|
Check out our Annual Report!
It is a pleasure to share with you our 2022 Annual Report showcasing the work of our staff addressing health challenges in Winnebago County. This report gives you a glimpse of priority health issues, program achievements, and department updates. Read the annual report here.
| |  |
|
Join our team!
We are looking for a WIC Program Nutritionist. The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program Nutritionist helps determine eligibility for WIC and provides nutrition counseling.
Click here for the full job description.
Learn more about WIC at
winnebagopublichealth.org.
| | |
|
Breakwater is a community coalition supported by the Winnebago County Health Department that focuses on preventing underage drinking and youth substance use and reducing excessive drinking and substance use across all ages. Action teams are currently focused on treatment and recovery; prevention and awareness; data collection; and communication.
| |
|
Breakwater aims to establish connections, build partnerships, and serve as a protective barrier between our community and the negative impacts of substance use and addiction. As a coalition, they are focused on community-level change while supporting partners who offer direct service. In October 2019, Breakwater was awarded a Drug-Free Communities grant to help fund youth substance use prevention efforts; specifically, prevention efforts focused on alcohol and marijuana. These two substances have increasing rates of use and decreasing perceptions of harm - a concerning trend.
| |
Along with efforts in primary prevention, Breakwater also works to engage the treatment and recovery community in order to learn from others. This knowledge helps inform systems change through policy, design, and improvement efforts. | |
|
-- Project Spotlight --
The Breakwater Coalition advocated for community change that would reduce youth access to alcohol during the proposed Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and keep the Oshkosh Farmers Market family-friendly and alcohol-free free. Breakwater brought in members of the recovery community to speak about the need for more alcohol-free events in Oshkosh and provided education to City Council on the need to continue to have an alcohol-free Saturday Farmers Market. Breakwater continues to promote and implement more alcohol-free events in our community.
| | |
|
🌡️ Extreme Heat
Summer is here and that means warm weather! And some days may even bring extreme heat. An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Extreme heat can be deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself.
For more information:
| |
|
|
Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat
-
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
-
Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
-
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas.
-
Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
-
Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!
| |
|
-
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
-
Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
-
Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open.
-
Monitor Those at High Risk: Those over the age of 65 can be at higher risk for heat illnesses. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
| |
|
🍎 WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Wisconsin WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides food benefits to WIC participants that can be redeemed at Farmers Markets from June through October. This program offers an opportunity to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In addition to checks, families receive education and tips on how to prepare fresh produce. Most participants that receive WIC benefits can receive Farmers Market checks up to $30 per participant (except infants who are up to 9 months old).
Farmers Markets can be fun for you and your family. Here are a few tips for how to prepare for and enjoy your Farmers Market trip:
- Go early for the best choice of foods.
- Walk around the market to find what you like.
- Talk to the farmers. They can answer questions about the foods they grow and can tell you how they grew the food and how to cook it.
| |
|
Learn more:
Want to redeem your Farmers Market benefits? Look for these yellow signs at vendor booths.
| |
|
|
🏖️ Beach and Lake Monitoring
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, multiple Winnebago County lakes and beaches are monitored to ensure the safety of residents who want to enjoy the water on hot summer days.
In partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's ERIC Lab, the Winnebago County Health Department monitors the water quality at beaches on Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte des Mortes, and Lake Poygan.
UWO students collect water samples from public access points and analyze the samples for E. coli bacteria, blue-green algae, and their toxins to protect swimmers and other recreational water users. If a water test is concerning, the beach will close for swimming until E. coli bacteria or blue-green algae levels go down. Before you spend time in the water, be sure to check beach condition reports.
| |
|
⚕️ Men's Health Week
Each year, in the week leading up to Father's Day, our Nation recognizes Men's Health Week to raise awareness of the disease and illnesses that affect America's men. By better understanding the unique risk factors that men face, we can promote healthier lifestyles and implement more effective prevention and treatment options for all men. Men's Health Week was created to encourage men and boys to make their health a priority.
