Spencer County Health Department

06/24/2026

⚠️ Power outage? Flooding? Water interruption?

Before reopening your restaurant or food establishment after an emergency, make sure your facility is safe, sanitary, and ready to serve. Review our Retail Food Facility Reopening Checklist for important food safety guidance and recovery steps.

06/24/2026

Our Next National Safety Month Topic is: The 2-Hour Rule.

Summer means cookouts, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues.

It also means somebody's famous potato salad has probably been sitting on the picnic table for...well...longer than it should!

Here is a food safety tip that can help prevent foodborne illness:
⏰PERISHABLE FOODS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT OUT MORE THAN 2 HOURS

And if the temperatures are about 90 degrees?
⏳THAT TIME DROPS TO 1 HOUR

Foods such as:
- Hamburgers
- Hotdogs
- Potato Salad
- Cheese Trays
- Deviled Eggs

and much more, should be kept cold until it is time to eat.

Because let's be honest...
If the mayonnaise has been sunbathing longer than you have, it's probably time to let it go!

A little food safety goes a long way toward keeping summer memories happy...and stomachs happy, too.

Stay Safe Spencer County, and come back tomorrow for another National Safety Month topic!

06/24/2026

Back-to-School Vaccines Needed? We've Got You Covered!

There is still time to schedule an appointment for our upcoming Dale Immunization Clinic on Wednesday July 1st at the Dale Public Library from 9am to 12pm.

If you live in the northern part of the county and your child needs immunizations for the upcoming school year, now is a great time to them checked off your list before the back-to-school rush!

✅Kindergarten Vaccines
✅6th Grade Vaccines
✅12th Grade Vaccines
✅Catch-up Immunizations

Not school-aged? No problem! We also offer routine immunizations for children, teens, and adults to help keep everyone in the family protected.

Call the Spencer County Health Department, at (812)649-4441, today to schedule your appointment!

Skip the drive and stay protected! Did you know that the Spencer County Health Department brings immunization services to Dale on the first Wednesday of every month?

Our next Dale Clinic is: WEDNESDAY JULY 1ST 2026
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Lincoln Heritage Public Library (105 N Wallace St. Dale, IN 47523)

Whether you're catching up on vaccines for school, work, or just staying healthy, we've got you covered!

Vaccinations are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; you can call the Spencer County Health Department at (812)649-4441 to get on our schedule! We are happy to bring healthcare closer to home for our northern Spencer County residents. Protecting your health should be convenient!

Share this with a friend that lives near Dale and help spread the word!

06/22/2026

Today's National Safety Month Topic: What's Hiding in Your Medicine Cabinet?

Let's be honest...some medicine cabinets are basically a time capsule. You open the door looking for allergy medication and find prescriptions from a decade ago.

Take a few minutes today:
✅Check medication expiration dates
✅Remove old or unused medications
✅Keep ALL medications out of reach of children and pets
✅Make sure all medications are clearly labeled

When going through and deciding which medications to keep and which to pitch, always remember: DO NOT FLUSH MEDICATIONS DOWN THE DRAIN OR THROW THEM IN THE TRASH!

Instead, use one of the Prescription Take-Back Boxes conveniently located throughout Spencer County. These secure drop boxes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for safe and proper medication disposal.
📍Spencer County Sheriff's Office
📍Santa Claus Town Hall
📍Rockport City Hall
📍Chrisney Town Hall
📍Luce Fire Department
📍St. Meinrad Utility Office
📍Dale EMS
📍Grandview Fire Department

So, if you find a prescription so old that you cannot remember why you got it...it's probably time to clean things out. A safer home and community can start with something as simple as opening the medicine cabinet door.

Stay Safe Spencer County, and check back tomorrow for another National Safety Month tip!

06/18/2026

National Safety Month: The Things Around Your House that Deserve a Second Look 👀

When many people think of the health department, they think of nurses, vaccines, and health clinics. But, did you know that Spencer County Health Department also has staff dedicated to food safety, environmental health, septic/building inspections, and more?

During National Safety Month, we're highlighting some of the everyday things that help keep our community safe, and today we're starting right at home.

When was the last time your checked the things in your home that are designed to keep you safe? Don't Worry, we're not judging.😅

Many safety hazards hide in plain sight, and a quick check today could help prevent a problem tomorrow.

✨Smoke Alarms
If the last time you them was...honestly, you can't remember...today might be the day. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half.

✨Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Because "odorless, colorless gas" sounds like the beginning of a true crime documentary. Carbon monoxide can't be seen, smelled, or tasted, making a detector your first line of defense.

✨Deck Safety
Before hosting a family cookout, make sure your deck isn't being held together by a little hope and few rusty screws. Check for loose boards, wobbly railings, and signs of rot.

✨Trip Hazards
Loose rugs, extension cords, garden hoses, and clutter have been quietly plotting against ankles for years. A quick walk around your home and yard can prevent an unexpected fall.

The funny thing about home safety is the biggest hazards are often the things we walk past every day without noticing. So, take 10 minutes today and look around your home with "first-time visitor eyes." You may just discover:
- A smoke alarm that needs batteries
- A detector that needs testing
-A tripping hazard waiting for the right moment
- That one mysterious extension cord that has been there since 2018.

