Berrien County Health Department

11/19/2025

In recognition of Child Safety and Protection Month, we’re partnering with the Berrien County Sheriff's Office on educating parents and caregivers about safe gun storage laws and offering free gun locks to help keep children safe.

Learn more at https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2434

11/17/2025

14% of U.S. high school students reported misusing prescription opioids, according to the CDC. It’s important to stay informed and help keep our teens safe.

Get tips and tools for starting the conversation at home:

The Substance Abuse Prevention program seeks to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for all children and families in Berrien County.

11/14/2025

Celebrate World Diabetes Day by taking steps toward better health. We offer services to help prevent and manage diabetes — from smoking cessation to hearing and vision exams.

💙 Small choices today can make a lasting difference tomorrow. Let’s take the journey to better health together!

➡️ Discover the support available to you: berriencounty.org/1916/Diabetes

11/12/2025

Attention, SNAP recipients: According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, you’ll receive full benefit payments for the month of November. SNAP recipients who typically receive benefits on the ninth day of the month should receive them within 48 hours of Monday’s announcement by MDHHS. All other SNAP recipients should receive full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date.

For more information about this latest announcement from MDHHS and your SNAP benefits, visit https://bit.ly/49LPua5

For questions about your SNAP benefits, call the local MDHHS office at 269.934.2000.

11/12/2025

🌟 A brighter future for you AND your baby starts today! Our Nurse-Family Partnership program connects first-time moms with a registered nurse who provides guidance on pregnancy, parenting and reaching your personal goals. 🎯 And yes – it’s completely free!

🩵 Support, resources and someone cheering you on every step of the way.

👉 Sign up today to learn more: https://www.berriencounty.org/650/Nurse-Family-Partnership-NFP

11/10/2025

Our offices will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 11) for Veterans Day. Thank you, veterans, for your courage, dedication and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

We look forward to seeing you when our offices reopen Wednesday, Nov. 12. For access to many of our services and resources 24/7, visit bchdmi.org

11/10/2025

With holiday gatherings around the corner, we’re encouraging community members to protect themselves and their loved ones by scheduling their seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Vaccines are available by appointment at our Benton Harbor and Niles locations. Learn more at https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2431

11/10/2025

Attention, SNAP recipients: According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the SNAP program has been paused again.

If you are a SNAP recipient who needs food assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit Help4Berrien.org.

The State is expanding access to the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables. Call the Double Up Food Bucks hotline at 866.586.2796 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For answers to frequently asked questions about SNAP benefits and partial payments, visit http://michigan.gov/.../snap-education/snap-benefits-faq

If you are a community member who can help fill this need, the Berrien Community Foundation is collecting food donations at locations across Berrien County.

For a list of the donation locations and needed food items, visit https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2426

11/07/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness, honor survivors and take steps toward a smoke-free future. 💙

If you or someone you love is ready to quit, support is available. Our Public Health Promotion and Prevention team offers smoking cessation classes. For more information about the classes and other local programs and resources, visit www.berriencounty.org/783/Quit-Smoking

Plus, the Michigan To***co Quit Line offers free coaching, tools and planning guides. Call 800.784.8669.

11/06/2025

Attention, SNAP recipients: According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, you’ll receive partial payments for the month of November. Maximum SNAP payments will be reduced to 50%, MDHHS has announced.

If you are a SNAP recipient who needs food assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit Help4Berrien.org.

The State is expanding access to the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables. Call the Double Up Food Bucks hotline at 866.586.2796 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For answers to frequently asked questions about SNAP benefits and partial payments, visit http://michigan.gov/.../snap-education/snap-benefits-faq

If you are a community member who can help fill this need, the Berrien Community Foundation is collecting food donations at locations across Berrien County. For a list of the donation locations and needed food items, visit https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2426

11/06/2025

Colder weather is here – and so is cold and flu season! Stay healthy by using disinfectants safely to help prevent the spread of germs. Our friends at MDARD share these tips for using disinfectants:

📖 Read and follow directions on the label.
🧽 Make sure the surface you plan to disinfect is listed on the product label.
🧤 Wear gloves or other safety gear if the label says so.
🚫 Don’t mix cleaning products or use disinfectants on skin.
🔒 Keep all disinfectants out of reach of kids and pets.
🧼 Always wash your hands after use and let surfaces dry before touching them.

Extra tips: 🖐️ Handwashing is still your best defense. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles and phones for an extra layer of protection. Make sure your disinfectant is EPA-approved by looking for the registration number on the label.

11/05/2025

Join us and Meridian tomorrow (Nov. 6) for a lead testing and immunization event. After getting your lead test or immunization, you’ll receive a $25 Walmart gift card as a thank-you!

⏰ 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
📅 Thursday, Nov. 6
📍 1205 N. Front St. in Niles

For the blood test, a trained BCHD professional will do a quick poke of the child’s finger to draw a blood sample. Parents and guardians will receive test results immediately. If a child has elevated lead levels, they will be referred to the Health Department’s lead case manager, who will provide additional resources and support.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for residents at the event. Insurance will be billed when possible.

Questions? Call 269.684.2800.

💙 Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your family and protect your health.