Berrien County Health Department

10/16/2026

We know how to have fun and work hard! 🍂 Last week, our team celebrated fall by sporting their favorite flannels, tailgate gear and other seasonal apparel.

Beyond the fun, we’re proud to have a team of caring, dedicated public health professionals who work every day to protect and improve the health and well-being of our community. We’re grateful for the people behind the important work we do and the difference they make in the lives of Berrien County residents.

10/16/2026

🚭 Ready to quit to***co? Quitting to***co will help you save money, feel and be healthier and spend more time with your loved ones.

📱 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ new QuitLogix app offers a free and confidential way to help you break the habit. With the app, you can:

• Access support in English or Spanish
• Receive encouraging reminders and track your progress
• Order ni****ne replacement products, including patches or gum

Download QuitLogix from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Quitlink or call 800.784.8669 for support.

10/14/2026

RSV spreads fast and puts babies in danger, especially infants younger than 6 months. Immunization options are available to help prevent RSV: Pregnant people can receive the immunization or infants can receive it after birth.

💉 ➡️ We offer the RSV immunization at our Benton Harbor and Niles clinics. Call 269.926.7121 to make an appointment or talk with one of our nurses. Learn more at berriencounty.org/639/Immunizations.

10/09/2026

Many children and teens spend a lot of time on social media, so it’s important to know how that may affect their mental health.

💬 Have regular conversations with your child about what they’re seeing online.
📵 Create boundaries like screen-free times and places in your home.
👀 Watch for changes in your child’s mood, sleep, appetite or focus.

If your child is struggling, support is available. Find local mental health resources at berriencounty.org/1697/Mental-Health.

10/07/2026

The flu can hit fast and cause serious illness – even in healthy people.

💉 Fight back against the flu with the annual flu shot to protect yourself and your family.

🧡 We offer the flu shot and other immunizations at our Benton Harbor and Niles clinics. Call 269.926.7121 to make an appointment or talk with one of our nurses.

➡️ Learn more about our immunization offerings at berriencounty.org/639/Immunizations.

10/06/2026

🧊Break the ice: Having early and ongoing conversations with your teen about s*xual health can help them make informed choices throughout their life. That’s because teens say their parents have the greatest influence over their decisions about s*x – more than friends or siblings – according to the CDC.

💬 Parents can use the following tips to navigate important conversations about s*xual health:

• Choose a private space to have the conversations, such as your home
• Start conversations early and have them frequently
• Be relaxed and open
• Encourage your teen to ask you questions

Learn more about the importance of s*xual health education at berriencounty.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/2555. 🔗

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10/05/2026

The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in Berrien County and is spreading in other parts of Michigan. While it doesn’t pose a threat to human or animal health, the unwanted guest can damage crops and our environment.

Here’s what to do if you see a spotted lanternfly in Berrien County:

🤚Squish it! No need to report the sighting since the population is confirmed.
🧼Place traps or apply insecticidal soaps and oils in areas where you’ve seen the insect.
🥽For large infestations, contact a certified pesticide applicator. If you choose to apply pesticides yourself, always follow the instructions and wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection.

Learn more about the spotted lanternfly at michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/spotted-lanternfly.

10/02/2026

Hey, Berrien County 📢

Recreational nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or whippets, is becoming more popular. Found easily at some convenience stores and smoke shops, nitrous oxide has led to an increase in hospitalizations in Michigan. It can cause serious health issues and symptoms, including:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Trouble walking, balance problems or unexpected falls
• Confusion, mood changes, anxiety or feeling "not like yourself"
• Passing out, trouble breathing or injuries after use

🚨If you believe someone is having a medical emergency after using nitrous oxide, call 911.

Find a list of local substance use resources at berriencounty.org/1878/Substance-Use-Resources.

09/30/2026

Welcoming a new life is a precious but sometimes stressful journey 🧸🍼

We’re proud to be a local champion for Rx Kids, which helps pregnant moms navigate the early days with less stress. Eligible pregnant moms may receive $1,500 during pregnancy + $500 each month throughout the baby’s first year or first six months of life.

Rx Kids continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pregnant moms, their babies and their families in Berrien County. You can read more about the impact below.

Learn more about Rx Kids and who’s eligible at RxKids.org. 🔗

09/28/2026

September marks Sexual Health Awareness Month, and we’re sharing reminders of why your s*xual health is important and how we can help you get the information and care you need to make informed choices about your health.

🧡Our Sexual Health Clinic offers testing, treatment and counseling services through in-person and telehealth appointments. Fast-track testing and walk-in services are also available for your peace of mind.

🩵We also educate and empower individuals ages 12-19 to help them make informed choices about their s*xual health through our Taking Pride in Prevention program.

Learn more about our Sexual Health Clinic and TPIP program at berriencounty.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/2555. 🔗

Your s*xual health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. This Sexual Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the confidential services, resources and education available