Jasper County Health Department - Richland Clinic

09/03/2026

08/27/2026

08/15/2026

If you see a bat, give it space!🦇

Bats can sometimes carry rabies, a disease that can make people and animals very sick.

🚫STAY AWAY from bats. Never pick up or touch a bat — even if it looks hurt or isn't moving.

If you find a bat in your house, don't touch it with your bare hands.
➡️Always avoid direct contact and wear leather gloves if you have to handle the bat.
➡️To capture the bat, contain it to a room or trap it in a box/blanket.
➡️For help removing it, contact local animal control.

Once the bat is captured, call your local health department. They'll evaluate the exposure and determine next steps for testing.

Where can you get more information?
➡️Immediate help removing a bat: Local animal control
➡️Help determining if exposure occurred or information on rabies prophylaxis: Local health department
➡️Information on bat exclusion: IDPH Division of Environmental Health at 217-782-5830

🔗Learn more about bats and bat exclusion: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/bats-exclusion.html

08/06/2026

Today, FDA and CDC are providing an update on the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-15-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

Important things to know:
➡️ Cyclosporiasis can be a serious illness. We encourage anyone who suspects they have symptoms of cyclosporiasis to consult their medical care provider.

➡️Due to additional interview data, CDC’s confirmed cases were expanded to include illnesses in people who reported exposure to Taco Bell OR Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce.

➡️As a result, additional cases and states are being added to the outbreak. Many of these illnesses began before the Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce recall on July 17, 2026.

➡️We expect to continue to see the number of confirmed cases rise, despite the recall, due to the fact that it can take as long as six weeks from the date of consumption for CDC and state officials to determine if a sick person is part of this outbreak.

➡️FDA remains confident that all iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market.

07/28/2026

The Jasper County Health Department behavioral health division is hiring!
We provide outpatient mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, case management services, DUI and Risk Education services and have consulting psychiatric services for psychotropic medication needs of our clients. At Jasper County Health Department, our employees have an opportunity to make a difference every day by helping people with mental health and substance use issues gain control of their lives. If you have a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a commitment to helping people, JCHD is for you. You will enjoy benefits, including: 35-hour, 4-day work week, paid time off, professional development opportunities, health insurance, life insurance paid by employer, and a great retirement plan. Please send resume to Jeannie Johnson, Jasper County Health Department, 106 E. Edwards Street, Newton, IL 62448 or via email to [email protected].

We have the following position available:
Therapist/Counselor: We are hiring in 2 locations, Newton and Olney. Bachelor’s degree in human services field required, Master’s degree preferred. We are hiring for mental health providers and substance use disorder providers. Substance use disorder treatment providers required to have a CADC or licensure. Please specify when applying if you have a preference for treating MH, SUD, or both.
Job duties include:
• Assessing consumers, establishing diagnoses, developing treatment plans collaboratively with consumers by defining goals, specific outcomes and time-frames for treatment.
• Providing counseling and clinical services to consumers
• Providing crisis intervention to stabilize consumer's condition by utilizing short-term crisis intervention techniques and/or referral to other support services.
• Plans, develops, and facilitates group programs to be used with consumers.
• Providing counseling, skill building, and other clinical services to individuals.
• Paperwork: Ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted according to the requirements of the program and funding source
• Public Relation/Partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, develop and maintain contact and relationships with referral sources
• Miscellaneous: Participate in community meetings, marketing of program, explore new services and referral sources, other duties as assigned

07/15/2026

Illinois is full of people who care, teach, and help. Across the state, in every community, early childhood education and care resources are available for families. Find out if your family qualifies! Get the Support You Need! Click below to learn more about each program. Child Care (centers, homes,....

07/09/2026

We have a winner!!

Congratulations to Pam Briscoe!!

You may pick up your gift card and weather radio anytime in the Richland Office!

07/08/2026

You heard it here... cleaning your produce could keep you safe from explosive diarrhea.💦🥕

Harmful bacteria can contaminate fruits and vegetables, putting you at risk for yes, things like explosive diarrhea. But following these steps to keep your produce clean can help protect you and your family from foodborne illnesses:

➡️Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing any fresh produce.
➡️Gently rub produce under cold running water. No produce wash or soap needed – and never use bleach.
➡️For root vegetables or other firm produce like melons or cucumbers, use a clean brush to scrub while washing.
➡️Dry clean produce well with a salad spinner, clean dishtowels, or paper towels.
➡️Store perishable produce in your refrigerator, and keep produce away and separate from any raw meat.