Hennepin County Public Health

08/25/2026

Pool inspections help keep people safe while using public pools. Hennepin County Environmental Health staff inspect pools at least once a year. Staff check everything from disinfectants and water chemistry, quality and temperature to making sure suction covers fit and there’s adequate lifesaving equipment available. Learn more about how pools are licensed at Hennepin County’s Swimming pool license webpage: https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/licenses-certificates/business/swimming-pool-license

Video description: Children jump into a pool and swim. Next, images of county employees testing safety of pool water, doors, and other environmental factors around a pool.

08/20/2026

August is National Breastfeeding Month! If you need to breastfeed or chestfeed at the State Fair, Minnesota WIC has got you covered.

The Minnesota State Fair is almost here! You can breastfeed anywhere at the State Fair. If you’d like a quieter place to nurse, pump, or change your baby, here are some dedicated spaces: https://www.mnstatefair.org/faq/amenities/

08/13/2026

Everyone needs vaccines! Vaccines prevent serious diseases, especially for those most at risk such as babies, pregnant people, and older adults. Make sure your family is up to date on their vaccines. Visit www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/index.html for more information.

07/31/2026

Dan says "I immunize to protect myself and my family from getting sick and help to lower the burden on the healthcare system."

We applaud Dan for sharing his vaccination motivation. We’d love to share your story supporting vaccination too! Go to our website to share your photo and story: https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/why-i-vax/

07/24/2026

It's heating up this weekend! Find places to stay cool: https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/assistance/safety/places-to-cool-off-in-extreme-heat

It’s going to be hot this weekend.

Stay one step ahead by checking the forecast, planning outdoor activities around the heat, hydrating regularly, and taking frequent breaks.

Find more ways to prepare for and beat the summer heat: mn.gov/heat

07/23/2026

07/16/2026

For health and safety tips regarding air quality and wildfire smoke, go to https://www.health.state.mn.us/.../natural/wildfires.html

Today the air outdoors is very unhealthy to breathe in most parts of the state, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and others. For health and safety tips go to https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/emergency/natural/wildfires.html

For current Minnesota air quality conditions go to https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air-quality-conditions

07/15/2026

An Air Quality Alert has been issued for 12:30 PM July 14 until 11 AM July 17.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category. Hot temperatures, when combined with the air pollution and wildfire smoke, will exacerbate health impacts.

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, children and older adults, and people who are active outdoors, may experience health effects.

07/14/2026

Visit the link for places to cool off during extreme heat this week: https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/assistance/safety/places-to-cool-off-in-extreme-heat?fbclid=IwY2xjawTDRm9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyZ1NuRURYSzR4bGd1Q3Nhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnF2JHoab32QEcJjVfNRYn5JKuX2unrwzq70h0vs4xRMijUD-gGahqi3ozcB_aem_63ixqIjoPQXFBqp1ogwqTA

EXTENSION UPDATE: An Extreme Heat Warning has been extended for Hennepin County until 9pm Thursday, July 16.

Drink plenty of fluids, be in air-conditioning when available, check up on relatives and neighbors, stay out of the sun, and never leave anyone alone in a vehicle.