Community Health Services
Farm Vehicles and Rural Road Safety During Harvest Season
Amidst the picturesque scenes of the fall harvest, a pressing concern emerges—the safety of farm vehicles on rural roads. Harvest season is the culmination of months of hard work, representing the peak of farming activity. It is when farmers earn their income and contribute significantly to our nation's food supply.
The Importance of Temporary Food Permits
The significance of food sanitation and safety cannot be overstated when local events offer good food and bring communities together. Whether it's a farmers' market, a festival, or a charity event, the food served holds the power to create memorable experiences.
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 2023
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is currently available in Illinois through October 2023. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to share how our county residents benefit from this vital program.
Lab Services at the Moultrie County Health Department
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) now offers laboratory diagnostic testing services as a more affordable option for individuals needing lab work.
Keep Your Fourth of July Celebration Safe: Five Poison Prevention Tips for Families
As you gear up to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, it’s important to be mindful of potential poisoning hazards that can occur. IPC is sharing some of the most common or dangerous poisonings reported on this holiday weekend.
CodeRED: Moultrie County’s Emergency Warning System
CodeRED is an emergency alerting service available to all Moultrie County residents and businesses. This secure service is provided at no charge and is coordinated through the Moultrie County Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA).
Public Health Officials Warn of Salmonella Outbreak and Recall Linked to Gold Medal Brand Flour
General Mills issued a voluntary nationwide recall of two, five, and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour with a “Better if Used By” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. No other types of Gold Medal Flour are affected by this recall at this time.
Public Health Departments – We’re Here for You!
Public health protects and promotes the health of people and the communities where they live, work, learn, and play every day.
Children and Food Choking: A Preventable Hazard
The most common cause of nonfatal choking in young children is food. Recent statistics indicate that 12,000 children are taken to a hospital emergency room each year with injuries from food choking. Sadly, a child dies from these incidents every five days in the U.S.
Strep Infection: It May Be More Than Just a Sore Throat
Anyone is susceptible to strep, especially children and seniors. Individuals in congregate care settings, schools, and daycares may be at higher risk of exposure if an illness occurs in that facility. As of February 2023, the number of cases nationally reached a 12-month high.
Healthy Eating Habits: A Plan for Supporting a Healthier Life
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are designed to assist all individuals in tailoring their personal food preferences into a nutritious, balanced diet that they can sustain and benefit from for their entire life. Research shows a routine pattern of healthy food choices and eating habits can significantly improve health.
Norovirus: How You Can Help Prevent Infection and Spread
Norovirus is a highly contagious group of viruses currently circulating in the US. Norovirus, sometimes called the “stomach flu,” typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Mild fever and aches are also possible. Some cases of the virus can become severe.
The WIC Program: Helping Families as Food Costs Rise
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program funded and administered by the USDA. The program provides nutritional health information and benefits for Women, Infants, and Children. Certified WIC staff are typically Registered Nurses or Dieticians who assist clients with other resources and services to meet their needs.
Spring Weather Safety: It’s Time to Prepare
Weather officials agree that North America, particularly the United States, has the world's most severe weather extremes. No other place on earth has the same hazardous array of severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, tornadoes, and floods.
Daylight Savings Time and the Safety of Your Home
Daylight savings time (DST) begins March 12, 2023, at 2:00 am. This day also reminds us to reset our clocks (spring forward 1 hour in the spring of the year) and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in our homes.
Healthy Habits: Choices for a Healthier Life
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adopting 5 healthy habits for better heart health and prevention of other chronic diseases.
How to Develop Healthy Habits for a Healthier Life
Every new year begins with volumes of articles and feature stories about New Year’s resolutions concerning healthy habits. Here are 8 tips you should consider for developing healthy habits that will help you make better practices a reality.
Heart Health Numbers That You Need to Know
One of the most important things we can do for our heart health is to become more aware of our own health status. Here are some straightforward guidelines for monitoring basic heart health numbers.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Risk That Increases in Winter Months
Every year, exposure to CO will send more than 100,000 people to hospital emergency departments throughout the U.S., and more than 14,000 of those will require hospitalization.
Should I Get a Flu Shot in February to Lower My Risk of Influenza?
According to the CDC, most people should try to get their annual flu vaccine by the end of October. However, influenza vaccination is recommended throughout the flu season. Flu season most commonly peaks in February and can remain active into early spring.
