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Public Health Happenings
January 2026
Serving the communities of Winnebago County
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A Letter From the Health Officer
As we begin a new year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for what our community has achieved together in 2025 — and with optimism for what lies ahead in 2026. Public health is, at its core, about people: our families, our neighbors, and the dedicated professionals who work, day in and day out, to protect and promote the health of every resident.
A Year of Meaningful Progress
In 2025, our department continued its mission to protect and promote the health of every resident through evidence-based services, trusted communication, and responsive action.
Among the highlights of 2025:
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Expanding environmental health protections through our Lead-Safe Homes Program, helping families understand and reduce lead exposure risks in older housing — a tangible step toward safer, healthier homes for children countywide.
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Consistently sharing information and resources with thousands of residents through our Public Health Happenings newsletter — submitted monthly and packed with practical health tips, program updates, and staff spotlights that reflect the heart of our work.
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Collaborating with community stakeholders to address chronic disease prevention, communicable disease preparedness, substance use, and access to supportive resources — efforts rooted in evidence and responsive to local needs.
Last year marked meaningful implementation of our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, guided by our purpose to assure community conditions so that all can thrive through collaborative, equitable, transparent, and science-based public health practice.
Among our achievements in 2025:
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Elevated Public Health Presence & Communication — We increased outreach and visibility in neighborhoods, schools, and community events, amplifying awareness of resources that support families, children, and older adults. Sharing practical information through our new website, press releases, social media and newsletters helped residents make informed choices that support their health every day.
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Investing in Our People — Staff professional development, strengthened internal communication, and cross-divisional collaboration positioned our team to better serve every part of the county. Our strategy to retain, train, and support a diverse, capable workforce is ongoing and essential to long-term community health success.
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Embracing Equity in Practice — Equity remained central in our work as we refined how inequities are identified, addressed, and communicated within programs and community engagement efforts.
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Deepening Community Partnerships — 2025 saw expanded collaboration with residents, health providers, schools, local governments, and partner organizations to better understand and act upon public health priorities together.
Embedded in all of this was the understanding that public health is most effective when informed by evidence, grounded in community needs, and advanced through trusted partnerships.
But none of this would be possible without the people behind the work — the dedicated public health professionals whose passion and local connection make Winnebago County stronger. In 2025 we spotlighted staff every month in our newsletter, celebrating front-line nurses, planners, environmental specialists, community health strategists, support staff, WIC staff, and program managers whose efforts embody public health in action.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Building on Foundations of Health & Equity
In 2026, we will continue to strengthen the systems that support good health for all residents. This includes:
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Enhanced community engagement — listening and responding to voices across our county, especially from those whose perspectives have been historically marginalized.
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Supporting Staff Excellence — Investment in training, leadership development, and workforce diversity remains a priority as we seek to serve every resident with cultural humility and professional excellence.
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Strengthening Systems & Partnerships for Health — Health does not reside within any one department. We will continue to support policy, systems, and environmental changes to make health accessible across the lifespan.
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Continued focus on health equity, ensuring access to services that support mental health, maternal and child well-being, and chronic disease prevention.
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Foster resilience against emerging health threats — from communicable disease monitoring to environmental health challenges like harmful algae blooms in summer waters.
As scientific knowledge and community needs evolve, so does our commitment to transparent communication and local public health expertise you can rely on.
On Politics, Science, and Public Trust
We recognize that conversations about healthcare and public health often intersect with political beliefs and scientific complexity. At times, this intersection can foster uncertainty or debate in our community. Our commitment in Winnebago County remains steadfast: we are a local, trusted source of health information, dedicated to transparency, evidence-based practice, and respectful dialogue with residents of all viewpoints.
Public health cannot succeed without trust — trust in data, trust in care, and trust in people who show up every day in service of others. Our team will continue to prioritize clear communication, scientific rigor, and community engagement as we navigate ongoing public health challenges together.
With Gratitude & Commitment
To our staff - thank you for your tireless service, creativity, and heart. To our community partners - thank you for your collaboration, input, and unwavering commitment to community well-being. And to the residents of Winnebago County - thank you for trusting us to work alongside you, listening as we learn together and build health for every family, generation, and neighborhood.
May 2026 be a year of continued progress, hope, and shared health for all.
Sincerely,
Doug Gieryn
Winnebago County Public Health Officer
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Learn More: Our Radon brochure is available in English, Hmong, and Spanish
| | Radon Action Month: Kits are half price in January! | |
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer for the general population. About 1 out of 10 homes in Wisconsin has high radon levels. You cannot see or smell radon, so testing is the only way to know if you are being exposed to high levels.
What do I do if I have radon?
If your radon level is confirmed to be 4 picocuries per liter, pCi/L or higher, you should install a radon mitigation system. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Choose a qualified radon mitigation contractor to assess your home and install a radon mitigation system. A list of certified mitigation specialists can be found at www.lowradon.org.
Questions about radon, or your test results?
Call us at (920) 232-3000 to speak to a Winnebago County Public Health staff member.
| | | | | Cervical Cancer Awareness Month | |
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American Women, but that rate has dropped by more than half since the mid-1970's thanks to prevention, screening, and the availability of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.
