👋🏼 WCPH Welcomes New Staff Member!

Join us in welcoming Wanda Tracy, our new Multi-Media/Public Relations Coordinator!

Wanda grew up in Northern Wisconsin, but moved to Oshkosh 3 years ago from the state of Oregon. She previously worked as the Communications and Events Manager at the Winnebago Area Literacy Council and currently is a member of the Oshkosh Chapter of the Professional Women's Network. In her free time, Wanda likes to read, kayak, and do yoga.



We are excited to welcome Wanda to our team and know she will do great things for public health!

🍽️ Summer Food Safety

Grilling season is in full swing and to make sure you have the most epic cookout, let's talk about some food safety tips:

1. Don’t get caught germy-handed! Wash with soap and water before handling food and after handling raw meats. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. The more, the merrier! After putting raw meats on the grill, switch to clean plates and utensils. Switching the plates and utensils avoids cross-contamination between raw food and cooked food.
3. Ice, ice baby! Cold foods should be held at 41°F or colder to avoid the growth of bacteria. Separate coolers should be used to store ready-to-eat foods (like fruit) away from raw meats.
4. Getting warmer! Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food you cook. Some important cooking temperatures to remember: steak to 145°F, hamburger to 155°F, and chicken to 165°F.
5. When in doubt, throw it out! After four hours, all uneaten, perishable food must be discarded otherwise bacteria that cause foodborne illness will multiply to dangerous levels.

🏠 Lead-Safe/Healthy Homes

Our Lead-Safe/Healthy Homes Program helps coordinate and pay for the safe removal of lead-based paint hazards from homes and rental properties at no cost to the occupants. Lead can damage the brain, body, and nervous system. Even at low levels, it affects learning capacity, the ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. In 2023, 10 homes in Winnebago County were made lead-safe by the program. The Lead-Safe/Healthy Homes program can replace windows, doors, siding, and many other things that present lead-based paint hazards in your home.

Common sources include lead-based paint, lead dust, and contaminated soil. Kids under age 6 are more likely to get lead poisoning by putting things in their mouths that are contaminated with lead dust, eating paint chips, and chewing on windowsills or door frames. Removing lead-based paint hazards ensures that kids do not experience the long-term effects of lead exposure.

You can apply for the program if:

• Children or pregnant women live in or regularly visit your home and are on Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus.
• Your home or rental property was built before 1978.
• Your property is insured and taxes are up to date.

Did you know ALL children 5 and under should get tested for lead? Winnebago County Public Health offers childhood lead screening to those who qualify. Learn more on our website at www.winnebagocountywi.gov/health.

👋🏼 Get to Know Ashley Beattie-Lokken,

Our New Community Health Worker and Wellness Plus Program Coordinator!

Q: How long have you been with WCPH?

A: Just over two years. Before this new role, I was an Administrative Associate for WCPH.

Q: What does a Community Health Worker do?

A: I educate the community, offer client support, and coordinate community partnerships to keep individuals and their families healthy.

Q: What project are you most excited about right now?

A: Learning all I can about the new community health worker role!

Q: What's a fun fact about you?

A: I love being outdoors, hiking, camping, gardening, and taking walks. I love to spend time with my three wonderful nephews. 

Q: What do you want the community to know about you and/or your role at WCPH?

A: I have a degree in education and was a teacher for almost 13 years. I am excited to be able to use my experience in education and relate that to the community to help promote health!

📝 ICYMI: Winnebago County OFR Team Releases its Annual Report

The Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) team has released its 2023-2024 Annual Report which summarizes local fatal overdose data, themes, and recommendations for preventing overdoses in Winnebago County. The OFR team consists of 35 collaborating agencies to create change in our community and save lives.

In 2023, 47 overdose deaths were confirmed by the Winnebago County Medical Examiner's Office. The majority of the deaths occurred among individuals aged 18 to 44, which is younger than previous years. Fentanyl remains the primary cause of death, with 31 of the 47 death reports listing fentanyl as the primary cause.

The report also outlines ways to get involved, help, and support the team's work including:

• Connecting people to the We Heart You app.
• Sharing information on free Narcan at Winnebago County Public Health.
• Connecting those in need to the Solutions Peer Response Team.
• Sharing information on volunteering with Breakwater to help prevent and reduce youth substance use in Winnebago County.

Ashlee Rahmlow, our Community Health & Prevention Division Supervisor, and Jennifer Skolaski, OFR Team Facilitator, were recently on Eye on Oshkosh discussing the OFR Annual Report and Harm Reduction services provided by Winnebago County Public Health. You can watch it here!

💪🏼 It's Time to Schedule Back-to-School Immunizations!

While summer is in full swing, back-to-school season is just around the corner! By staying informed and following the recommended immunization schedule, we can help safeguard our children and the community as a whole.

Earlier this year the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced new immunization and reporting requirements for child care centers and schools: the Meningitis vaccine is now required and chickenpox infections must be documented by a medical professional. Click here to see what immunizations your child needs for the school year.

WCPH offers free immunization services to qualified children who are:

• Uninsured
• Underinsured - a child who has health insurance, but the coverage does not include all immunizations
• On medical assistance (including BadgerCare)
• Native American or Native Alaskan

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Parent Resource Hours

Stop by during our Parent Resource Hours for information on child developmental screenings, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, nursing expertise, health, and community resources. Please go online or call ahead at 920-232-3000 to schedule an appointment if you're interested in a car seat check, immunizations, or lead screening.

Resource hours and appointments are available at our Oshkosh and Neenah offices.

Click the flyer to download and share. Contact us for additional languages.

Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise involving gentle movements, poses, and coordinated breathing. This class reduces the fear and risk of falling by improving balance, stability, and strength. These classes can be adapted for people using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs.

When: Tuesdays, July 16 to August 6

Where: Smith Park Pavilion (338 Cleveland St, Menasha)

Time: 10:30 to 11:30 am

To register for this class, call Winnebago County Public Health at 920-232-3000.

🦽 Free Wheelchair Wash!

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Winnebago County is hosting it's annual Wheelchair Wash in August! Stop by for an inspection and wash, food, music, and more!

When: Saturday, August 10

Where: J&R Auto Service (629 Main St, Oshkosh)

Time: 10 am to 12 pm

Non-Medical Related Information

Utility, Food & Housing Assistance,

Elder Care, Crisis Intervention,

 Alcohol & Drug Recovery

Contact 211 or visit their website.