Countryside Public Health

09/05/2026

🦟 Mosquito season isn’t over yet!

In Minnesota, the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus is highest from mid-summer through early fall. As we head into September, it’s still important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

A few simple steps can help:
✔️ Use an EPA-registered insect repellent
✔️ Wear loose-fitting, light-colored long sleeves and pants when possible
✔️ Be especially mindful around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus are most active
✔️ Follow repellent label directions and reapply as recommended

Enjoy these late-summer days, just remember the bug spray! 🦟

Learn more about West Nile virus and mosquito bite prevention from the Minnesota Department of Health:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/westnile/basics.html

09/04/2026

🚗 Headed out for Labor Day weekend?
Park the phone and enjoy the drive. 📵

Whether you’re headed to the lake, the campground, the farm, or a backyard BBQ — keep your eyes up, your hands on the wheel, and your phone out of reach.

Drive safe, Minnesota, and REMEMBER, IT'S THE LAW!

09/03/2026

📣 Have an idea that could make a difference in your community? Funding may be available to help make it happen!

The local CROP (Communities Response to Opioids Program) Taskforce is accepting grant applications for projects that support opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, or criminal justice efforts.

💰 Grants of up to $20,000 are available!

We especially encourage schools, youth groups, churches, nonprofits, community organizations, and other local partners to consider applying. Whether you have a new idea or want to strengthen work already happening in your community, this funding could help bring it to life.

📅 Application deadline: September 18, 2026
📍 Funding is available for projects serving Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties.

👉 Learn more and apply:
https://www.countrysidepublichealth.org/opioid-settlement-crop

Local ideas. Local partnerships. Real impact. 💚

08/31/2026

🚌 School buses are back on the road, and that means it’s time for all of us to slow down and pay attention!

A few extra seconds of patience can help keep a child safe.

🛑 When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out...STOP!
👀 Watch for children crossing the street or walking near bus stops.
🚗 Give buses plenty of space and never try to pass a stopped school bus.
📵 Put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road.

Their school day starts and ends with a safe ride. Let’s help make sure they get there safely!

HAVE A GREAT & SAFE SCHOOL YEAR!

08/30/2026

***update***

The City of Clara City Water Boil Advisory that was in effect is now lifted! It is recommended that residents run their faucets for 2 minutes to flush any old water out of their pipes.

***8.30.26 update: has been lifted***

The City of Clara City Water Boil Advisory that was in effect is now lifted! It is recommended that residents run their faucets for 2 minutes to flush any old water out of their pipes.

🚨 BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN EFFECT 🚨

A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the City of Clara City until further notice.

Please bring all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables & preparing food to a rolling boil for at least one minute, then allow it to cool before use.

City of Clara City Minnesota

Follow the MDH guidance below:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/docs/com/dwaguidance.pdf

08/29/2026

💧 What's in your water bottle? 💦

Between sports, activities, busy mornings and long school days, staying hydrated matters.

Make water the everyday go-to and save sugary drinks for occasional choices. And for older kids and teens, remember that energy drinks can contain a lot of caffeine, and caffeine isn't a replacement for sleep, food or hydration!

One easy back-to-school habit: Fill the water bottle the night before and grab it on the way out the door!

08/29/2026

***8.30.26 update: has been lifted***

The City of Clara City Water Boil Advisory that was in effect is now lifted! It is recommended that residents run their faucets for 2 minutes to flush any old water out of their pipes.

🚨 BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN EFFECT 🚨

A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the City of Clara City until further notice.

Please bring all water used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables & preparing food to a rolling boil for at least one minute, then allow it to cool before use.

City of Clara City Minnesota

Follow the MDH guidance below:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/docs/com/dwaguidance.pdf

08/28/2026

Check out the CarFit opportunity ⬇️

Our vehicle’s safety features only work if we are properly positioned! For example, did you know there should be at least 10 inches between the driver and the steering wheel? Drivers who attend this CarFit session will go through a 12-point checklist and learn about additional resources to make travel safe. Prairie Five’s CarFit Technician Laura Thomas will be assisting with this event. Hope to see you there!

08/27/2026

We did it! 🥕🌱

After months of listening, learning, mapping, and collaborating, our Community Food Assessment (CFA) is complete! 🎉

This work brought together community voices from across our five-county region to better understand our local food system - what’s working, where gaps exist, and where we have opportunities to make a difference.

View the report at:https://www.countrysidepublichealth.org/ck-files/cph-cfa-final-compressed.pdf

The CFA is more than a report. It’s a roadmap for action. From strengthening local food systems and rural grocery stores to improving food access and connecting community partners, we now have a clearer picture of where we can focus our efforts.

A huge THANK YOU to our partners, community members, farmers, grocers, food shelves, organizations, and everyone who shared their time, ideas, and experiences.

The assessment may be complete, but the work is just beginning. We’re excited to continue building partnerships and turning these findings into meaningful, sustainable change across our communities.

🥕 Better access. Stronger systems. Healthier communities.

08/26/2026

Parents know! The after-school hunger is REAL!

After a full day of learning, growing and moving, kids are often ready for a snack! Pairing protein + fiber can help make it more satisfying!

Here are some things to stock up on and try to satisfy that HUNGER:
🍎 Apple + peanut butter
🧀 Cheese + whole-grain crackers
🫐 Greek yogurt + berries
🥕 Veggies + hummus
🍌 Banana + nuts or nut butter

It doesn't need to be fancy. A few easy grab-and-go options can make those busy after-school hours a whole lot easier!