Brown County Indiana Health Department

03/27/2026

🪜🌷 Spring is on the Horizon — Stay Safe as You Get Outdoors!
🌷🪜
As the weather warms up and outdoor projects begin, it’s Ladder
Safety Month — a great reminder that safety should always be
part of the plan!
Whether you’re cleaning gutters, trimming trees, or tackling home
improvements, using ladders safely can help prevent serious
injuries.
🔗 Learn more about Ladder Safety Month and tips for staying
safe: https://www.laddersafetymonth.com/

📌 Tips for Safer Ladder Use:
• Choose the right ladder for the job
• Always set it up on stable, level ground
• Face the ladder when climbing and keep three points of contact
• Don’t lean or overreach — move the ladder instead
• Inspect ladders before use
Spring cleaning and outdoor work should be productive and safe.
Take a few extra minutes to protect yourself and your family.
Have questions about safety or health in your home or yard?
Contact the Brown County Health Department:
📞 812-988-2255
📧 bchealth@browncounty-in.gov
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Let’s make safety a priority this spring! 💙

National Ladder Safety Month 2026 will focus on five key themes:  Week One: Choosing the Right Ladder Week Two: Check Before You Climb Week Three: Set It Up Safely Week Four: Climb Safely, Work Safely Week Five: Safe Steps with Stepstools Sponsorship Opportunities If you are interested in helping...

03/25/2026

⏰🚗 REMINDER: Free Car Seat Inspections! 💺✨
Don’t forget! Our FREE Car Seat Inspection Event is happening:
📅 Thursday, March 26th
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 260 School House Ln, Nashville, IN
A nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will be on-site to
make sure your child’s car seat is installed and being used correctly. Your
child’s safety matters every trip, every time.
🎁 First 20 caregivers receive a $10 gas card
🍎 Snacks provided
💺 Car seats available for those in need
✅ Caregiver, child, and vehicle must be present
📌 Appointments recommended, walk-ins welcome
To schedule:
📞 317-503-5858
📧 klabra@cji.in.gov
Help us spread the word and keep Brown County kids riding safely! 💙

03/24/2026

🌍🫁 World Tuberculosis Day – March 24 🫁🌍
Today we recognize World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, a day to raise
awareness about tuberculosis and the ongoing efforts to eliminate this
preventable and treatable disease.
World TB Day is observed on March 24, the date in 1882 when Dr.
Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
the bacillus that causes TB.
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that usually affect the lungs and
spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs or
sneezes.
🔎 Common symptoms of active TB include:
• Persistent cough (3 weeks or longer)
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Fever or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
TB can often be treated successfully with proper medication and
medical supervision. Early detection and treatment are key to
preventing the spread.
The Brown County Health Department provides TB testing and followup
services. If you believe you may have been exposed or are
experiencing symptoms, please contact us.
📞 812-988-2255
📧 bchealth@browncounty-in.gov
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and work toward a
TB-free future. 💙

03/23/2026

It’s National Nutrition Month, and we are serving up
nutrition tips every Monday in March.
🧂 Nutrition Tip #4 – Cut Back on Sodium
Too much salt can raise blood pressure. Check food labels
and look for lower-sodium options when shopping. Fresh
fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are naturally lower in
sodium.
Healthy habits start at home!
For more information, contact the Brown County Health
Department.
📞 812-988-2255
🕒 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

03/20/2026

🏠🌧️ Prevent Mold Before It Starts! 🌧️🏠
Mold can grow quickly in damp environments and may
cause health issues like allergies, asthma flare-ups, and
respiratory irritation. The good news? Mold is preventable
with a few simple steps.
Here’s how you can protect your home:
💧 Control moisture. Fix leaks in roofs, walls, and plumbing
right away.
🌬️ Improve ventilation. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and
kitchens and open windows when weather allows.
🧼 Clean and dry wet areas quickly. Dry any wet materials
within 24–48 hours.
🌡️ Use a dehumidifier. Keep indoor humidity below 50% if
possible.
🧽 Clean visible mold safely. Small areas can be cleaned
with proper protective gear. Never mix cleaning products.
Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas around windows
are common problem spots. Check them regularly.
A dry home is a healthy home! 💙
If you have questions about mold prevention or other
environmental health concerns, contact the Brown County
Health Department:
📞 812-988-2255
📧 bchealth@browncounty-in.gov
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Let’s keep Brown County homes safe and healthy!

