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👨👩👧👧 Join the WIC Family!
We are excited to announce that WIC enrollment week is October 16-20. The Wisconsin Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides nutrition education, healthy food, and support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. During WIC enrollment week, we encourage eligible individuals to sign up for the program and take advantage of its many benefits. These benefits include access to healthy foods, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other healthcare providers. If you or someone you know is pregnant or has a child under the age of five, we encourage you to visit our website or contact our WIC program at 920-232-3000 to learn more about enrolling.
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💊 Drug Drop Program
Did you know that tossing and flushing your unused meds can be harmful to the environment? That's why Winnebago County Public Health, partnered with other community organizations, makes it easy for you to safely dispose of your unused medications.
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 and safely and properly disposed of. This program is free and anonymous, and no personal information is collected.
By disposing of your expired or unused prescription medications in the Drug Drop, you will help us:
- Improve the water quality of Lake Winnebago
- Prevent prescription drug misuse
- Prevent accidental poisoning, especially in children and pets
In 2022, health department staff assisted with sorting approximately 2,300 pounds of medication from our Oshkosh location. We encourage all residents to take advantage of this program and help us keep our community safe and healthy.
For more information about our Drug Drop program, including permanent drop-off locations and accepted medications, please visit our website or contact us directly at 920-232-3000.
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Winnebago County Public Health staff and volunteers help sort unwanted medication
to be safely disposed of.
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🔥 Cooking Safety Prevents Fires
Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14. This week-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of fire safety and prevention in our homes, workplaces, and communities. This year's theme "Cooking Safety Starts with YOU" educates everyone about the simple but important actions they can take when cooking.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the US. During Fire Prevention Week, we encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent fires and protect themselves and their loved ones. This includes ensuring that smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly, creating and practicing fire escape plans, and being mindful of potential fire hazards in and around our homes. And follow these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a kid and pet free zone of at lease three feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared.
Need help getting a smoke detector installed in your home? The Oshkosh Fire Department (OFD) and Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue (NMFR) install smoke detectors for those eligible. Please call OFD at 920-236-5249 and NMFR at 920-886-6200 today to set up an appointment. If you live outside of these areas, contact your local fire department to ask about installation.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week visit the NFPA's website.
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🎃 Halloween Safety
Halloween is an exciting and fun-filled holiday for children and adults, but it's important to remember that safety should always come first. Here are some Halloween safety tips to help ensure that your children have a safe and enjoyable night:
1. Plan a Safe Route: Before heading out, map out a safe and well-lit route that your children can follow. Make sure that they know to stay on sidewalks and cross streets at designated crosswalks.
2. Wear Reflective Clothing: To make sure that your children are visible to drivers, have them wear reflective clothing or add reflective tape to their costumes. You can also give them a flashlight or glow stick to carry with them.
3. Check Candy: Inspect all candy before allowing your children to eat it. Throw away any treats that are not commercially wrapped, as well as any that look suspicious or have been tampered with.
4. Take Precautions With Masks: Masks can obstruct vision and make it difficult to breathe. Consider using non-toxic face paint or makeup or ensure the mask has good visibility for your child.
5. Keep Costume Safe: Make sure that your children's costumes fit properly to avoid tripping or falling. Avoid costumes with long, trailing fabric that can be a tripping hazard.
By following these Halloween safety tips for kids, you can help your children have a fun and safe Halloween night.
Additional Information:
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⚠️ Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Carbon monoxide CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. Even low levels of exposure can cause long-term health problems. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue affecting many households, so it is important to be aware of the dangers and how to prevent it. Here are some tips to help protect your family:
- Make sure there’s a working CO alarm on every level of your house and near every bedroom. Test them monthly to ensure they’re working correctly, and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you need to turn on your vehicle to warm it up, take it out of the garage right away. Even if the door is open, don’t leave it sitting in the garage while the engine’s running.
- Use generators and grills outside the home, away from windows and doors.
- Check the outdoor vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace, and clear any snow or other debris.
- If the CO alarm sounds, leave the house immediately. Call 911 or the fire department as soon as you and your family are outside the home. Stay outside until emergency personnel arrive.
By raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and taking preventative measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this silent killer.
Need help getting a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home? Project SAFE provides FREE carbon monoxide detectors to residents of the City of Oshkosh. The Oshkosh Fire Department will ensure the detector is properly installed and all batteries are replaced. Please call 920-236-5249 today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
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🤒 It's Sick Season
Respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19, can spread easily from person to person. To help protect yourself and others from these illnesses, you can follow some simple steps:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues immediately.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
- Get vaccinated against respiratory illness if you're eligible.
For the best protection this fall, speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacy about getting the
COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. Uninsured or underinsured? Find a vaccine location through the Bridge Access Program at vaccines.gov.
