What's New In Our Area
 

Current Clinic & Program Calendars
Current calendars that show dates and times for some of the services we offer including:  WIC, immunizations, food manager classes, and free parenting classes.

Food Manager Certification Class (Updated 05/04/18)
As of June 30, 2009, all food service establishments are required to employ a minimum of one certified managerial employee.  There are classes scheduled throughout the year

Older Americans Month May, 2018 (Posted April 6, 2018)
Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation's observance of Older American's Month.  The 2018 theme, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities.

Older Michiganians Day- May 16, 2018 (Posted April 6, 2018)
Older Michiganian's Day (OMD) is an annual rally that takes place on the Lawn of the Capitol Building in Lansing.  This event brings together hundreds of seniors, aging service providers and senior advocates with their legislators and key state officials.

Keeping Your Seasonal Allergies in Check (Posted March 15, 2018)
Though it may (or may not, depending on the day) feel like winter, spring is just around the corner, which means the seasonal allergies are sure to follow!  The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wants to help you prepare for the sneeziest time of the year for so many people.  According to the CDC, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.  Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that generally do not affect other individuals.  These substances, or allergens, can cause sneezing, coughing, and itching.  Allergic reactions range from merely bothersome to life-threatening.  for most people, seasonal allergies like hay fever and pollen, for example, are just bothersome.  Here are a few ways to help combat the stuffy, runny noses for the next few months.

Flooding - What You Need to Know (Posted February 21, 2018)
Floods, big or small, can have devastating effects on your home and your family.  Floods can contaminate food and water, which can cause illness.  Floods can lead to other dangers as well, like carbon monoxide poisoning, mold growth, electrical and fire hazards and more.  Sanitation and hygiene are very important during and after a flood because infections are likely to spread.  Illness and outbreaks can occur long after a flood is cleaned up due to spoiled food, contaminated water, power outage or exposure to mold.  This guide addresses the main hazards associated with a flood.  "Take all flooding seriously and follow these tips to protect your family", states Paul Andriacchi, Environmental Health Director, "and if you still have questions, please contact the Environmental Health staff in one of our three offices." 

Healthy Michigan Plan Still Available (Posted February 6, 2018)
Looking for health care coverage that works for your health and your budget? There is an option to help working people like you get healthy at a cost that works in your budget. It's the Healthy Michigan Plan.  According to Rebecca Burns, Health Officer for the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, "With all of the political changes regarding health care coverage, we are still helping families apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan, which has expanded Medicaid to adults who have incomes up to 133% of poverty.  For single individuals, this means an annual income up to about $16,000.  For a family of four, it means an annual income up to approximately $33,000.  People shouldn't have to choose between taking care of their health and taking care of their bills."  The Healthy Michigan Plan covers everything from doctor visits to hospitalizations to prescriptions at at a low cost.

It's Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot (Updated 01/26/18)
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency would like to remind residents that it is not too late to get the flu vaccination.  Flu activity in Michigan is widespread, so keep your family safe and healthy during this flu season by having everyone vaccinated against the flu.

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY'S HEALTH IN THEIR HOMES (Updated 01/08/18)
RADON - A SILENT KILLER    Citizens Urged to Test homes for Radon:   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declares January as National Radon Action Month to bring awareness to the dangers posed by indoor radon gas.  You can't see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present in your home at dangerous levels.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 people each year.  In fact, the EPA and the Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.

Make 2018 an Opportunity for Tobacco-Free Living (Updated 01/05/18)
As we enter the new year, this is an opportunity to encourage and support tobacco users in their effort to quit.  Making sure that your home is smoke-free protects friends and family, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those living with disabilities from the health harms caused by secondhand smoke.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends have the opportunity to impact the kids in their lives by setting an example of a tobacco-free lifestyle and reminding them that the use of tobacco, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products is harmful.

Watch Out for Deer on the Road (Posted 12/01/2017)
         Deer Mating season can be a dangerous time for drivers, deer and your car.  According to the Insurance Information Institute, 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year, resulting in 200 fatalities, tens of thousands of injuries and over 3.6 billion in vehicle damage.  To avoid hitting deer this holiday season, here are some tips:   Watch for the rest of the herd: deer travel in packs and rarely travel alone.  If a deer crosses in front of you, slow down and keep your eyes out for more deer darting across the road.  Timing is everything: deer are most active at dusk and dawn, because that is the time they are coming on the hunt for food.  This is also the time where vision is most compromised.  Deer are on the move during mating season between the months of October and January so it is especially important to be on the lookout while you're driving.

Shingles - Don't Suffer - Get the Shot! (Posted 7/27/17)
Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime.  There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in this country.  If you are over 60 years old, give yourself a little piece of mind and let us give you the shot so you don't end up as one of those people suffering from shingles. 

Communicable Disease Data (Updated Monthly)
Up to date tracking of the most common communicable diseases including; chicken pox, flu, head lice, hepatitis and tuberculosis.

Archives
Information that was previously highlighted on the front page of our web site.

What's New in Michigan & Nationally
 

Michigan Department of Community Health

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

International Health News- World Health Organization