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🙌🏻 ICYMI: WCPH Staff Member Published in WCA Magazine
We are thrilled to announce that one of our Public Health Supervisors, Ashlee Rahmlow, recently contributed an article to Wisconsin Counties Magazine focusing on the work of Winnebago County's Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Team and the importance of raising awareness and implementing strategies to combat drug overdose deaths.
"The Winnebago County OFR Team's work creates hope from tragedy. They are dedicated to preventing deaths by overdose and work to create change at all levels to prevent future deaths. I am proud of the work that public health and over 30 other agencies have accomplished and look forward to what these collaborations will bring." - Ashlee Rahmlow
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👋🏼 WCPH Welcomes New Staff Member!
Join us in welcoming Jesse Klapa, our new Community Health Worker! He will be working with our Harm Reduction program as well as with Breakwater Coalition on youth engagement.
Jesse previously worked as a recovery coach at Solutions Recovery and educated high school students about substance use. He hopes to be a role model for both adult and youth community members and inspire them to make good choices. In his free time, Jesse can be found enjoying nature and listening to music. We are excited to welcome Jesse to our team and know he will do great things for public health.
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🦠 Water Quality Monitoring
Spending time in natural bodies of water—like lakes, rivers, ponds and streams—is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. While this can help you stay active, it is important to know that the water we swim, play, wade, and relax in can also spread germs. If you end up battling stomach cramps or swimmers itch it can, unfortunately, make your outing a definite NOT a "day at the beach". From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Winnebago
County Public Health, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's ERIC Lab, monitors the water quality at beaches and boat launches on Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte des Mortes, and Lake Poygan.
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Student interns collect water samples from public access points and analyze the samples for E. coli bacteria and blue-green algae 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, check beach condition reports to stay safe and healthy while enjoying Winnebago County's lakes and beaches.
Bacteria Focus: E. Coli
The Beach monitoring program monitors for Escherichia coli, or E. coli, and because of the risk posed to public health, beaches can be closed if the E. coli level is too high. Most strains of E. coli are not dangerous to people; however, some can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and other infections. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Those who are most at risk of developing illness are children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
High E. coli levels can occur for several reasons. Commonly, large rainstorms will wash dog or bird (especially geese and seagull) feces into the water, carrying pathogens with them. Raccoons that may be living in storm sewers can be a source of E. coli-containing feces, as can farm-manure runoff. Finally, aging sanitary sewer pipes and other wastewater infrastructure can leak sewage that then makes its way into our lakes.
To reduce potential health risks, you should assume all surface waters contain some E. coli whether or not it has been monitored or an advisory has been issued.
- Do not swallow the water.
- Wash your hands before you touch your mouth or eyes after swimming.
|  | If you get sick after swimming in a Wisconsin lake or river, please report it to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services by calling 608-266-1120 or completing the online form Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Illness or Sighting Survey. This helps assess the problem and determine when sampling efforts need to be increased or water bodies need to be closed to the public. | | | |
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Introducing Our 2023 Annual Report!
Local Health Departments are required to provide an Annual Report every year. This report gives readers a glimpse of program achievements, department updates and health priorities, and showcases the dedicated staff that make it all happen.
The work shared in the report is not an exhaustive list of all the things we accomplish daily. Want to know more about our programs? Visit our website or call 920-232-3000 to schedule a time to talk with us.
Read the Annual Report here!
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The First Quarter Communicable Disease (CD) Report is available here. These reports provide data for the community and healthcare partners on diseases that are prevalent in Winnebago County. Tracking this data helps detect, prevent, and control illness and outbreaks in the community. Additional CD Reports can be found on our website.
Questions? Contact Winnebago County Public Health at WCHD.CD@winnebagocountywi.gov or call us at 920-232-3000.
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Being healthy is not just about being physically healthy. Mental health is a significant component of our wellbeing. While it is important to address issues of mental health year round, Mental Health Month, observed in May, provides a dedicated time for everyone to join voices and share that mental health matters.
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day. However, it is often ignored until something is terribly wrong. The best way to prevent getting to that point, is to pay attention to your mental health even when you’re feeling well. Just like with our physical health, we can all do things that make us mentally healthier.
Here are some tips to help you improve your mental health:
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Practice self-care - Make time for activities that make you feel good, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk.
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Connect with others - Social support is important for our mental health. Reach out to friends and family, or consider joining a support group.
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Get enough sleep - Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on our mental health. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
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Eat a healthy diet - What we eat can impact our mood and energy levels. Aim for a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Practice mindfulness - Mindfulness can help us stay present and reduce stress. Consider trying meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Ask for help - If you are struggling with mental health issues or just don't feel right, mentally, seek help. Remember, it's ok to not be ok.
Access to mental health resources is crucial. Winnebago County Public Health is a supportive member of the NEW Mental Health Connection, an organization that focuses on addressing barriers, creating solutions, and prioritizing care and support for individuals seeking mental health services.
Remember, mental health IS health and we are dedicated to providing support, awareness, and building a strong a community to address mental health challenges.
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👨👩👧👧 Parent Resource Hours
Stop by during our Parent Resource Hours for information on 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.
Tuesday, May 14 and June 11
1 - 4 pm
Oshkosh Office, 112 Otter Ave
Thursday, May 23
11 am - 2 pm
Neenah Office, 211 N Commercial St
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Click on the flyers to download and share. Contact us to request additional languages. | | | |
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🎉 Boys and Girls Club Expansion
Mark your calendars for the ribbon cutting and open house of the new Hyde Family Community Center hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. The Hyde Center will be a community space for local organizations, including Winnebago County Public Health, to collaborate and provide community members with one location for multiple resources.
Staff from WCPH will be onsite during the grand opening - stop by, say hi, and learn about what services we will be providing at the Hyde Center!
When: Sunday, May 5; 12 to 4 pm
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh (501 E Parkway Avenue, Oshkosh)
Tours are available between 12 and 4 pm.
Ribbon Cutting at 3 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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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. | | | | |