Health Screenings: Routine Healthcare that Can Save Your Life
Routine health screenings can save your life. This may sound like an overstatement, but it is unquestionably true! Regular checkups allow your primary healthcare provider to review your medical history, evaluate your current health condition, and order critical screenings.
The High Cost of Loneliness
Some describe loneliness as a feeling of distress caused by a lack of meaningful, close relationships. In other words, loneliness can be defined as a lack of emotional connectedness. With this definition, it is important to acknowledge that one can be lonely in a crowd.
Recommendations for Improving Your Health in 2023
As the new year begins, the American Medical Association (AMA) offers the following recommendations to help Americans make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements to their health in 2023 and beyond.
Tips for Traveling Safely in Winter Weather
Over the next several weeks, the Moultrie County Health Department will share safety tips concerning the hazardous conditions created by winter weather.
How to Prepare for Winter Storms
Over the next several weeks, the Moultrie County Health Department will share safety tips concerning the hazardous conditions created by winter weather.
Happy Holidays from Moultrie County Health Dept.
The Moultrie County Health Department staff wishes you peace in your heart, joy in your home, and the blessing of friendship throughout the holidays and beyond.
Many Seniors Face Isolation and Loneliness at Christmastime
The Christmas season is a joyous time when families and friends get together and create new memories. Sadly, millions of seniors will not share this same holiday experience. Instead, too many of our seniors will experience this Christmas holiday isolated and alone.
Daylight Savings Time Signals an Essential Home Safety Tip
Daylight savings time (DST) begins November 6, 2022, at 2:00 am. This day reminds us to reset our clocks (fall back 1 hour in the fall of the year). It also reminds us to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in our homes. It's an important reminder because these detection devices are useless without working batteries.
Halloween Treats and Safety
Children are often too excited about their costumes and the treats they will collect to be mindful of their safety. Help keep your kids safe this Halloween with these tips concerning their “goodies.”
Flu Vaccination Clinic
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages you schedule and appointments for a Flu vaccine.
Suicide Prevention Hotline – Call or Text 988
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, there is hope. You are not alone because there is a service providing 24/7 connection to qualified, confidential support.
Does Better Nutrition Impact Student Performance?
Researchers are still working to prove the connection, but existing data suggest that students who eat a more balanced diet are healthier and more able to learn. Furthermore, these students typically have fewer absences and are better behaved in school, resulting in fewer disruptions in the classroom.
What is the Real Cost of Smoking Cigarettes?
Health problems related to smoking include cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and various forms of cancer. Each carries the potential for long-term, debilitating health conditions, daily medications, financial instability, and a shorter life expectancy.
West Nile Virus Activity Reported in Central Illinois
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the US. During an August 9th broadcast, WAND-TV news reported that the Macon Mosquito Abatement District detected the first batch of WNV-positive mosquitoes in Macon County.
Illinois WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Moultrie County Health Department is pleased to once again provide IL WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) services to all eligible families and seniors in and around Moultrie County.
Illinois Poison Center Warns of Fake Prescription Pills and Drug Substitutions
In June, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported multiple fatal and non-fatal overdose events related to heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in several Northern Illinois counties. On July 12, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) issued a warning to the public to stay safe and avoid recreational drugs, especially synthetic recreational drugs.
Announcing COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Children and Teens
Currently, the circulating variants of the Covid-19 virus are relatively mild and typically result in symptoms similar to a prolonged summer cold. However, like all viruses, Covid-19 affects all people differently. The Covid-19 virus can make those who are immune-compromised, including the elderly and some children, very ill for prolonged periods. Reducing the risk of infection is most important for these individuals because they are also at greater risk for lingering or long-term health problems.
Schedule Back-to-School Immunizations Today
If your children return to school in August, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to ensure they are ready. You may want to start thinking about their clothes, school supplies, and whatever else they need to begin their school year. The Moultrie County Health Department encourages you also to think ahead and schedule appointments for their vaccinations as you plan for your child’s return to school. If you wait until mid-August, your child may be delayed in getting the vaccines required to start school.
Children and Teens Immunization Clinics
2022 Back-to-school immunization clinic schedule
Staying Safe in Sunny Weather
Many of us look forward to bright and sunny weather because of the numerous recreational activities we enjoy. Regardless of the season, too much exposure to the sun can prove hazardous to your health. This sun damage is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Heat-Related Deaths are Preventable
Beat the heat this summer!
