Clay County Public Health

09/02/2026

Want to strengthen a connection today? Try listening differently.

Really listening takes more than staying quiet while someone else talks.

CredibleMind's 8-minute video, “The Art of Active Listening,” explores how recognizing our listening habits, asking thoughtful questions, and paying attention to what the other person needs can help them feel heard.

https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/videos/the-art-of-active-listening-or-the-harvard-business-review-guide

As part of September's Small Actions, Stronger Connections campaign, today's action is simple:

Give one person your full attention.

Put down the phone.

Turn away from the screen.

Listen without planning what you're going to say next.

And before you respond, ask one thoughtful question about what they just told you.

It's a small change in how we listen, but it can send an important message:

What you're saying matters to me.

Small action. Stronger connection.

Watch “The Art of Active Listening” on CredibleMind:

https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/videos/the-art-of-active-listening-or-the-harvard-business-review-guide

09/01/2026

Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign celebrates National Preparedness Month. Since 2004, the campaign has taken the month to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared.

This year’s theme is, “Americans Stand Ready.”

The theme reflects the spirit of unity, resilience and resourcefulness that make our country strong. It’s a reminder that each of us can make a difference by taking proactive steps before a disaster strikes, and encouraging loved ones to do the same, Americans can contribute to the safety and security of the entire nation.

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, and sometimes without warning.

09/01/2026

**Not all kratom products are the same.**

Kratom products sold today can range from traditional leaf powders and teas to highly concentrated extracts and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, often called **7-OH**.

Understanding that difference matters.

Product strength, ingredients, and labeling can vary considerably, and concentrated products may carry different risks than traditional kratom leaf.

Following recent discussions with the **Clay and Becker County Boards of Commissioners**, our public health teams will be expanding education about kratom so residents can make informed decisions.

Throughout September, we'll be sharing a **four-part kratom education series** covering:

* What kratom is and how products differ
* What 7-OH is and why it matters
* Dependence, withdrawal, and other potential health risks
* What consumers, parents, and communities should know

**Good prevention starts with accurate information.**

For more information about kratom or to arrange a presentation for your organization or community, please contact:

**Jason McCoy, Community Prevention Manager**
[email protected]

08/31/2026

Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we have lost, stand with those impacted by overdose, and continue working toward a future where every overdose is preventable.

One way you can help: carry Narcan and know how to use it. Narcan is safe, easy to use, and can save a life.

Looking for free Narcan or overdose response training? Contact Clay County Public Health at 218.299.5062 or visit https://claycountymn.gov/1847/Naloxone-Training for more information.

Today on International Overdose Awareness Day, we stand together across the globe declaring it's time for change. We are showing up, speaking up, and saying loudly - let's end overdose! 💜

08/31/2026

What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?

It sounds simple. But gratitude is something we can practice—and the more we practice it, the more natural it can become.

Start CredibleMind's free Gratitude learning series:

https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/series/gratitude

The first part of the series explores the science behind gratitude and how regularly practicing it can strengthen the brain processes involved in emotional regulation and responding to stress.

And that's where we're starting our new September campaign: Small Actions, Stronger Connections.

Throughout the month, we'll explore simple actions we can take to support our own wellbeing and strengthen our connections with the people around us.

Today's small action:

Think of one person you're grateful for.

Then take it one step further.

Tell them.

Send the text. Make the call. Say it in person.

A small expression of gratitude can become a moment of connection.

Small action. Stronger connection.

Start the free Gratitude series:

https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/series/gratitude

08/28/2026

**Sometimes the best way to support someone is simply to be there.**

https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/podcasts/408-selfwork-how-to-be-there-for-someone-else

When someone we care about is struggling, it's natural to want to help.

We want to find the right words.

Offer advice.

Fix the problem.

But sometimes what another person needs most is someone willing to listen and make room for what they're going through.

As we wrap up another week of **Conversations That Matter**, consider someone in your life who might need you right now.

Reach out.

Ask how they're doing.

And if they want to talk, give them the gift of being heard.

Sometimes we don't need the perfect words.

We just need to show up.

Listen to **"How to Be There for Someone Else":**

https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/podcasts/408-selfwork-how-to-be-there-for-someone-else

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Overdose is preventable. You can be prepared to save a life.

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day—a time to remember those we've lost, support the people who love them, and recognize that there are things each of us can do to help prevent another loss.

One of those things is learning how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.

Clay County Public Health is a Naloxone Access Point, helping community members access naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

We also offer free naloxone training to individuals and groups. You'll learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose, how to respond, and how to administer naloxone.

You don't have to wait until someone you care about is at risk to be prepared.

Parents. Friends. Coworkers. Employers. Community organizations. Caring neighbors.

Any of us can be someone who knows what to do.

Learn about naloxone access in Clay County:
https://claycountymn.gov/1846/Naloxone-Access

Interested in free naloxone training? Call Clay County Public Health at 218-299-5062 or learn more:
https://claycountymn.gov/1847/Naloxone-Training

This International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we've lost—and help make sure more people are here tomorrow.

08/26/2026

What does kratom actually do in the body?

This week, our Jason McCoy, Community Prevention Manager, had the opportunity to speak with the local Kiwanis club about kratom and why communities are paying increasing attention to these products.

Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Its primary active compounds interact with receptors in the brain, including opioid receptors.

Depending on the product and amount used, people may experience effects such as increased alertness and energy or sedation and pain-relieving effects.

Kratom also carries risks.

Regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence. People who become dependent may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Reported adverse effects can include nausea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, increased heart rate, seizures, and other serious health effects. Risks may be greater when kratom is combined with other substances.

Another concern is that products sold as “kratom” are not all the same. Some contain concentrated or enhanced amounts of kratom alkaloids, which can produce substantially different effects than traditional kratom leaf products.

As kratom products become more visible in our communities, accurate information is important for individuals, families, healthcare providers, policymakers, and retailers.

Thank you to Kiwanis for inviting Jason and for the thoughtful conversation about this emerging public health issue.

08/26/2026

Back to school is here. How are you doing?

The start of a new school year can bring excitement, new routines, new opportunities—and plenty of adjustments for students, parents, teachers, and families.

Take CredibleMind’s free Mental Health Check-In:
https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/assessments/mental-health-check-in/page1

Sometimes we spend so much time keeping up with everything happening around us that we don't stop to notice how we're doing ourselves.

Take a few minutes today.

Check in with yourself.

Then consider asking someone you care about the same simple question:

How are you doing—really?

You don't need to fix anything. You don't need to have the perfect response.

Sometimes making room for an honest answer is where a conversation that matters begins.

Take the free Mental Health Check-In:
https://partnership4health.crediblemind.com/assessments/mental-health-check-in/page1