03/20/2026

🦅
Found a Sick or Dead Bird?
If you come across a sick or dead bird:
• Do not touch or handle it
• Keep children and pets away
• Wash your hands after being outdoors
• Follow local or state guidance for reporting when
appropriate
These steps help reduce the spread of disease and
keep our community safe.

03/18/2026

🌿 RURAL HEARTS & INDOOR AIR – HEAT HOMES STUDY 🌿
Are you a woman between 40–65 years old who has lived in Brown County for at least 4 years in the same home? You may qualify to participate in an important study helping us better understand rural health!
💚 What’s involved?
• Learn more about your home environment
• A small, non-invasive indoor air monitor will be placed in your home for one week
• Take part in a brief health and heart assessment with our friendly team
• Share your daily routines and home life to help shape future rural health research
💵 Participants receive $220 for completing a 1-week home assessment!
If you’re interested or want to learn more, contact the Brown County Health
Department:
📞 812-988-2255
📧 bchealth@browncounty-in.gov
⌚ Monday–Friday | 8:00AM–4:00PM
Help us learn more about rural living and heart health. Your story matters! 💙

03/18/2026

🐾
H5N1 and Your Pets
Pets can be exposed to avian influenza if they have
contact with sick or dead birds. To help keep pets safe:
• Keep pets away from wildlife
• Avoid letting pets handle birds
• Contact a veterinarian if your pet becomes ill after
possible exposure
Protecting pets helps protect our families, too.
💙

🦅
Found a

03/17/2026

💺 Free Car Seat Inspections! 💺🚗
Did you know roughly 85% of car seats are installed or used incorrectly?
A nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) can help
ensure your child rides safely every time.
Join us for a FREE Car Seat Inspection Event!
📅 Thursday, March 26th
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 260 School House Ln, Nashville, IN 47448
🎁 The first 20 caregivers will receive a $10 gas card
🍎 Snacks will be provided
💺 Car seats available for those in need
✅ Anyone is eligible for a free inspection
⚠️ Caregiver, child, and vehicle must be present
🤰 Pregnant persons welcome
📌 Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome
To schedule an appointment or ask questions:
📞 317-503-5858
📧 klabra@cji.in.gov
Let’s work together to keep our youngest residents safe on the road. 💙

03/16/2026

It’s National Nutrition Month, and we are serving up nutrition tips every Monday in March.
🌾 Nutrition Tip #3 – Make Half Your Grains Whole
Happy Monday!
Nutrition Tip: Switch to whole grains.
Choose whole wheat bread, brown rice, or whole grain pasta when possible. Whole grains contain more fiber, which helps you feel full longer and supports heart health.
Small swaps make a big difference!
Need guidance on healthy choices? Call us at 812-988-2255.
🕒 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

03/13/2026

🌼☀️ Warmer Weather is on the Horizon — But Germs Haven’t Gone
Anywhere! ☀️🌼
As we head into the warmer months, it’s easy to let our guard down. But
viruses and illnesses are still widespread, and infection prevention
remains just as important in spring and summer as it is in winter.
Let’s keep our families and community healthy by staying proactive at
home and on the go!
🧼 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
🧽 Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light
switches, phones, and countertops.
🤧 Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
🏠 Stay home when you’re sick to prevent spreading illness to others.
💨 Let fresh air in when possible. Ventilation helps reduce germs
indoors.
💉 Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
Warmer days don’t mean fewer germs, they just mean we have to stay
mindful. Small daily habits make a big difference in protecting those
around us. 💙
For questions about infection prevention or other health concerns,
contact the Brown County Health Department:
📞 812-988-2255
📧 bchealth@browncounty-in.gov
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Let’s continue working together to keep Brown County healthy all year long!

03/11/2026

🧼✨ Handwashing Saves Lives! ✨🧼
Washing your hands is one of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to
prevent the spread of illness. Proper handwashing helps stop germs that
cause colds, flu, stomach bugs, and other infections from spreading in our
homes, schools, and workplaces.
Just 20 seconds can make a big difference!
✔️ Follow these 5 simple steps:
1️⃣ Wet your hands with clean, running water.
2️⃣ Lather with soap, covering all surfaces — backs of hands, between fingers,
and under nails.
3️⃣ Scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice 🎶).
4️⃣ Rinse well under clean, running water.
5️⃣ Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Make handwashing a habit:
👐 Before eating or preparing food
👐 After using the restroom
👐 After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
👐 After being in public places
Small action. Big protection. 💙
For more health and safety information, contact the Brown County Health
Department:
📞 812-988-2255
📧 bchealth@browncounty-in.gov
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Let’s work together to keep Brown County healthy!