Brown County Public Health Department

02/06/2026

Save the number to your phone.
Some day it might save you back.

02/06/2026

Need condoms? We've got you covered!
Discreet packages of free condoms available for taking right inside the health department door. Stop by and grab an envelope, no charge, no questions asked!

02/06/2026

Raw milk continues to be a topic of conversation. Lets look at what we know.

It has been suggested that there are health benefits to consuming raw milk products. Scientific reviews have repeatedly debunked these claims.
❌ During pasteurization there is no significant change in the nutritional quality of milk. Protein quality and concentration of minerals remain the same.
❌ The cow's milk proteins that can cause an allergic response are present in both pasteurized and raw milk.
❌ All types of milks contain the sugar lactose. Recent controlled studies found that raw milk failed to reduce lactose intolerance symptoms compared with pasteurized milk.
❌ Some lactic acid bacteria are considered probiotics, however, key probiotic bacteria should be present only in low levels in cow's milk as they are typically indicators of f***l contamination. There are a number of potential antimicrobial systems present in milk and their benefits are unaffected by pasteurization.

✅ Raw milk has frequently been identified as the source of foodborne illness.
✅ The pasteurization process has been the standard for safe milk consumption since 1924. Prior to pasteurization it was estimated that raw milk consumption alone was responsible for 25% of all disease outbreaks.
✅ Studies have shown that almost one third of all raw milk samples contained at least 1 type of disease causing bacteria.
✅ In the United States raw milk samples have been found to be contaminated with salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, and listeria.

The raw fact? Raw milk is risky.

02/05/2026

Starting February 1, 2026, Illinois WIC has begun transitioning from Enfamil products to Similac products.
What this means for you:
✅Any new benefits that begin on or after February 1 will include Similac products.
✅If you already have Enfamil benefits loaded on your WIC card, those benefits will not change.
✅A WIC staff member will talk with you about this change at your next appointment.
✅If your child receives a prescription formula, no changes will be made.
✅This is a gradual transition as benefits renew, not an immediate change for everyone.
✅The transition to Similac products will be complete by May 1

02/04/2026

🍼Important IL WIC Formula Update 📢
Starting February 1, 2026, Illinois WIC will be transitioning from Enfamil products to Similac products.
By May 1, 2026 all Illinois WIC families will have transitioned to Similac products.
Here’s what you need to know:
✔️Any new set of benefits that begin on or after February 1 will include Similac products.
✔️If you currently have Enfamil benefits already loaded on your WIC card through January into February, those benefits will NOT change. The changes will be effective when your February benefits begin.
✔️A WIC staff member will discuss this transition with you at your next appointment.
✔️If your child receives a prescription formula, no changes will be made.
➡️This is a transition period, meaning the change will happen gradually as benefits renew—not all at once.
🙋‍♀️If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our WIC office at 217-773-2714

02/04/2026

BOIL ORDER effective immediately for the following addresses until further notice:

402 W. North
406 W. North
408 W. North

01/26/2026

01/26/2026

Please avoid going out in hazardous weather, but if you or someone you know needs a warm, safe place, please check with our Brown County warming centers for availability and hours.

01/23/2026

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.

Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.

IDHS has sent initial notices and a copy of an exemption form to all current and new customers who are directly impacted.

SNAP recipients can also now use this screener to see if they are subject to, meeting, or may be eligible for an exemption from SNAP Work Requirements: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

01/19/2026

Inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on a dream of a nation where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and dignified life.

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Health Department will be closed today as we honor his legacy of equity, justice, and service.