IDPH Warns the Public to Watch Out for Rabid Bats and Animals
The Moultrie County Health Department joins IDPH in stressing that a bite from a rabid animal can be potentially fatal if not treated. Subsequently, the public should take precautions to keep bats and other unfamiliar animals out of their homes and other enclosures and act quickly if bitten.
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month
We may not want to admit it, but too many of us choose foods that are not in the best interest of our health. Grocery stores keep plenty of processed foods on their shelves because people buy them.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is caused by damage to nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and is a progressive disease. The neurons damaged first are those in parts of the brain responsible for memory, language, and thinking. As a result, the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease tend to be mild memory loss, impaired language skills, and difficulty thinking clearly.
Illinois Public Health Officials Warn about Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jif Peanut Butter
Warning issued: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) warns that some jars of Jif brand peanut butter may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella that is making people sick.
Vector-borne Diseases in Central Illinois
Some vector-borne diseases will produce few noticeable symptoms in an infected person, and the illness may go undetected. However, the same diseases can also cause significant discomfort and illness, Including life-long disabilities or even death. The following is basic information on West Nile virus and Lyme disease, both of which are carried by vectors common in Central Illinois.
Summer Food Safety: Facts and Best Practices
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six Americans (48 million people) become sick from food poisoning each year. These incidents send 128,000 Americans to the hospital, and an estimated 3,000 die annually from foodborne illnesses. Food safety is especially important as we approach Memorial Day weekend. This weekend traditionally marks the beginning of summer activities, many of which will involve preparing and serving food for family and friends.
IDPH Announces $3.7 Million in Federally Funded Grant Opportunities for COVID-19 Health Equity Strategies
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced up to $3.7 million in grants are available for communities outside of Cook County to address and implement COVID-19 health equity strategies.
Adults and the Importance of Immunizations
Immunizations (vaccines) help protect you from diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. What’s more, your immunity to these illnesses also protects others around you. As adults, most of us live busy lives with many responsibilities. The last thing you want to do is risk getting sick with a preventable infection.
Herd Immunity and Vaccinations
Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease, limiting disease spread. When there are limits on the spread of the disease, even those not already immune have a reduced risk of exposure. Reducing the risk of disease spread is especially critical in protecting individuals who can’t be vaccinated. These would include newborns, those with compromised immune systems, and those who cannot tolerate the vaccine.
Vaccines and Our Opportunity to Control Infectious Diseases
Smallpox was a severely infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It undoubtedly caused millions of deaths and is believed to have existed since the days of ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. It was contagious, spreading from one person to another. People who had smallpox typically presented with a fever and a distinctive, distinct skin rash.
Four Myths About Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STD Awareness Week is April 10-16. Like so many medical concerns, there are myths and inaccurate information concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Regrettably, such misinformation is widespread and can prove harmful to public health. Let's talk about these common myths and learn the truth.
STD Awareness Week: A Matter of Life and Health
STD Awareness Week is April 10-16. Whether you are sexually active or thinking about becoming sexually active, here’s how you can Talk, Test, and Treat to protect your health.
Lead Poisoning: Why Are Children at Greater Risk?
When we protect our children from lead exposure, we protect them from the adverse effects that can stay with them for a lifetime. Read more here to learn about preventing lead exposure and the availability of lead screening and testing.
National Public Health Week and Moultrie County
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is proud to support National Public Health Week (April 4-10, 2022). The 2022 theme is “Public Health Is Where You Are.”
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Home: Part 2
Natural and LP gas has a specific odor that alerts you of their presence. This feature is not true of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a poisonous, flammable gas with no odor and color, making CO especially hazardous. We can breathe in CO with no sense of odor or irritation to our nose or throats. When we inhale CO, our blood cells attach to CO molecules instead of oxygen molecules. This process starves our organs of the oxygen needed for continued survival, resulting in illness and death. Children and the elderly, as well as individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Home: Part 1
The Center for Disease Control reports that over 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year, typically in their home or car. Many of these deaths occur during the winter months. These are the months when people heat their homes while minimizing outside ventilation. Although CO levels may not prove high enough to be fatal, they can still result in serious illnesses. CO poisonings account for nearly 50,000 visits to hospital emergency departments each year.
What are the 3 Most Common Toxic Substances in Your House?
The Illinois Poison Center logs over 74,000 calls on poisoning exposures each year. Poison centers across the nation manage over 2.1 million cases each year. It may surprise you that 90% of these incidents occur in the home. Furthermore, some of the most common exposures involve toxic substances we all use or come in contact with relatively often.
