Countryside Public Health

03/24/2026

✨ Meet Noah – Supporting Recovery, Building Community

From the small town of Hancock, Minnesota, Noah brings heart, dedication, and a team-first mindset to his role as a Recovery Corps intern with Countryside Public Health. A graduate of Concordia University and the University of Minnesota Morris—where he also played basketball—Noah knows the power of connection, perseverance, and showing up for others.

“I want people to realize that they are stronger than they think and never alone,” Noah shares. “My goal is to help change one person’s life—so they can go on to change another.”

Through his work, Noah is passionate about building relationships and helping individuals and families access the resources they need to create positive change.

We’re grateful to have Noah on our team and proud of the impact he’s already making in our communities. 💙

03/22/2026

💙 Turning opioid settlement dollars into local action.

Our Communities Response to Opioid Prevention (CROP) Taskforce—launched in 2024—brings together public health, schools, law enforcement, mental health, corrections, and community members to guide LOCAL grant funding.

$116,254 in grants were awarded in 2025 to local organizations. Together, they’re ensuring resources support prevention, treatment, and recovery—right here at home.

🌱 The power of collaboration. The power of public health.

03/21/2026

Fiber is a small nutrient that makes a BIG difference 💚

If you’re on WIC, you already have fiber-rich foods in your package—like whole grains, beans, fruits, veggies, and peanut butter!

Fiber helps with digestion, keeps you full longer, supports heart health, and can ease postpartum constipation.

💡 Tip: Add fiber slowly and drink plenty of water!

03/21/2026

Come visit us at the Ortonville Spring Expo on Saturday, March 21st!
Big Stone Lake Area Chamber

03/20/2026

☀️ The first day of spring brings longer days, fresh air, and a chance to reset!

Spending time outdoors, moving your body, and connecting with others can help boost mood and overall wellbeing.

Even a 10-minute walk outside can make a difference in your mood and morale!

Here’s to Spring + brighter days ahead. 🌱

03/20/2026

🚫 High doesn’t mean safe to drive.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in Minnesota - and yes, it can lead to a DWI. THC affects your body and brain longer than you might expect, even after you “feel fine.”

Cannabis can:
🛑Slow your reaction time
🛑Affect coordination
🛑Impair judgment

That’s everything you rely on to stay safe behind the wheel.

Don’t risk your life - or someone else’s.
✅ Plan a sober ride every time.

03/19/2026

Poisoning can happen to anyone of any age.
The Poison Help line is fast, free, staffed by experts, and available 24/7, 365 days a year.

✅Save the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) in your contacts - you never know when you might need it!

03/17/2026

🍀 Don’t rely on luck this St. Patrick’s Day!

If you’re celebrating with green drinks or Irish cheer, make a plan for a safe ride home before the celebration starts.
🍀Choose a sober driver
🍀Call a ride or taxi
🍀Stay where you are

A safe ride protects you, your friends, and everyone on the road.
Celebrate responsibly and keep the luck going all the way home! 🍀

03/15/2026

❄️ Heavy snow? Take it slow when you shovel!

Shoveling snow can be a serious workout. Protect your heart and back by:
✔ Taking frequent breaks
✔ Pushing snow instead of lifting when possible
✔ Lifting small amounts at a time
✔ Staying warm and hydrated

Listen to your body and stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Stay safe out there during this late winter snowfall! ❄
And remember, Spring is near! 🌷

03/14/2026

Good information on what to do if the power goes out ⬇️

⚡ What To Do When the Power Goes Out
Heavy snow may create some power issues (hopefully not!), but it is best to know what to do in the event it does!

If the power goes out:
• Check your breakers first to make sure the issue is not inside your home
• Report the outage to your power provider - 𝙣𝙤 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛'𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚. 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨.
• Use flashlights instead of candles
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to protect food
• Check on neighbors who may need help

🚨 Dial 911 for life safety emergencies

Stay safe and take simple steps to protect your home and neighbors during outages.

03/13/2026

⚠️ If you drink water from a private well, these 5 quick checks can help protect your family.

If your home uses a private well, you are responsible for making sure your water is safe to drink. The good news? A few simple steps can help protect your family’s health.

✅ Test your well water every year for bacteria and nitrates (your local Countryside Public Health offices have well water testing kits available)
✅ Inspect your well cap to make sure it’s secure and undamaged
✅ Keep chemicals, fertilizer, and fuel away from your well
✅ Check your well after flooding or major storms
✅ Keep records of well maintenance and water test results

Many contaminants can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted, so regular testing is the best way to know your water is safe.

💧 This Groundwater Awareness Week, take a moment to protect your well and your water.

📍 Learn more about well testing and protection: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/index.html