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health has 6 Plays for Men's Health to remind men and boys that they can improve their health by seeking medical advice, making healthy food choices, staying active, quitting smoking, getting regular checkups, and taking care of their mental health. Learn more about OMH's 6 Plays for Men's Health.
| |
|
🏠 Make Your Home Safer
Did you know that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries?
The health department provides services to residents of Winnebago County to ensure the safety of those over the age of 55, including providing Falls Risk Assessments. Falls are common but preventable.
When scheduling a Falls Risk Assessment, a public health nurse will come to your home to discuss your health history and provide information for a healthy home environment. Our nurses can help you identify needs and link you to resources to ensure your safety in your home. Call 920-232-3000 or email health@winnebagocountywi.gov for more information or to schedule a free nurse visit.
Learn more about free programs the health department provides to help prevent falls in our recent interview with Eye on Oshkosh! Click here to view.
Click on the flyer to download and share.
| |
|
📆 National HIV Testing Day
National HIV Testing Day was first observed on June 27, 1995. This is a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. People with certain risk factors should get tested at least once a year. Today, there are more accessible, easy, fast, and confidential HIV testing options available than ever before.
The Winnebago County Health Department provides HIV testing with a scheduled appointment. HIV testing is anonymous/confidential and results are ready in 20 minutes. A $15 donation is appreciated but not required. Call 920-232-3000 to schedule an appointment.
Find more HIV testing sites near you: Locator.HIV.gov
| |
👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours | |
|
Stop by anytime during Parent Resource Hours for information on developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, and health and community resources. Appointments are necessary for car seat checks and immunizations.
Join us!
Tuesday, July 11
1 - 4 p.m.
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Thursday, June 22
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Neenah Office, 211 N Commercial St
Click on the flyer to download and share.
Contact us to request additional languages.
| |
|
|
🧎 Tai Chi Classes Starting!
Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise involving gentle movements, poses and coordinated breathing. It's proven to reduce the fear and risk of falling by improving balance, stability and strength. These classes can be adapted for people using walkers, canes or wheelchairs.
| |
|
Menasha Memorial Building
640 Keyes St, Menasha
Wednesdays, June 14 - August 2
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Register by calling 920-967-3530
| |
|
Oshkosh Seniors Center
234 N Campbell Rd, Oshkosh
Thursdays, June 29 - August 31
9:45 - 10:30 AM
Register by calling 920-232-5300
| |
|
🤸🏻♀️ BAGO Summer Events
Winnebago County Field Day
Kick off the summer and get outside with a free family Field Day! Games such as drip-drip-drop, bean bags, relays, water balloons, disc golf, and more will be available to families. Food trucks will also be on site.
Where: Winnebago County Community Park
When: Friday, June 23
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration not required
Mud + Bubbles + Color
It's a fun run like no other! The Mubblor is a family-friendly course with 10 different obstacles featuring mud, bubbles, color, and summertime fun! All obstacles on the one-mile course will be geared toward kids and families, and parents are encouraged to participate with their kids.
Registration is required for every participant. Children ages 4 to 7 must have an adult who is 18 or older participate with them (accompanying adults must also be registered).
Where: Winnebago County Community Park
When: Saturday, July 22
Time: First heat is at 8 AM
Register: By July 1st here
The purpose of BAGO is to encourage kids and families to go outside. This year-long program taps into the adventurous spirit of kids by offering activities geared toward individuals and families.
| |
|
|
🩹 COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing
Get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed. Stay home if you are sick. Test before you go to a group gathering. Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. For county and state data please visit our website.
Call the Winnebago County Health Department at 920-232-3026 to schedule your free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine! Available to those eligible 6 months and older!
Find additional vaccine locations here.
| |
|
Public Health Information
Communicable Disease, Environmental Concerns, Community Resources,
WIC, and more!
Contact 920-232-3000 or visit our website.
| | |
|
Non-Medical Related Information
Utility, Food & Housing Assistance, Elder Care, Crisis Intervention, Alcohol & Drug Recovery
Contact 211 or visit their website.
| |
Mission: Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) 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 the Winnebago County Health Department.
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. | | | | |
