OC Department of Public Health

09/04/2026

Healthy Ottawa is currently conducting the Community Health Needs Assessment. It’s done every three years and looks at the health of Ottawa County community members. One of the tools used in the assessment is the Behavioral Risk Factory Survey, which is happening throughout September. This community-wide telephone survey is one of the most important ways we gather information about the health of our community.

If you get a call from a 616 area code (it may show as "Wilkins Research"), please take 20–30 minutes to share your voice! The survey is anonymous and participation is optional.

Learn more in our release: https://bit.ly/4gP21vg
Verify the survey at healthyottawa.org

Healthy Ottawa is a group of hospitals, public health agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to improve community health in Ottawa County.

Trinity Health Grand Haven, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Community Mental Health of Ottawa, Ottawa Area ISD, Holland Hospital, Corewell Health

08/27/2026

It’s National Community Health Worker Awareness Week and we are recognizing and celebrating our Community Health Workers (CHWs) for the vital role they play in connecting residents to the resources, care, and support they need. CHWs are often the trusted, familiar face that helps bridge gaps between our community and the services available to them — building relationships rooted in compassion, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to improving lives. Thank you for all you do!

Learn more: miottawa.org/opbh

*Photo credit: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

08/06/2026

Salads are back! Michigan cyclosporiasis cases are slowing, and the data say it's safe to eat lettuce and salad greens like normal again. You no longer need to avoid bagged salad mixes.

We're still looking into what happened, but it seems most people who got sick ate the affected lettuce back in late June or early July. We're still watching closely and will let you know if anything changes.

Keep up your usual food safety habits: wash your fruits and vegetables, wash your hands, and store food the right way. And don't eat any recalled lettuce.

Read the full release: https://bit.ly/4fUiZI7
Learn more about the recalled lettuce: https://bit.ly/4fR8C81
Learn more about food safety basics: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/about/index.html

08/06/2026

If you need vaccine records, please allow extra time this week. Getting vaccine records and booking new appointments may take a few extra days this week while the state of Michigan updates its vaccine records system.

Have an appointment already? Please keep it.

Need a copy of your records? We will get it ready as soon as we can and call you when it's ready. You can pick it up, or we can mail or email it.

To set up a new appointment, call (616) 396-5266 and leave your name and call back number, and we will call you once the system is ready.

If you get your own records online through the Michigan Immunization Portal, note that it closes August 6. A new way to get records is coming later this year.

Questions? Call us at (616) 396-5266.

07/27/2026

Don't miss the flavors of Bulgaria at the next Real Food Can cultural meal!

Join Intersection Ministries for the next Real Food Can Connect Us meal exploring Bulgarian culture and food!

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Cooking Class Experience: 9am–12pm
Learn hands-on from local experts. Spots are limited, so register today! (Location: Intersection Ministries, North Entrance/Basement Kitchen)

Cultural Meal: 12pm–1:30pm
Free community meal and cultural celebration. (Location: Intersection Ministries, I-East Building/Gym)

Both the kitchen and gym are located at 945 136th Avenue in Holland

Come curious about Bulgarian culture and ready to try new things!

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/45rWRjySpots

07/23/2026

A huge thank-you to the Holland Junior Welfare League for their generous $2,062 grant supporting our Miles of Smiles mobile dental unit!

This gift funded a brand-new delivery system for our dental hygiene operatory — the part of the chair that delivers air, water, suction, and instruments during care. The old system made it harder for our team to access equipment comfortably, which slowed things down and meant fewer kids could be seen each day. With this upgrade, our providers can work more safely, efficiently, and comfortably — meaning more children get the dental care they need, faster.

After presenting the check, Junior League board members Adrienne Bailey and Jenni LaPorta, toured the mobile unit and heard firsthand from Program Supervisor Kacie Elzinga about how Miles of Smiles brings dental care directly to kids across our community.

This is just the latest example of the Junior League's ongoing support for Miles of Smiles. Their generosity continues to make a real difference for local families. Thank you for investing in Ottawa County smiles!

Learn more about Miles of Smiles: miottawa.org/dental

07/21/2026

Looking to start composting in your backyard or community garden? Our Environmental Sustainability program is partnering with ODC Network and the City of Holland to show you how! Join our hands-on Holland Master Composter Training where you'll learn everything from composting basics to soil biology. Participants will leave ready to build and maintain their own backyard compost pile.

Mondays, August 17–September 28 (no class September 7)
9–11 am
DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road in Holland
$60 (scholarships available)
Ages 18+

Registration includes a composting manual, a vermicomposting bin, and a cohort t-shirt. Complete at least 5 of 6 classes plus 10 volunteer hours to earn your Master Composter certification. Learn more and register below.

Did you know that there can be THOUSANDS of invertebrate decomposers in a single compost pile?

Registration for the 2026 Holland Master Composter Training is now OPEN!

Become a Master Composter through this 6 week, hands-on course led by local composters and sustainability professionals. With topics ranging from compost basics to soil biology, you will come away from this course able to establish your own backyard compost pile properly!

Register now: https://loom.ly/fMH5aVk

07/16/2026

Ottawa County's air quality is in the Hazardous range today and is expected to be in that range tomorrow too. This will affect everyone, but may be especially hard for kids, older adults, women who are pregnant, and people with heart or lung conditions. If you can, limit your time outdoors today and tomorrow.

Check air quality where you are: https://www.airnow.gov/

Learn more:
miottawa.org/outdoorhealth

07/15/2026

IMPORTANT: First rabies-positive bat found in Ottawa County this year

While it's just one bat, rabies is 100% fatal if untreated – but completely preventable with proper precautions. Bats are most active May through September, so now is the time to stay informed.

If you find a bat:
• Don't touch or release it
• Call OCDPH at 616-396-5266 to see if it needs testing
• Seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched
• Safe collection instructions: www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html

Of particular concern: If you find a bat in a room where someone was sleeping or with an unattended child or adult who cannot communicate clearly – contact us immediately, even if you don't see any bites.

Keep your family safe:
• Vaccinate pets (even indoor cats!)
• Never touch or handle wild animals
• Call your vet immediately if pets encounter wildlife

Remember: Wild animals can carry rabies without looking sick. Taking these simple steps protects everyone in our community.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bN5PLR

07/15/2026

Wildfire smoke is expected across West Michigan starting today, and the air may be unhealthy to breathe. Keep time outside shorter and easier, close your windows, and run your air conditioning on "recirculate" to keep smoke out. Kids, older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with heart or lung conditions should take extra care.

Hot weather is here with the smoke, so stay cool indoors or find a cooling center. Call or text 211 if you need help.

Check air quality at current conditions at www.airnow.gov/wildfires