Grand Traverse County Health Department

04/22/2026

Earth Day is a day to learn about ways to protect our environment. You can do simple things to help our Earth, such as recycling, saving electricity, picking up litter, and spending time outside to enjoy the fresh air. 🌏

04/21/2026

It's National Home Visiting Week! 🌟 Home visiting programs partner with families to support them during pregnancy and their child's early years. Did you know that in Fiscal Year 2024, around 22,000 families were served in Michigan?

One home-visiting program we offer is Healthy Futures. We collaborate with Munson Healthcare for this free program, which is for ANYONE who is pregnant or parenting an infant. While you're pregnant, you will receive monthly newsletters that are tailored to your expected due date or your child's age. After your baby is born, Healthy Futures nurses can come to you to provide support with infant feeding, sleep, and other postpartum needs. ❤️

To learn more about the program: www.gtcountymi.gov/631/Healthy-Futures.
To enroll in the program: https://healthyfuturesonline.org/about/enroll/

04/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: National Infant Immunization Week -
Highlights the Importance of Science-Based Vaccination.

In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD), in partnership with the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance, is encouraging parents and caregivers to protect infants and young children by following evidence-based immunization schedules.

Vaccines are carefully studied through years of scientific research and monitoring to ensure they are safe and effective. Following the recommended immunization schedule helps protect infants from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases during their most vulnerable early years.

To view the full release, go to our website www.gtcountymi.gov/2609/Media-Releases.

04/19/2026

Looking for a FREE, kid-friendly educational activity in Traverse City next Saturday, April 25? Join our Environmental Health team at MakerFest2026! 🌎

Click here at www.tadl.org/posts/makerfest-2026 for more information about the event.

04/17/2026

While many of us are excited that spring is here, it’s good to remember that this also means it's tick season! ☀️

Tick season in Michigan begins in the spring and lasts until the cold weather returns in the late fall. Some species of ticks can carry diseases that spread to people and animals after being bitten. The most common tick-borne disease in the state is Lyme disease. The number of confirmed and probable human cases of Lyme disease reported to the GTCHD has been steadily rising for the past six years. Additionally, over half of those cases did not recall a tick bite. This highlights how difficult ticks can be to spot and the importance of thoroughly searching for ticks.

To learn more about ticks, visit the short link: https://tinyurl.com/4f9bu3a

04/16/2026

Do you have a flooded septic system? After a flood, your septic system needs time and care before returning to normal use.

Here is what to do next:

✔️ Be patient and allow the soil & system to fully dry
✔️ Limit water use to avoid backups into your home
✔️ Do NOT pump your tank until groundwater levels drop (this can cause serious damage)
✔️ Have your system professionally inspected for damage or clogging
✔️ If floodwater entered the tank, schedule pumping AFTER water levels recede
✔️ Get electrical components checked before turning power back on
⚠️ Avoid DIY repairs — septic systems can pose health and safety risks.

Taking the right steps now can prevent costly repairs and protect your home and water supply. 💧

To learn more about septic systems after a flood, visit www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/septic-systems-what-do-after-flood

04/15/2026

Measles is contagious through air particles, even if an individual with measles is no longer in the room. The good news? It’s preventable. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and protects not just you, but your community.

If you want to schedule an appointment with us to get the MMR vaccine, call us at 231-995-6131.

To learn more about measles, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n6pnsem

04/14/2026

Is your well water safe after a flood or power outage? Emergencies can contaminate private water systems, even if the water looks clean. Floodwater can carry bacteria, sewage, and chemicals, so always play it safe.

Here’s how to protect your drinking water:
🚫 Don’t drink or cook with well water after flooding
💧 Use bottled water or boil water (at least 5 minutes) if needed
⚡ Avoid using water during power outages to prevent contamination
🔬 Test your water for bacteria before using it again

To learn more about well water after a flood, visit www.epa.gov/privatewells/what-do-your-private-well-after-flood.

04/14/2026

Being prepared and staying informed about alerts is important because emergencies can happen unexpectedly. ✔️

🚨 Grand Traverse County Emergency Alerts – New & Improved System 🚨

We’ve upgraded our emergency alert and notification system to better serve you and your family.

This new system gives you more control over how—and where—you receive important information during emergencies:

✅ Add Special Accessibility Needs specific to you and your address
✅ Choose to receive optional National Weather Service warnings
✅ Register up to 5 addresses (home, work, family members, etc.)
✅ Customize how you receive alerts (text, email, phone)

👉 Sign up or update your information today:https://traverse.sircom.org/subscribe

If you were enrolled in our previous system, you can update your profile in Grand Traverse Alert by selecting the "Update your information "link on the right-hand side of the enrollment page.

This is one of the easiest ways to stay informed and prepared when it matters most. Take a minute now to make sure you’re connected.

04/13/2026

Our Public Health Educators recently connected with the community at a high school career fair and a community family event! 🌟

We’re thankful for the opportunity to engage with community members, promote public health, and share the services we offer.

04/13/2026

Our Youth Health and Wellness Center is open for youth aged 10 to 21. The adolescent health team is here for you and can sometimes schedule an appointment for the same day! ⭐

Call the clinic at 231-922-6416 and visit our website to learn more at www.gtcountymi.gov/742/Youth-Health-Wellness-Center.

04/12/2026

It's the last day of National Public Health Week! The Grand Traverse County Health Department is here for our community.