccines on schedule to ensure maximum protection for both you and your baby.

Click on the flyers to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages.

😷 Respiratory Illness Season

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV by keeping up-to-date on your vaccinations and testing when sick. Vaccines provide safe and effective protection against severe illnesses and help us prevent the spread of diseases. Most vaccines are FREE!

• Call your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination locations near you.
• Need additional help finding vaccines or don't have insurance? Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
• Still have questions about finding a vaccination location? Call us at 920-232-3000.

You can get COVID-19 at-home test kits mailed directly to you. Get 4 free tests at covid.gov/tests now! Need help placing an order? Call 1-800-232-0233. And if you have older at-home test kits, check the expiration dates as most have been extended. Find more information here: wchd.pub/testkitexpiration. Additional information about testing can be found on the DHS website.

🕯️ Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike

Enjoy a candlelit night of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking at Winnebago County Community Park. Bring a flashlight and follow along with a kid-friendly storybook posted throughout the trail. After your hike, warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate while roasting s’mores. Bring your own equipment if you have it as limited equipment will be available for participants. An adult must accompany kids. Dogs are not allowed to join hikers. No snow? Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy a hike!

Date and time: Friday, January 19 from 6-8 p.m.

Registration is required at pdsfusion.org/bago.

📢 CHEERS! Course

Breakwater and the Oshkosh Police Department will be hosting a FREE CHEERS! training on Wednesday, January 17th. The goal of the training is to reduce underage and excessive drinking by providing education to anyone in a position to serve or sell alcohol. This training is for anyone who wants to:

• Understand the risks of underage alcohol consumption
• Identify behaviors of an intoxicated person and the risks of continuing to serve them
• Understand how to identify fake IDs
• Gain basic knowledge and understanding of laws and ordinances applicable to serving alcohol
• Understand compliance investigations

Masks are required! The class is FREE, but pre-registration is required. Register by calling 920-420-6401 or by emailing [email protected].

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Parent Resource Hours

Stop by during Parent Resource Hours for information on developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Please call ahead at 920-232-3000 or

go online to schedule an appointment if you're interested in a car seat check, immunizations, or lead screening.

Tuesday, February 13

1 - 4 pm

Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave

Thursday, January 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.

💪🏼 Winter Wellness Classes

Our Wellness Plus classes are researched and evidence-based to help those over 55 self-manage their health. These classes focus on preventing falls and living with chronic conditions. They also provide social connections and enhance quality of life. For more information, please call 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagocountywi.gov/health.

We have several classes to kick off our winter schedule:

Interested in hosting a class at your location or becoming a class leader?

Contact us at 920-232-3000 or email [email protected]ov.

Mission: Winnebago County Public Health protects and promotes health through services, partnerships, and equitable practices and policies so all can live their best life. 

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.

Winnebago County Public Health

www.winnebagocountywi.gov/health

[email protected]

920-232-3000

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