Have questions or need additional help? Winnebago County Public Health offers vaccines to children and adults who are eligible. Call 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org for more information. Read our Press Release about Respiratory Illness Season here.
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⚠️ Prevent Lead Poisoning
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is always the last week of October. This week is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning and to encourage people to take steps to protect themselves and their families from this preventable health hazard.
Lead poisoning is a serious health issue that can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. It is especially harmful to children under the age of six, who are at a greater risk of lead exposure due to their developing bodies and behaviors such as hand-to-mouth contact.
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During this week, we encourage everyone to take action to prevent lead poisoning. This includes getting your home tested for lead, making sure children do not have access to lead-based products, and educating yourself and others about the dangers of lead exposure. By working together, we can help ensure that everyone has access to safe and healthy environments.
Winnebago County Public Health is currently accepting applications for our Lead-Safe Homes Program. Homeowners and landlords who live in properties built before 1978 are encouraged to apply. If you are a renter, talk with your landlord and encourage them to apply. Properties that meet the following criteria are eligible:
- Children or pregnant women live in or regularly visit the home and are on Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus.
- The home or rental property was built before 1978.
- The property is insured and taxes are up to date.
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If you do not qualify for the Lead-Safe Homes Program but would like a lead hazard risk assessment, you can find a certified inspector or risk assessor on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested if you rent. To find out if you have lead in your drinking water, contact your water company and ask about testing. If you need to test your child for lead contact your primary healthcare provider.
For more information about testing children for lead poisoning or the Lead-Safe Homes Program, contact us at 920-232-3000 or visit winnebagopublichealth.org.
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👋🏼 Say Hi to Our New WWWP Coordinator!
Meet our new Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) director, Araceli! She was born in Mexico and raised in the Fox Valley. Araceli received her degree from UW Oshkosh and previously worked for Outagamie County. During her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, children, and English Bulldog. We are looking forward to seeing what wonderful things she does for public health!
Learn more about the WWWP ➡ wchd.pub/wwwp
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👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours
Stop by anytime during Parent Resource Hours for information on developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Appointments are necessary for car seat checks and immunizations.
We will be providing FREE vision screenings at our upcoming Parent Resource Hours. Available to anyone over the age of 3. No appointment is necessary, just walk in!
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Click on the flyers to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages. | |
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❤️ New Wellness Plus Class!
Do you or someone you know live with diabetes? Sign up for the Healthy Living with Diabetes class beginning October 17. This 6-week workshop focuses on improving blood sugar levels, working with existing treatments a participant receives, and learning how to minimize doctor visits.
Dates: Tuesdays, October 17 to November 21
Time: 10am to 12pm
Where: Menasha City Hall (100 Main St, Menasha)
For more information or to register please call 920-232-3000. And learn about our other Wellness Plus classes at winnebagopublichealth.org.
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👻 Haunted Hustle 5k
Round up your family and friends and join the fun! The Haunted Hustle, sponsored by BAGO, is an action-packed event with races and activities for the whole family. You can participate in a 5K Run, 5K Dog Jog, or 5K Zombie Walk and enjoy a post-race bonfire, s'mores, music, pumpkin decorating, and more!
Date/Time: October 28 | Arrive at 5 p.m. & 5k starts at 6 p.m.
Location: JP Coughlin Center (625 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh)
Cost: $15 youth fee and $25 for adults. Participants will receive a Junk Band headband, medal, and race bib.
Register at pdsfusion.org/bago.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Stephanie: fusionfootwear920@gmail.com.
Interested in donating pumpkins or hay bales? Contact Justin: jdejager@winnebagocountywi.gov.
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🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Mental Health Summit | |
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Join N.E.W. Mental Health Connection to support the LGBTQ+ community and learn how to build up support systems, including access to LGBTQ- affirming mental health and medical care.
There will not only be a variety of speakers, but also an art space, networking, and the ability to earn continuing education credits.
When: Saturday, November 4; 8:45 am to 5 pm
Where: DoubleTree (123 E. Wisconsin Ave, Neenah)
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🩹 COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing
If you have symptoms or were exposed, get tested for COVID-19. You can get 4 free at-home test kits mailed directly to you at covid.gov/tests. Need help placing an order? Call 1-800-232-0233. And be sure to check the expiration dates on your at-home test kits, as many have been extended: wchd.pub/testkitexpiration. You can also find free at-home test kits at various community locations.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available. The vaccine is free under most insurance plans. If you’re uninsured or your health insurance plan doesn’t cover it, you are still eligible to receive the vaccine for free through the Bridge Access Program. Go to vaccines.gov and find a pharmacy providing the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.
If you have questions or need additional help finding a vaccine location, please call Winnebago County Public Health at 920-232-3000 or email health@winnebagocountywi.gov.
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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. | | | | |