With all that, Stay Safe Spencer County! Check back on Monday for another National Safety Month tip.

06/17/2026

Did you know that June is National Safety Month? For the remainder of June, the Spencer County Health Department will be sharing safety tips to keep our community safe all summer long!

Today, we are going to start with: Hydration and Heat Safety

Summer in Spencer County means ballgames, fishing trips, mowing the lawn, county fairs, cookouts, and spending as much time outside as possible.

Unfortunately, it also means one thing...SWEATING...and a lot of it💦

Even on days that don't feel extremely hot, spending time outdoors can cause your body to lose more fluid that you realize.

Signs that you may need a water break include:
⚠️ Headache
⚠️ Feeling abnormally tired
⚠️ Dizziness
⚠️ Dry mouth
⚠️ Dark yellow urine

The good news? Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy this summer!
✅Carry a water bottle when you are outdoors
✅Take breaks in the shade
✅Enjoy water-rich foods like watermelon and strawberries
✅Balance caffeinated drinks with plenty of water
✅Make sure your pets have access to fresh water and shade

And remember:
If your Stanley cup, water bottle, tumbler, thermos, or giant emotional-support cup hasn't left your side today, you're probably doing summer right! 😎

Stay hydrated, Spencer County, and check back tomorrow for another National Safety Month tip!

06/11/2026

Bite Back Against Ticks and Mosquitos This Summer!

Summer is here, which means more time spent outdoors enjoying camping, hiking, fishing, gardening, backyard barbecues, and family adventures. Unfortunately, we are not the only ones enjoying the warm weather, ticks and mosquitos are too!

These tiny pests can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Alpha-gal, West Nile virus, and other vector-borne illnesses. The good news? A few simple steps can help you keep yourself and your family protected while enjoying everything summer has to offer.

Protect yourself:
✅Use EPA-approved insect repellents when spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.
✅Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing when possible to help reduce exposed skin and make ticks easier to spot.
✅Preform tick checks on yourself, your children, and pets after being outside, paying special attention to hidden areas like behind the knees, underarms, and along the hairline.
✅Shower soon after coming indoors to help wash away unattached ticks.
✅Keep grass mowed and remove leaf litter around your home to reduce the places where ticks like to hide.

Protect your yard:
✅Dump standing water from buckets, flowerpots, bird baths, kiddie pools, tires, and gutters, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitos.
✅Change pet water frequently and clean outdoor water bowls regularly to help prevent mosquito breeding.
✅Keep outdoor areas clean and well maintained by trimming overgrown vegetation and removing debris where ticks and mosquitos may thrive.

And don't forget about your furry friends! Ticks and mosquitos can affect our furry family members, too. Be sure your pets are on veterinarian-recommended prevention products and check them regularly for ticks after spending time outdoors.

LASTLY, KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS!
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a tick bite or mosquito exposure, contact your healthcare provider:
⚠️Fever or chills that develop without another obvious cause
⚠️Rash or skin changes, including a bull's-eye rash or unusual redness around a bite
⚠️Headaches that are severe or persistent
⚠️Muscle or joint aches that are unexplained or worsening
⚠️Fatigue or weakness that doesn't improve with rest
⚠️Swollen lymph nodes or flu-like symptoms
⚠️Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness that occur after a recent bite or outdoor exposure

Early recognition and treatment of vector-borne diseases can help prevent serious complications and improve recovery outcomes. Stay aware of how you're feeling after spending time outdoors and don't hesitate to seek medical care if symptoms develop.

Let's work together to keep Spencer County healthy and safe this summer. Get outside, make memories, and don't let the bugs ruin your fun!

06/03/2026

Skip the drive and stay protected! Did you know that the Spencer County Health Department brings immunization services to Dale on the first Wednesday of every month?

Our next Dale Clinic is: WEDNESDAY JULY 1ST 2026
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Lincoln Heritage Public Library (105 N Wallace St. Dale, IN 47523)

Whether you're catching up on vaccines for school, work, or just staying healthy, we've got you covered!

Vaccinations are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; you can call the Spencer County Health Department at (812)649-4441 to get on our schedule! We are happy to bring healthcare closer to home for our northern Spencer County residents. Protecting your health should be convenient!

Share this with a friend that lives near Dale and help spread the word!

05/22/2026

As we wrap up our 2026 Spring School Vaccine Clinics and as the school year comes to an end, we want to thank all the students, parents, and school staff who helped make this season a success!

If your child missed their school vaccine clinic and still needs immunizations, there's still time to get them caught up before the next school year. Our nursing staff is happy to help get your child scheduled!

Please contact the Spencer County Health Department at (812)649-4441 to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions about required school vaccines!

Have a great summer and we will see you next school year!

05/22/2026

Just a reminder! We are still accepting applications and hope to schedule interviews soon!
Monday- Friday! Hours are 8-4pm. 14 paid holidays off a year!
Send your resume to [email protected]!

We have a full time nursing position open! To apply, please send your resume to [email protected]