Rural Primary Care South

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

For the fourteenth year in a row, Alabama's Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI) program has been committed to protecting patients from adverse healthcare events, while promoting safety, quality and value in Alabama's healthcare delivery. Read our full press release at alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/2026/03/nr-03.html.

03/03/2026

When can a child *safely* stop using a booster seat in the car? The answer may surprise you!

Most kids need a booster until 10-12 years old, even though your state law may allow them to stop using one sooner.

Seatbelts are adult-sized safety equipment. Just like a helmet or lifejacket needs to fit correctly, so does a seatbelt! Keep your child in a booster until they are close to adult size and pass the 5-Step Test for a safe seatbelt fit:

1. Shoulder belt crosses between the neck and shoulder, not on the face or neck. The belt should be snug across the chest.
2. Lap belt is low on the hips, touching the tops of the thighs, not on their soft belly.
3. Lower back is all the way against the vehicle seat without slouching.
4. Knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat, again without slouching.
5. Their feet are on the floor and they can comfortably sit this way for the entire ride.

This fit allows the seatbelt to restrain your child by the strong bones of their pelvis and shoulder, not their internal organs, spine, and neck!

03/03/2026

The Alabama Warmline provides non-crisis support through Certified Peer Specialists. 1-844-999-4647

03/03/2026

Many babies are born with birth defects, which can affect their health and development. Some may be identified before birth, while others are diagnosed once the baby is born. With the right care and support, many children with these conditions can lead healthy lives.

This World Birth Defects Day, we’re committed to raising awareness and sharing resources for education. CDC works year-round to identify risk factors for birth defects in order to support healthy pregnancies and improve care for people living with these conditions. Learn more by visiting: https://bit.ly/4ab9AbZ

03/03/2026

Sleep disorders in children may present as behavioral insomnia, night terrors, sleepwalking, teeth grinding, bed-wetting, or .

Recognizing symptoms, such as snoring, gasping, or persistent sleep difficulties, and implementing consistent bedtime routines can help address underlying issues and support .

https://bit.ly/3ZWpliD

03/03/2026

Parents: Milestones matter! 👶📱
Track your child’s development from 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s FREE Milestone Tracker app 🧠✨
Use illustrated checklists, photos, and videos to track how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves—plus get tips to support development and learn when to talk with a doctor. Download on iOS & Android and try it today! www.cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker

03/03/2026

The US has recorded more than 1,100 measles cases so far this year, according to data published Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a troubling milestone that has many in public health bracing for the worst.

03/03/2026

Press Release: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2026!
Read full release here: https://buff.ly/9OWKURc

03/03/2026

🌪️ During the month of March, we will be giving away one preparedness kit each week to a Jefferson County resident for Severe Weather Preparedness Month!

📢 To Enter:
Participants must comment their answer to the weekly polling question.
✅ Be a resident of Jefferson County.
✅ Be 19 years of age or older.

📅 Entries will be accepted Monday through Friday each week, and the winner will be announced on Friday at 3 P.M. 🕒

🎉 Participants who engage in all four weekly giveaways throughout the month will also be entered for a chance to win a weather radio at the end of March!

🔎 For more information, please review our FAQ:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:28d93291-0925-49d7-99b9-914df7a3d4f7

03/03/2026