Buffalo County Health and Human Services

09/06/2026

❤️We are hosting our annual Narcan (Naloxone) distribution and training sessions right here at the courthouse in Alma, and everyone is welcome.
In just 30 minutes, you learn or get refreshed on Narcan and walk away with life-saving tools. We will also be distributing free harm reduction resources like Medlock bags, lockboxes, and medication destruction bags to help keep your home safe.
Choose the time that works best for you:
Thursday, September 10 | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Wednesday, September 16 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Third Floor Conference Room, Alma Courthouse
Thank you for helping us make a difference

09/04/2026

Consumer Guide: Paying for Health Care in Wisconsin

All people who live in Wisconsin have access to health insurance. It may come from different sources based on what you can afford. You or your family may get coverage for your health care through:

An employer.
The federal Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov).
The private market.
Wisconsin’s public health care program, BadgerCare Plus.
No matter where you get your health insurance, it’s important to know what options you have. This page lists resources for paying for your health plan.

Finding and paying for health insurance
There are many helpful resources for learning about your health insurance options. Part of choosing the right health insurance is finding a plan that fits your budget.

Learn how to find and choose the right health plan.

Know what to do if you cannot afford health insurance.

You can also call 800-362-3002.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/pay.htm.htm

09/03/2026

❤️We are hosting our annual Narcan (Naloxone) distribution and training sessions right here at the courthouse in Alma, and everyone is welcome.
In just 30 minutes, you can learn or get refreshed on Narcan and walk away with life-saving tools. We will also be distributing free harm reduction resources like Medlock bags, lockboxes, and medication destruction bags to help keep your home safe.
Choose the time that works best for you:
Thursday, September 10 | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Wednesday, September 16 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Third Floor Conference Room, Alma Courthouse
Thank you for helping us make a difference!

09/02/2026

Buffalo County Food Pantry Schedules!

No one should have to go without food on their table. The Buffalo County area Food Pantries are here to help.

Check out the link for locations and times for pick-ups.
https://www.buffalocountywi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026-Buffalo-Co-Food-Pantry-Information.pdf

09/02/2026

September is National Preparedness Month

In Wisconsin, we have a variety of weather, from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to flooding, extreme heat, winter storms, and extreme cold. Being prepared means knowing what to do before an emergency happens.
• Make an emergency plan
• Build or update an emergency kit
• Plan for medications, medical needs, and important health information
• Stay informed about local alerts
• Practice your plan with your family
Don’t wait for the next storm, power outage, or emergency to get ready. Learn more at Ready.gov
- Resource: Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

09/01/2026

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program gives families access to free vaccines for children.

The VFC program:

Provides vaccines recommended for children.
Saves parents out-of-pocket expenses for vaccines.
Vaccinates more children by removing cost as a barrier.
Who is eligible for VFC
Children ages 18 years and younger can get vaccines for free. Your child is eligible if they:

Are enrolled or eligible for Medicaid.
Are American Indian or Alaska Native.
Do not have health insurance.
Your child’s health insurance does not cover 100% of the cost associated with a vaccine.

08/31/2026

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants - USDA funding available for rural residential customers that need to make repairs to their homes.

Helping people stay in their own home and keep it in good repair helps families and their communities. Homeownership helps families and individuals build savings over time. It strengthens communities and helps many kinds of businesses that support the local economy.

What does this program do?
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Who may apply for this program?
To qualify, you must:

Be the homeowner and occupy the house
Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
Have a household income that does not exceed the very low limit by county

Income Limit for Buffalo County is
1-4 Person Household - Under $48,000.00
5-8 Person Household - Under $63,400.00

For grants, be age 62 or older

What is an eligible rural area?
Utilizing the USDA Eligibility Site you can enter a specific address for determination or just search the map to review general eligible areas.

How may funds be used?
Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety hazards
Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards

How much money can I get?
Maximum loan is $40,000
Maximum grant is $10,000
Maximum grant if repairing a home damaged in a presidentially declared disaster area is $15,000
Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance or $55,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas.

For more information, please visit the USDA's website at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

Wisconsin Rural Development State Office
5417 Clem’s Way
Stevens Point, WI 54482
Phone: 715-345-7600

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

The WI Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is now scheduling appointments for Energy Assistance Applications.

We can start entering/processing applications on Monday, September 14, 2026.

To schedule your appointment -
You can follow this link, and schedule your own appointment
https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/3e1f4d2d71784f3fad24f2cca3360d97%40buffalocountywi.gov?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled

or Call - 608-685-4412
_____________________________

What is WHEAP?
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), provides assistance to low income people to help assist in paying their heating and electric bills.

In addition to the financial assistance towards utility costs, the WHEAP program also offers additional benefits, such as home weatherization services, assistance with furnace repair or replacement of malfunctioning or non-working furnace units during the cold winter months, and water heater repair for malfunctioning or non-working water heaters to eligible applicants.

If you meet the Income Guidelines shown, you are eligible for the WHEAP Energy Assistance Benefits.

Questions? Please call 608-685-4412.

08/25/2026

Did you know that Buffalo and Pepin Counties have a Disability Specialist?

Last year, Disability Benefit Specialists across Wisconsin helped thousands of adults resolve complex benefit claims. If you are aged 18 to 59 and need help with initial applications or appeals, don't struggle alone!

Contact your local ADRC to connect with a specialist near you! If you are a Buffalo or Pepin County resident call us today!
(715) 672-8941, ext. 131