Panhandle Public Health District

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

Wildfires threaten air quality in the Central & Southern Panhandle

Due to the unfortunate recent wildfires, the Central & Southern Panhandle communities are experiencing air quality issues ranging from unhealthy to very unhealthy, as indicated by local air quality sensors. The air quality ratings are based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures the concentration of pollutants such as particulate matter in the air.

When AQI readings are elevated, typically in the range of 101 to 150 or higher, it means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups and can pose health risks for everyone. Community members are strongly encouraged to limit time outdoors and use air filtration whenever possible. The tips in this video will guide you to create a clean room in your home: https://youtu.be/V8DqzogXcVg.

“Air quality concerns during a fire event can add to an already hazardous situation. We want to empower residents to protect themselves and their loved ones in every way they can.” Megan Barhafer, Community Health Planner.

While poor air quality can make anyone sick, certain people are at greater risk for serious complications:
Children under 18 years of age
Adults 65 years of age or older
Pregnant women
People with a history of smoking
People with current respiratory illnesses, chronic lung disease (like asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, and certain other long-term health conditions
People who are unhoused or unsheltered due to increased exposure outdoors

Steps the Public Can Take to Protect Themselves and Others

Stay up to date on air quality. Map.purpleair.com offers local health quality data,
Know your wildfire risk. Knowing your wildfire risk can help you to plan for a potentially poor air quality day
Prevent indoor pollution. Avoid or limit the following:
Air fresheners, diffusing oils, candles
Smoking or va**ng indoors
Broiling or frying foods
Using gas or propane stoves, furnaces or heaters
Stay with family or friends, if your indoor air quality cannot be maintained at a safe level
Work with your doctor if you are sensitive to poor air quality so you can develop a safety plan.
Evacuate if necessary. Follow instructions from our local emergency management systems and evacuate if necessary.

Image from: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community.

Email from Panhandle Public Health District   PO Box 337 | 808 Box Butte Ave, Hemingford, NE 69348 | 308.487.3600 18 West 16th St, Scottsbluff, NE 69348 | 308.633.2866 www.pphd.ne.gov News Release For

03/12/2026

¡El viento puede afectar la calidad del aire! Infórmese antes de salir visitando https://map.purpleair.com/ y analizando la calidad del aire en su comunidad hoy mismo.

03/12/2026

Wind can affect the air quality! Know before you go outside by visiting https://map.purpleair.com/ and looking at the air quality in your community today.

03/12/2026

We know a good night’s sleep makes a big difference in our mood, focus, and energy. When you miss out, every part of your day feels the impact.

Between the demands of work and home, getting the recommended 7+ hours of rest can feel out of reach. But small, manageable changes can still help you feel more restored.

When sleep is consistently disrupted, the effects reach far beyond fatigue. Left unaddressed, these disruptions take a serious toll on your immune system and your overall wellbeing.

While better sleep habits help most people, they may not always get to the root cause. If you've tried everything and still struggle to fall asleep, wake up during the night, or feel exhausted by midday, a sleep disorder may be present.

Take a quick assessment to receive your sleep score and personalized tips:
https://pphd.crediblemind.com/assessments/hows-your-sleep-quality/page1?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=cmresourceroundup

https://pphd.crediblemind.com/insights/tossing-and-turning-you-may-have-a-sleep-disorder?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=cmresourceroundup

03/12/2026

Sabemos que una buena noche de sueño marca una gran diferencia en nuestro estado de ánimo, concentración y energía. Cuando te lo pierdes, cada parte de tu día se siente impactada.

Entre las exigencias del trabajo y el hogar, conseguir las 7+ horas recomendadas de descanso puede parecer fuera de alcance. Pero pequeños cambios manejables pueden ayudarte a sentirte más restaurado.

Cuando el sueño se ve constantemente interrumpido, los efectos van mucho más allá de la fatiga. Si no se abordan, estas alteraciones afectan seriamente a tu sistema inmunitario y a tu bienestar general.

Aunque los mejores hábitos de sueño ayudan a la mayoría de las personas, no siempre llegan a la causa raíz. Si has probado de todo y aún así te cuesta conciliar el sueño, te despiertas por la noche o te sientes agotado al mediodía, puede haber un trastorno del sueño.

Haz una evaluación rápida para obtener tu puntuación de sueño y consejos personalizados:
https://pphd.crediblemind.com/assessments/hows-your-sleep-quality/page1?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=cmresourceroundup

https://pphd.crediblemind.com/insights/tossing-and-turning-you-may-have-a-sleep-disorder?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=cmresourceroundup

03/12/2026

👀 HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT – FREE Community Event

Are you aware that everyday items can be used to hide signs of substance use?

Join us for an interactive Hidden in Plain Sight experience — a mock teen bedroom designed to reflect a realistic youth environment. As you walk through the room, you’ll be challenged to spot warning signs that are often overlooked.

This hands-on event helps parents, caregivers, educators, and community members recognize early indicators of substance use and start informed, timely conversations with youth.

📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026
⏰ 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Come and go at your convenience — takes just a few minutes to complete!)
📍 Gering Civic Center
1050 M Street, Gering, NE

✅ Free and open to the public
Perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers.

Let’s work together to stay informed and support our youth. 💚