Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department

09/01/2026

Heat Alert ☀️ A heat advisory for Lincoln and Lancaster County will be in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, until 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3. Heat index values up to 105 degrees are expected, according to US National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska.

Hot temperatures and high humidity increase the risk of heat-related illness. Stay safe Lincoln and Lancaster County!

🚗 Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
✔ Check on family, friends, neighbors and pets.
💧 Drink plenty of water.
👕 Wear loose, light-colored clothing and put on sunscreen when outside.
🔶 Limit outdoor activity to the coolest parts of the day or evening.
❄️ Find air-conditioned places to cool off. During regular business hours, all Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Parks and Recreation centers are available as cooling centers. Victory Park Senior Center is also available.

For more local cooling center locations, heat resources and information, see link in comments.

09/01/2026

LLCHD WIC recently hosted our annual baby shower! It was a great opportunity to share all of the wonderful resources we have in our community to support mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. A special thank you to all who attended and our partners including Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Nebraska Total Care and UnitedHealthcare for helping make this a successful event!

If you missed the event, you can still learn more about WIC. Call us at 402-441-6200.

09/01/2026

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) is reporting the death of an adult in their 60s due to West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first WNV-related death in Lancaster County and in the state so far this season.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Seven cases have been reported in Lancaster County this summer, with four requiring hospitalization. Prior to today, no WNV deaths had been reported in Lancaster County since 2023.

Mosquitoes are still active until around the first frost and it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Prevent mosquito bites:
✅Use EPA-registered bug spray when spending time outside.
✅Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
✅Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks when outside.

Reduce mosquito breeding areas:
☑️ Dump small wading pools daily.
☑️ Maintain swimming pools properly.
☑️ Change water in pet bowls and bird baths daily.
☑️ Clear debris and weeds from drainage ways.
☑️ Store tires, buckets and containers inside where they can’t collect water.
☑️ Fill in yard low spots.
☑️ Maintain garden ponds and fountains and always keep water flowing.

08/31/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. For 25 years, this day has brought people together to remember loved ones, support one another and take action to help save lives.

Carrying naloxone is a simple act of care. If you suspect an opioid overdose, call 911, give naloxone and stay with the person until help arrives. If normal breathing does not return after two to three minutes, give another dose.

Free naloxone is available through HealthToGo machines in Lincoln, participating pharmacies and online ordering:
• lincoln.ne.gov/HealthToGo
• StopODNE.com

No one should have to navigate substance use, recovery or grief alone. Find local resources at MyHealthyMind.com

08/28/2026

Bat season is a busy time of year for Lincoln Animal Control Dispatchers and Officers. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your home bat-free.

Lincoln Animal Control Dispatchers and Officers have been extremely busy with bat-related calls! 🦇

Some simple steps you can take to keep bats out of your house:

- Examine your home for holes where bats could enter. Caulk any openings larger than a dime.
- Use window screens, chimney caps and make sure there are draft guards beneath doors to attics and basements.
- Fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking.
- Ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

If you do find a bat in your home, contact Animal Control at 402-441-7900.

08/28/2026

August 25-31 is Drug Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in Nebraska.

This week, we remember people whose lives were lost to overdose, support the families and friends who carry that grief and stand alongside people affected by substance use and recovery.

We encourage residents to learn the signs of an overdose, carry naloxone and talk about substance use with compassion rather than judgment.

Learn about local prevention, treatment and recovery resources at lincoln.ne.gov/OD.

08/27/2026

Happy National Community Health Worker Awareness Week! 🎉

This week, we’re celebrating our CHWs and recognizing their contributions to our community every day - building relationships and trust, helping families navigate resources and systems, and connecting them to the support they need to thrive. We are so fortunate to have CHWs as part of our Health Department team!

08/27/2026

LLCHD is one of several community partners participating in this event and we’ll be providing colon cancer screening kits, to***co cessation and assisting with navigation to other health resources in the community. 👇

Cancer has touched too many families in our community…

Whether it’s through a personal diagnosis, the loss of someone we love, or the fear and uncertainty that comes with not knowing, the weight of cancer should not be carried alone.

That’s why we’re bringing FREE cancer screenings to Lincoln next Friday, August 28th from 4-8pm.

If you're due for a screening, have questions about your cancer risk, or need to share your story with others, we want you to join us! To register, visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=2Y1kdKbA1E2_onCNHZTIsIxU6EP29FxOga9tblE2L4ZUQk5QOVJaR0VXMlRGODRKN1AzRkZKWlJHMy4u&route=shorturl

❤️No insurance required
❤️ On-site screenings for breast, lung, colorectal & prostate
❤️Interpreters & childcare available

This event is made possible through our partnership with One Stop Cancer Shop , Bryan Health, and Mt Zion, bringing healthcare professionals, community connection, and cancer screening services together in one place.

Your health matters. Let’s take the first step together.

For more information, including in other languages, visit our website: www.malonecenter.org/malone-events

08/26/2026

It's National Dog Day! Thank you Lincoln for keeping your doggies licensed and vaccinated! More ways to help keep them safe and healthy from Lincoln Animal Control:

🐾 Make sure your dog is licensed and tagged
🐾 Keep vaccinations up to date
🐾 Provide proper shelter, food and care
🐾 Spay or neuter
🐾 Follow leash laws
🐾 Always clean up after your dog

08/26/2026

HealthToGo has been expanding access to resources in our community for months and now it’s time to celebrate!

🍽️ Free food
🥡 Swag
ℹ️ Health information booths
🫶 Free for all to attend

Join us and Access Granted on Thursday, August 27 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Union Plaza in Lincoln for a celebration of expanded access to care in our community!

Women's Fund of Omaha