National Poison Prevention Week: March 20-26, 2022
National Poison Prevention Week is observed the third week of March every year. Congress established the observance in 1961 to highlight the risks of being poisoned by household products. Although we’ve made substantial progress since the early 1970s, over 2 million poisonings are reported in the U.S. every year. What may surprise you is that over 90% of these occur in the home, and those affected most often are children under the age of 12.
Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteens and Teens
All preteens and teens should get vaccines to protect against meningococcal disease. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.
Info for Adults: Vaccines—Know what you need
Learn which vaccines you need as an adult. Talk to your healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for you! Immunization is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your health. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.
Learn the Facts About Flu Vaccine!
Learn answers to your most asked flu vaccine questions!
WIC Participants Survey Now Available!
The WIC annual participant survey is available online in English and Spanish.We would love your feedback! Please share what we are doing well, and what we can do better. Please use our agency’s survey link below to share your feedback.
Violence Prevention and Support Resources
Sharing resources with everyone helps prevent violence in our communities.
WIC Farmer’s Market Program
The Moultrie County Health Department is pleased to announce the arrival of WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in Moultrie County!
The WIC FMNP was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets. Pregnant & Breastfeeding women and children one year and older who are certified to receive WIC program benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification are eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP. A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs may be purchased with FMNP coupons.
Farmers Market Coupons will be distributed by the MCHD beginning July 1st, 2018, to all eligible WIC participants. Come to the Moultrie County Health Department and get your WIC- FMNP coupons to enjoy the fresh produce of Moultrie County all summer long! No appointment needed.
Food Service Inspections & Permits
The Moultrie County Health Department provides routine inspections of Moultrie County retail food and food service facilities as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Consumer complaints, as well as potential foodborne illnesses, are also investigated. Temporary events conducted by non-food service organizations are reviewed to enhance the safety of food served to the public in Moultrie County. The Moultrie County Health Department routinely provides information and updates on food-related issues to all food service facilities, and upon request to residents of Moultrie County.
Download the Permit Application to Operate a Temporary Food Service Facility
Health Education
The Moultrie County Health Department welcomes the opportunity to educate individuals as well as the public at large on pertinent health topics. Topics have been presented at health fairs, schools, community organizations, public events, and at the Moultrie County Health Department. Topics covered range from healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding, tobacco prevention and cessation, adult health, food safety, and environmental health.
The Moultrie County Health Department works routinely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, community members, and organizations to identify and address priority health concerns in Moultrie County.
Tobacco-Free Communities Effort
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to lead a tobacco-free life and reduce the harmful effects of tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and second-hand smoke. The Illinois Tobacco Quitline provides assistance to all individuals with tobacco use cessation.
Smoke-Free Illinois was initiated in 2008 by the State of Illinois and requires all public places to be free of second-hand smoke inside the building and within 15 feet of all entrances and exits.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
The Moultrie County Health Department continues to collaborate with schools, municipalities, medical and emergency response partners throughout the county and state to exercise and develop emergency response plans and systems to meet the needs of Moultrie County residents.
Vision and Hearing Testing
Vision And Hearing Screening services provided through the Moultrie County Health Department are available to all pre-school & school-age children in Moultrie County.
Interpretation of results and referrals to medical providers are made for clients as appropriate. Moultrie County Health Department staff are certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health in Vision and Hearing Screening.
Lead Screenings
The Moultrie County Health Department provides lead exposure screening and testing to all Moultrie County residents for whom such services are indicated. Assessment of lead risk exposure and testing are available any time at the Moultrie County Health Department. Interpretation of testing results and professional, confidential follow-up on lead exposure reduction are provided free of charge to Moultrie County residents.
Child Safety Seat Program
The Moultrie County Health Department continues to provide Child Safety Seat Assistance as a service to Moultrie County residents. A Certified Child Safety Seat Technician is available to provide education, evaluation, and assistance with proper child safety seat installation and use.
Get Covered Illinois
Moultrie County Health Department provides information & referrals to individuals needing to access the Get Covered Illinois Program. This service focuses on enrolling individuals in appropriate and affordable health insurance for themselves, their family, and for small businesses.
School Health Services
The Moultrie County Health Department offers a variety of school-based contractual services to public and private schools to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education requirements. These include (but are not limited to) immunization review and report completion, vision and hearing screening and report completion, on-site immunization clinics, head lice checks and other services/assistance as requested and appropriate.