Chisago County Public Health

08/31/2026

For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember the lives lost to overdose and to take action to save lives.
Here in Chisago County, we lose friends, family members, neighbors, and loved ones to overdose every year. And behind every number is a person whose life mattered and a community that feels their loss.
But overdose is preventable. We know how to reduce risk. We know how to save lives. And we know that talking openly, sharing resources, and treating people with compassion can make a difference.
Remember those we've lost.
💙 Support those who are struggling.
💙 Carry Narcan.
💙 Know where to find help.
💙 Talk openly about substance use and overdose.
Learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.com/overdose-prevention/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Check out the flyer in the comments to learn where you can safely dispose of unused medications and where you can obtain lifesaving Narcan and fentanyl test strips in Chisago County.
💙

Overdose prevention. All drug overdoses are preventable. Practical strategies to reverse and prevent overdoses and reduce the harms associated with problematic drug use are available. One of the aims of International Overdose Awareness Day is to increase awareness of evidence-based strategies and to...

08/28/2026

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

75% of residents report alcohol use in Chisago County making it the most commonly used substance in the county with rates exceeding state averages.

DWI’s also continue to be a public safety concern in our community, with men about twice as likely as women to receive a DWI.

Let's enjoy the last weeks of summer while making sure everyone gets home safely. Remember:
✅ Plan a sober ride before you drink.
✅ Don't let someone who's been drinking drive.
✅ If you're hosting, help your guests get home safely.
✅ If you see an impaired driver, call 911.
✅ Always wear your seat belt.

And remember, impairment isn't limited to alcohol. Driving under the influence of any substance, including drugs, can put you and others in danger.


For more information visit: NHTSA – Drunk Drivin

08/27/2026

The world lost a truly remarkable person this week. Dolly Parton was known around the world for her music, but her legacy reaches far beyond the stage.

For us in public health, there is a lot to admire in the way Dolly lived her life and invested in others: believing in every child, removing barriers, strengthening families, supporting education, giving back to communities, and creating opportunities for people to dream a little bigger.

Her generosity also extended to health and medical research. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dolly donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support COVID-19 research. That funding became part of the research that contributed to the development of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

Whether through a book in a child's hands, support for a family in need, or an investment in medical research, Dolly seemed to understand something we see every day in public health: when we invest in people and communities, we create healthier opportunities for the future.

Dolly’s generosity is happening right here in our community. Sherburne County Area United Way is a local affiliate partner of her Imagination Library, helping make free books available to young children in our area.

If you'd like to honor Dolly's legacy, consider supporting the gift of reading:
📚 Support Imagination Library locally: Sherburne County Area United Way, https://www.sherburneunitedway.org/
📖 Donate directly to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: Imagination Library, https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

Dolly often talked about dreaming, learning, caring and being more. What a wonderful reminder that improving the health and well-being of a community doesn't always require something complicated. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as putting a book in a child's hands and believing in what they can become.

A little kindness. A little opportunity. A little imagination. And a willingness to invest in something that can make tomorrow better. Thank you, Dolly. ❤️

08/25/2026

👉August is National Immunization Awareness Month👈

A great reminder for everyone to check that their immunizations are up to date!

Learn more about childhood Immunizations and Minnesota school requirements from the Minnesota Department of Health at:

It is critical that all health services staff understand the immunization requirements. The most up to date immunization information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health Immunizations page under School Health Professionals.

08/21/2026

FREE LOCK BOXES!!!

Protect Your Family from Accidental Overdose & Misuse.
Creating a safe home environment starts with simple, proactive steps. By securing medications, alcohol, cannabis, and commercial to***co, caregivers can significantly lower the chances of accidental overdose, misuse, and early substance exposure.
For a FREE Lock box of your own and local resources please visit: https://www.chisagocountymn.gov/1461/Mental-Health-and-Chemical-Health-Resour?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpZGNoYUFIdGIxRFptb3Jvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlkRTn_9tLqpI9JZcFioq1GEvtLrgw7DnqCgi0104hdC1TIDhx9hMwEbNQQw_aem_pXE4KtcoPvBSo27ZSXuYzA
To learn more how small actions at home can make a big difference in protecting the well-being of children and teens please visit http://www.lockitupcentralmn.org

08/19/2026

Here’s to all the moms growing and learning right alongside their little ones as they give their love, patience, and the full bellies they need to thrive. ☺️

08/19/2026

Baby Café for today, Wednesday, August 19th (10:00 AM–11:30 AM at the North Branch Area Education Center) has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
If you need immediate assistance or support, please contact us or visit one of our partner Baby Cafés:
• Isanti County — Thursday, August 20th from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
https://www.isanticountymn.gov/786/East-Central-Baby-Cafe
• Baby Café Locator: https://www.babycafeusa.org/findababycafe.html
We look forward to seeing you at a future session!

Baby Cafés are located in communities across the United States and continue to grow. Use the Find a Baby Café directory below to locate a Baby Café near you by entering your ZIP code or...

08/14/2026

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
75% of residents report alcohol use in Chisago County making it the most commonly used substance in the county with rates exceeding state averages.
DWI’s also continue to be a public safety concern in our community, with men about twice as likely as women to receive a DWI.
Let's enjoy the last weeks of summer while making sure everyone gets home safely. Remember:
✅ Plan a sober ride before you drink.
✅ Don't let someone who's been drinking drive.
✅ If you're hosting, help your guests get home safely.
✅ If you see an impaired driver, call 911.
✅ Always wear your seat belt.
And remember, impairment isn't limited to alcohol. Driving under the influence of any substance, including drugs, can put you and others in danger.


For more information visit: NHTSA – Drunk Driving

08/12/2026

Baby Café for Wednesday, August 12th (10:00 AM–11:30 AM at the North Branch Area Education Center) has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
If you need immediate assistance or support, please contact us or visit one of our partner Baby Cafés:
• Isanti County — Thursday, August 13th from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
https://www.isanticountymn.gov/786/East-Central-Baby-Cafe
• Baby Café Locator: https://www.babycafeusa.org/findababycafe.html
We look forward to seeing you at a future session!

Baby Cafés are located in communities across the United States and continue to grow. Use the Find a Baby Café directory below to locate a Baby Café near you by entering your ZIP code or...

08/11/2026

What’s the best way to prepare for breastfeeding success?

This new breastfeeding goal resource can help you prepare for your hospital stay and get breastfeeding off to a great start: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/bf/morebflinks.html

Questions? Talk to your local WIC clinic for support.

Related topics:About Breastfeeding | Why Breastfeed? | La Lactancia Materna (Breastfeeding - Spanish) | Nuujinta (Breastfeeding - Somali)