HPV Vaccine
HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine is recommended for all children aged 11 or 12, though vaccination can begin as early as age 9 and is recommended through age 45 for those who were not vaccinated when they were younger. Winnebago County Public Health provides the HPV vaccine for children aged 9-18 through the Vaccines For Children program.
Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP)
The Wisconsin Well Woman Program provides free cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings to women with little or no health insurance. Winnebago County Public Health coordinates the program for women in the following 9 counties: Calumet, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago.
You may qualify for the WWWP program if:
- You are a woman 40 - 65 years old
- You are a woman 35 - 39 years old with symptoms or concerns
- You do not have health insurance or your insurance policy has a high deductible for screening or tests
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Your income is within the program guidelines
Ways to apply for WWWP:
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Wellness Plus Classes - Winter 2026 Schedule
Our Wellness Plus classes are researched and tested to help participants 55+ self-manage their health. These classes improve bone density and balance, and provide social connections to enhance your quality of life. They are also affordable, with just a $15 donation requested at the time of registration.
If wellness is on your list for 2026, find the right class for you by reviewing the printable schedule or by visiting the class schedule on our homepage.
Register by emailing us at health@winnebagocountywi.gov or by calling (920) 232-3000.
| | | | Public Health Nurse Notes | | | | |
Stop Flu Before It Stops You!
Most flu complications are preventable with early action, awareness, & support at home.
Steps to protect you this Flu season
1. Vaccinate Early.
- Flu shots reduce hospitalization risk by 40–60%. (CDC )
- Encourage families and caregivers to vaccinate too. Protection spreads when everyone participates.
2. Practice Smart Hygiene.
- Wash hands 20 seconds or more with soap and water.
- Use sanitizer (with at least 60 % alcohol) when on the go.
- Cover coughs/sneezes and dispose of tissues immediately.
3. Clean & Disinfect Common Areas.
- Wipe high-touch surfaces daily, such as doorknobs, phones, remotes, and light switches.
- Avoid shared utensils and cups.
- Increase ventilation when possible.
4. Watch for Early Warning Signs.
- Fever, fatigue, body aches, cough, or confusion can escalate quickly in older adults.
- Call your provider promptly because early treatment can prevent hospitalization.
- Rest, hydration, and medication management are key.
- Avoid crowds and sick visitors.
- Maintain nutrition and monitor breathing or dizziness.
| | | | | School Cafeteria Inspections | |
Everyone knows public health inspectors visit restaurants and other food premises to make sure they’re following safe food handling and storage practices. Did you know that our inspectors also partner with each school cafeteria in our jurisdiction for the same purpose?
Twice a year our team of 4 inspectors make the trip to 51 schools in our area. Why twice? Here is the breakdown:
Fall Visit: We observe the kitchen during a lunch service noting things such as proper handwashing, food cold holding and hot holding temperatures, cleaning and sanitization methods, making recommendations if we see areas for improvement.
Spring Visit: This visit is for paperwork review. We look at their standard operating procedures, review changes and recommendations from the Fall, as well as their daily temperature logs.
Our schools are just one of our many valued partners in keeping the community safe. Stay tuned for more stories of public health in action throughout 2026!
| | | Inside: Winnebago County Public Health | | | | |
January Staff Spotlight: Meet Bev!
Name: Bev Slusarski
Position: Public Health Accountant
Where You've Seen Her: Playing Pickleball!
Fun Fact: My favorite things to do during the summer are boating, hiking, and UTVing.
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We Heart You In Our Community
Scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th,
register today:
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Oshkosh Farmers Market
Come see Winnebago County Public Health at the Farmers Market
January 17th!
Staff will be selling radon kits for $5.00 and have information about our Lead Safe Homes Program available!
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Complimentary Knowledge Session for Community Professionals
CE credits are available for this session.
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A Caregiver Support Project:
Farm Families coping with Dementia
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Family-To-Family
Free Class for family and friends of individuals living with a mental health condition.
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Building Responsibility and Resilience in Kids
Thursday, February 5th
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
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Oshkosh Seniors Center
Winter Resource Fair
January 28th, 9 AM to 12 PM
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Apricity Recovery Services
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NAMI Men's Support Group
Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
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MLK Day Celebration
Monday, January 19th
8 AM to 10:45 AM
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Biracial Healing Group
Every 1st & 3rd Friday
5:00 PM
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Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Free Workshop
January 13th, 2026
3:30 - 4:30 PM
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Have you ever wondered how to get your health related community event featured in our newsletter?
Simply email us the flyer, registration link, or other pertinent information by the 1st of the month to be included!
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Free At-Home HIV and STI Test Kits
Available from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Spanish flyer available here
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Repair Cafe
Saturday, January 10th, 2026
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Public Health Information
Communicable Disease, WIC,
Environmental Concerns,
Community Resources, 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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Our 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.
| | Please distribute widely. The format may be altered when forwarded in an email. Find a shareable link here. | | | | |
