OC Department of Public Health

09/30/2026

If you're struggling, you don't have to carry it alone. Call or text 988, any time, day or night. Veterans: dial 988, press 1. En español: marque 988, oprima 2. We've published our 2025 Death by Su***de Report which shows who is most at risk and gives information about how each of us can help. Read about it here: https://bit.ly/4dH8VC8

09/29/2026

The Public Health Side of Preparedness

Did you know public health also prepares for emergencies? We plan so we can respond fast when something threatens our community's health — a disease outbreak like measles, severe weather like flooding, or an environmental hazard like contaminated drinking water.

We coordinate closely with Ottawa County Emergency Management and the Medical Reserve Corps – members of the community who train year-round to help when they’re needed. We also work closely with our regional healthcare coalition to be sure we’re ready.

You are part of our response too. Start preparing today: ready.gov.

09/28/2026

If you or someone you know plans to visit our office or any office on the James Street campus, please be aware of construction over the next several weeks.

Heads up! Construction is limiting access to the Ottawa County James Street Campus due to the closure of the 120th Avenue & James Street intersection. The campus remains open and available to serve you! Visitors should access James Street from the west via US-31 instead of 120th Avenue. Please use caution and plan extra drive time, particularly if you have a scheduled appointment.
The construction may impact visitors to Community Mental Health, Public Health, Veterans Services, OCCAA, County Clerk, the Public Defender’s Office, Juvenile Justice Institute, and MDHHS.

09/22/2026

Today in Grand Haven, a room full of moms and professionals sat down to talk about what new moms really need. 💛

If you missed it, there's still time! We have another screening of Holding Mother, an honest look at postpartum support and the people who make it possible, this week.

Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6–8 pm
City on a Hill in Zeeland

Seats are still open. Grab some popcorn, pick up local resources, and take home a giveaway. Everyone is welcome, so bring your partner, a friend or anyone who supports a new mom.

Save your seat: bit.ly/4gEqsxd

09/11/2026

OCDPH has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Ottawa County this year. Even though we're heading into fall, mosquitoes stay active until the first hard freeze — so prevention still matters.

Protect yourself:
✅ Use an EPA-registered repellent
✅ Cover up at dawn/dusk
✅ Dump standing water weekly

High fever, stiff neck, or confusion? Seek medical care right away.

Read our full release: https://bit.ly/4dz5BsC

09/04/2026

Healthy Ottawa is currently conducting the Community Health Needs Assessment. It’s done every three years and looks at the health of Ottawa County community members. One of the tools used in the assessment is the Behavioral Risk Factory Survey, which is happening throughout September. This community-wide telephone survey is one of the most important ways we gather information about the health of our community.

If you get a call from a 616 area code (it may show as "Wilkins Research"), please take 20–30 minutes to share your voice! The survey is anonymous and participation is optional.

Learn more in our release: https://bit.ly/4gP21vg
Verify the survey at healthyottawa.org

Healthy Ottawa is a group of hospitals, public health agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to improve community health in Ottawa County.

Trinity Health Grand Haven, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Community Mental Health of Ottawa, Ottawa Area ISD, Holland Hospital, Corewell Health

08/27/2026

It’s National Community Health Worker Awareness Week and we are recognizing and celebrating our Community Health Workers (CHWs) for the vital role they play in connecting residents to the resources, care, and support they need. CHWs are often the trusted, familiar face that helps bridge gaps between our community and the services available to them — building relationships rooted in compassion, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to improving lives. Thank you for all you do!

Learn more: miottawa.org/opbh

*Photo credit: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

08/06/2026

Salads are back! Michigan cyclosporiasis cases are slowing, and the data say it's safe to eat lettuce and salad greens like normal again. You no longer need to avoid bagged salad mixes.

We're still looking into what happened, but it seems most people who got sick ate the affected lettuce back in late June or early July. We're still watching closely and will let you know if anything changes.

Keep up your usual food safety habits: wash your fruits and vegetables, wash your hands, and store food the right way. And don't eat any recalled lettuce.

Read the full release: https://bit.ly/4fUiZI7
Learn more about the recalled lettuce: https://bit.ly/4fR8C81
Learn more about food safety basics: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/about/index.html

08/06/2026

If you need vaccine records, please allow extra time this week. Getting vaccine records and booking new appointments may take a few extra days this week while the state of Michigan updates its vaccine records system.

Have an appointment already? Please keep it.

Need a copy of your records? We will get it ready as soon as we can and call you when it's ready. You can pick it up, or we can mail or email it.

To set up a new appointment, call (616) 396-5266 and leave your name and call back number, and we will call you once the system is ready.

If you get your own records online through the Michigan Immunization Portal, note that it closes August 6. A new way to get records is coming later this year.

Questions? Call us at (616) 396-5266.

07/27/2026

Don't miss the flavors of Bulgaria at the next Real Food Can cultural meal!

Join Intersection Ministries for the next Real Food Can Connect Us meal exploring Bulgarian culture and food!

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Cooking Class Experience: 9am–12pm
Learn hands-on from local experts. Spots are limited, so register today! (Location: Intersection Ministries, North Entrance/Basement Kitchen)

Cultural Meal: 12pm–1:30pm
Free community meal and cultural celebration. (Location: Intersection Ministries, I-East Building/Gym)

Both the kitchen and gym are located at 945 136th Avenue in Holland

Come curious about Bulgarian culture and ready to try new things!

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/45rWRjySpots