Clay County Health Department

08/28/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements? The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

📝See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

💻 Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

08/26/2026

No need to be a grouch!😠

😁We just received word that with a generous donation from the Clay County Community Health Foundation, we will be able to provide FREE hot dogs, chips, and drinks at this year's 4th Annual Trick or Treat Sesame Street and Explore-a-Truck!🌭

And if that wasn't enough, our face painter and balloon artist will also be back doing what they do best!🎈👩🏻‍🎨

Don't forget we will also have numerous local agencies and their resources available, as well as great line-up of big trucks to explore 🚚🚒🗓️So, mark your calendars and make sure to join us for the fun at Clay County Fairgrounds on Thursday, October 8th from 3:30-6!

P.S. If you are a local agency looking to spread word about your services, or a volunteer agency looking to recruit, contact April to reserve your table. We are also still recruiting different vehicles and machinery for Explore-a-Truck. If you want to bring yours to let the kids explore and learn, let us know!

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

📣CLAY COUNTY📣

There are a random select few in the area who may have received something like this in the mail. Please know that it is legitimate and NOT a scam. If you complete the survey, you will receive $10! If you received this in the mail, please fill out as the information collected helps us with numerous grants, as well as our IPLAN and making our community healthier!

08/23/2026

Are you a compassionate Physical Therapist looking for flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact? Join our home care team and help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. Apply online at www.healthdept.org or in person at 601 East 12th Street in Flora

08/21/2026

The winners from our giveaway are...🥁🥁🥁

🎉🎉🎉
Genay Sparlin
Kathy Caldwell
Josie Davis
Charity Beachy
Hannah Nicole
🎉🎉🎉

Congratulations!

We are unable to tag the winners, so if you know someone, tag them and let them know it's their lucky day! You may pick up your prize at the health department any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Thank you all for completing our survey and paving a way to a healthier Clay County! 💙

08/20/2026

🚨LAST CHANCE!🚨

Get your entry in now.. winners are being selected tomorrow!

08/19/2026

ATTENTION: West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Sample in Clay City, IL

West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Sample in Clay City

Clay County Health Department has confirmed the second West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito sample of the 2026 season in Clay County. The positive sample was collected in Clay City on August 19, 2026, and was confirmed through routine testing.

Confirmation of a WNV positive mosquito sample means that the virus is circulating in the community and there is a heightened risk of infection for humans. Residents are urged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. It is important to remember the three R’s – reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, repel them by wearing insect repellant, and report areas where mosquitoes typically breed.

WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds. The illness is not spread from person-to-person. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. However, some people may experience fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

Because WNV generally appears and spreads in Illinois mosquito populations as early as two to six weeks before it is transmitted to humans, monitoring the mosquito populations in our communities helps us predict when humans will be at risk for WNV infection. Surveillance activities in Clay County include laboratory tests on mosquito batches and responding to concerns of mosquito production sites.

If you would like more information on West Nile virus, contact the Clay County Health Department at 662-4406 or visit our website www.healthdept.org.

08/19/2026

At the beginning of August, Clay County Health Department (CCHD) was named a recipient of a $5,000 Community Grant from the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation (ISDSF).

The ISDS Foundation’s 2026 grants reflect a commitment to serving Illinois’ most vulnerable populations—children, seniors, refugees, people with disabilities, and the uninsured. By supporting these innovative programs and essential services, the Foundation helps ensure brighter, healthier smiles across the state.

This year, the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation awarded $125,000 in community grants to 20 nonprofit organizations dedicated to expanding access to dental care across the state. The 2026 grants support projects ranging from mobile clinics and emergency care vouchers to specialized programs for the elderly, children, refugees, and people with disabilities.

This community grant received will further help the Clay County Health Department’s continuation and expansion of services offered at their mobile adult dental clinics. At these adult dental clinics, we offer exams, cleanings and fluoride treatments, intraoral imaging, and SDF treatment, if needed. In the future, CCHD hopes to include dental x-rays to services offered. To qualify for these clinics, individuals must: Live in Clay County or receive WIC services through CCHD, be age 20 or older, have Medicaid or no insurance, be income eligible, and have not seen the dentist in the past year. CCHD expresses their gratitude to the ISDSF for the opportunity for growth in our mobile dental clinics. Since the start of these dental clinics, we have been able to provide dental services to over 150 individuals who may not have received care otherwise.

When asked to comment on the services received, one individual stated, “You all are so amazing! You have truly changed my life. For the first time in 20 years, I have clean teeth and a pretty smile!”

If you have questions about this grant or are interested in being on the waitlist for the adult dental clinics, please call April at 618-662-4406.

08/17/2026

🚨🪑There's still time to reserve your seat!🪑🚨

On August 18th, we will be hosting our friend Courtney Hatcher from Project CHILD as she discusses the ongoing childcare shortage in Clay County. With 13 years of experience owning and operating her own licensed in-home childcare business, Courtney is the perfect vessel to deliver information about how the childcare shortage impacts the community as a whole, how you can start your own licensed childcare business and be successful, and answer any questions you may have about the licensing process. Even if you've only thought about running a childcare center, this session is for you to get all the information you need to make it a reality!

📆Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
📍Clay County Health Department Conference Room or..
📍via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/81587885504 Meeting ID: 815 8788 5504
⏰10 a.m.
☎️To RSVP or if you have questions, call April at 618-662-4406