Panhandle Health District

08/12/2026

Board of Health Meeting Thursday August 13 @ 1pm. Watch live on YouTube or attend at our Hayden office.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PanhandleHealthDistrict

08/10/2026

Preparing for Breastfeeding Before Birth

Did you know that you can access WIC benefits like healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support as soon as you know that you’re pregnant?

Here are 3 things you can do to prepare for breastfeeding before birth:

· Talk with your doctor about breastfeeding and ask if you have any health conditions that could make it more difficult.

· Meet with a lactation consultant. WIC offers lactation support with experts like International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLCs) and peer support with breastfeeding peer counselors.

· Get a breast pump or breastfeeding supplies. WIC can help provide supplies or support with getting supplies through your health insurance.

Learn more ways that you can prepare for breastfeeding while pregnant: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/how-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-in-the-month-before-birth. Want to learn more about WIC? Visit www.signupwic.com/about to learn more and get connected!

08/10/2026

FREE CLASS for ALL AGES; Sagle, ID.
Brought to you by North Idaho Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers, supporting Panhandle Health's mission to Promote, Prevent, Protect.
Seats are limited:

Learn how to save lives by stopping severe bleeding at our "Stop the Bleed" and American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR Class!

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

What do you do when your community is in need? Are you a neighbor who likes to offer a helping hand? Have the desire to volunteer your time to a rewarding effort? Join North Idaho Medical Reserve Corps! No Medical Expertise Necessary! Visit www.volunteerIdaho.com
The Medical Reserve Corps Supports Panhandle Health District's Mission to Promote. Prevent. Protect.

08/07/2026

Back-to-School Sports Physicals
A sports physical is an important part of getting your student athlete ready for the season and can help recognize health concerns before they become a problem.
Who: Kids K-12
What: Sports Physicals
When: Friday August 21, 8am-5pm
Where: Hayden - Panhandle Health District Office
Why: Discuss your child's back-to-school healthcare needs
How Much: Just $34
PROMOTE healthy lifestyles
PREVENT illness and injury
PROTECT the health and well-being of our kids

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Contact Panhandle Health District at 208-415-5270 by phone or text for appointment information and availability.

08/07/2026

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory for Hayden and Fernan Lakes

Panhandle Health District (PHD) in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have issued public health advisories for Fernan Lake and the upper end of Hayden Lake (see map of advisory area). Recent water sampling indicates the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as a harmful algae bloom (HAB) or blue green algae in Fernan Lake and the north end of Hayden Lake. The public is advised to use caution when recreating at these sites due to the potential presence of cyanotoxins associated with cyanobacteria. The public should use precaution throughout both lakes as HABs can spread and move with wind and water traffic.

Idaho’s active HAB advisories are listed here: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories

Private domestic water system owners utilizing the lake as a drinking water source are cautioned that potentially present cyanobacteria cannot be removed by boiling or filtering the water. It is recommended to avoid contact with discolored water, surface scums, or areas with visible streaks or mats; and to keep pets and children away from affected water. If contact (swimming, bathing, or showering) has been made with water containing a HAB, it is recommended to wash off with fresh water.

If people choose to eat fish from the lake, it is recommended that they remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, since toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues.

Symptoms of exposure to HABs vary according to exposure. Symptoms can include rashes,
hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and/or wheezing. More severe symptoms affecting the liver and nervous system may result from ingestion of water. If symptoms persist, consult with your health care provider or your veterinarian for pet exposure.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their
populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water. Caution should be taken anywhere the water appears discolored or murky as HABs can spread or move with wind and water currents. HABs have the potential to produce dangerous toxins especially when accumulated in high concentrations. The physical
appearance of these blooms can vary, presenting as discolored water, streaks or globs of scum and can cause thick green mats along lake shorelines. Pets, children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at-risk of harmful exposure.

The public is urged to use caution when recreating in or near the water that is discolored, or has surface scums or areas with visible streaks or mats; and to keep children and pets away from affected water.

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at:
https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

Idaho’s active HAB advisories are listed here: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories

08/05/2026

*Spokane Resources* If you or anyone you know has been affected by the Spokane Complex fires, below is a link to resources to help with recovery. Please repost and Share.
https://www.spokanecommunityresources.org/


If you would like to volunteer and possibly assist in North Idaho MRC's response to the Spokane shelter and recovery efforts, visit https://www.volunteeridaho.com/
No medical expertise required.

07/24/2026

Recovery begins with connection, and no one has to navigate it alone, so PHD is proud to announce the launch of our Post-Overdose Rapid Response Team (RRT).

Through compassionate, trauma-informed outreach and person-centered care coordination, our new program is designed to support individuals who have experienced an overdose by connecting them with resources, treatment options, and ongoing recovery support.

Referrals to receive assistance can be made by community partners, healthcare providers, family members, or individuals themselves. Our RRT will work closely with participants to help navigate services, reduce barriers to care, and connect them with the support they need to improve their health and well-being.
PHD is committed to helping individuals take the first steps toward recovery and stability.

Our team combines professional expertise with lived experience to provide compassionate, person-centered support for individuals on their recovery journey.

*Shelby Donahoe - Peer Recovery Coach
With lived experience and specialized training, Shelby offers encouragement, hope, and guidance while helping individuals navigate the path to recovery.
[email protected]

*Juli Bardgett, LCSW - Care Coordinator
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Juli provides care coordination, safety planning, and connections to treatment and community resources to support lasting recovery.
[email protected]

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Post-Overdose Rapid Response Team, we're here to help.

Call or Text 208-446-7936 Submit a referral here: https://form.jotform.com/253515592493161