Clay County Health Department

06/23/2026

Some of our staff got reeeeal funky! 💃

The Community Health Assessment (or CHA) Survey gives community members a chance to voice their opinions on the top 3 health concerns in Clay County. The data gathered from this survey is then used in our IPLAN (Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs), which requires local health departments to create an organizational strategic plan, conduct a community health needs assessment, and develop a community health plan.

Make your voice heard and CHA CHA real smooth!
👉https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025CHA

Thank you for completing our survey to pave a way for a healthier Clay County! 🫶

06/22/2026

We still have some appointments open, but they are filling fast!

Don't forget—These dental exams meet the requirements needed for those entering Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grades.
🗓️Monday, July 29th from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
☎️Call to make an appointment for the child(ren) in your life today! 618-662-4406 and ask for April

06/18/2026

https://healthdept.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/20260615_IDPH_Health_Alert_Infant_Botulism_June_2026-2.pdf

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

June brings summer’s sweetest chapter: strawberry season! 🍓Strawberries are the WIC-approved food of the month!

Strawberries are filled with antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C, which helps support your immune system! These berries can also improve both heart health and blood sugar, making them a great healthy snack. 🫶 Strawberries are also super versatile—try including them in smoothies, salads, desserts, or homemade jams!



¡Junio trae el capítulo más dulce del verano: la temporada de fresas! 🍓 ¡Las fresas son el alimento del mes aprobado por el WIC!

¡Las fresas están llenas de antioxidantes y vitaminas, como la vitamina C, que ayudan a fortalecer su sistema inmunológico! Estas bayas también pueden mejorar la salud cardíaca y los niveles de azúcar en sangre, lo que las convierte en un excelente refrigerio saludable. 🫶 Las fresas también son muy versátiles: ¡pruebe incluirlas en batidos, ensaladas, postres o mermeladas caseras!

06/16/2026

To***co costs add up fast. In Illinois, people who smoke spend an average of $4,000 a year—money that could go toward other priorities. Quit to***co use to save weekly, monthly, and yearly. See the potential savings using the Illinois To***co Quitline’s savings calculator at https://bit.ly/3LZd8ql
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To***co costs add up fast. In Illinois, people who smoke spend an average of $4,000 a year—money that could go toward other priorities. Quit to***co use to save weekly, monthly, and yearly. See the potential savings using the Illinois To***co Quitline’s savings calculator at https://bit.ly/3LZd8ql

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06/15/2026

Ticks are part of summer in Illinois, but they don't have to keep you from enjoying the outdoors.
Whether you're gardening, walking the dog, hiking a trail, or cheering from the sidelines at a summer sports game, taking a minute to check for ticks can help protect you and your family.

Ticks are part of summer in Illinois, but they don't have to keep you from enjoying the outdoors.

Whether you're gardening, walking the dog, hiking a trail, or cheering from the sidelines at a summer sports game, taking a minute to check for ticks can help protect you and your family.

Save this checklist for your next outdoor adventure, and remember:
✓ Check yourself, children, and pets after spending time outside
✓ Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers
✓ Watch for symptoms like fever, rash, fatigue, or headache after a tick bite

Want to learn more?

Our latest blog post covers common tick myths, where you're most likely to encounter ticks, how to do a quick tick check, and what to do if you find one.
📝 Read more: https://open.substack.com/pub/idph/p/tick-season-is-here-dont-panic-just?r=546owr&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

06/12/2026

E-cigarettes and other to***co products typically contain ni****ne, a dangerous and highly addictive chemical that can damage the heart and other vital organs.

06/10/2026

Join us for a FREE parent and caregiver learning session!

Learn why connection matters, what gets in the way, and how to create stronger bonds with your child. ❤️

📍Clay County Health Department
📅Tuesday, July 28th
🕔5-6 pm

To reserve your spot, call or text Sadie Ruholl at 217-240-2763.

06/08/2026

With the summer months, you may see more hand signals out on the road. It's easy to forget them if you don't personally use them. Take a second to get a refresher on the signals to stay safe and alert on the road.

For a right turn, the hand and arm are extended straight up. For a left turn, the hand and arm are extended straight out to the left. To slow down or stop, the hand and arm are extended down.