Freeborn County Public Health

11/21/2025

11/18/2025

Governor Walz has proclaimed this week Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW). Every day, traffic incident responders (law enforcement, fire/EMS, towing, public works, etc.) put their lives at risk to manage crashes, stalled vehicles and debris on our roadways. CRSW highlights the importance of protecting them.

This year’s message is “Safety Starts with You – Slow Down and Move Over!” Every second counts for responders assisting at crash scenes, and slowing down can save lives. Drivers can make a big difference through their vigilance, but responder training is also a critical part of the effort to save lives.

Here is how you can help:
Road User (Driver or Passenger):
• Learn and follow the Ted Foss Move Over Law. When you approach a scene with flashing lights, reduce your speed.
• If safe to do so, move over a lane to give responders maximum space to work.
• Share your appreciation for responders on social media during the week using the hashtag .

Traffic Incident Responder:
• Take the free, 4-hour National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training. This course teaches every responder how to safely and quickly clear traffic incidents.
• Share your perspective about working on the roadway during CRSW using the hashtag .

When a responder is struck, it impacts not just their family but the entire community. Always reduce your speed and move over when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks or disabled vehicles—it’s not just courteous, it’s the law. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

11/13/2025

Behind every WIC appointment is a team that truly cares. To all our WIC nutrition educators, clerks, breastfeeding peer counselors – thank you. You show up with care and compassion every single day. Your kindness makes healthy beginning possible for many Minnesota families. This November, we’re thankful for our WIC staff – the people who make a difference every day.
If a WIC team member has made a positive impact on your family, drop a ❤️or share thank-you comment below. Let’s show our WIC heroes how much they mean to our community.

11/13/2025

WIC foods go further than you think! With a bag of rice, canned beans, a dozen eggs, a load of bread, cheese, peanut butter, and a few veggies, you can make something wonderful.
🍳Breakfast scrambles with veggies.
🍚Mixed beans, rice, and veggies for a hearty bowl.
🍲Flavorful vegetable bean soup.
🥪Sandwich with whole grain bread, cheese, and sliced apple.
Keep WIC staples on hand and combine them with fruits and veggies. Mix, match, repeat – you will be surprised how far your foods can go!

11/05/2025

The Salvation Army Albert Lea Toy Shop registration for Freeborn County is open from Nov. 4, 2025 to Dec. 8, 2025 or until our limit has been reached.
To Register go to SAAngeltree.org.
You must be the custodial adult for the child living with you to sign them up.
If you have any questions please call 507-373-8776.

11/05/2025

The Albert Lea Salvation Amy is please to be able to serve our community again this year with a to go Thanksgiving meal on Tues. Nov. 25th. Registration is required to receive a meal. Registration is now open until Nov. 17th or when we are full. Please call 507-373-8776 to register for your meal to go. Pick up will be 11-25-25 from 5 - 7PM.

Thank you to the community partners that help to make this event happen.
Jenny-O, Mrs. Gerry's, Hy Vee and various personal donors.

11/04/2025

Extend your monthly grocery budget! For a $25 cash donation per share (paid at the site on the day of distribution), you’ll receive an abundance of groceries.
Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE who eats and is looking to make their grocery dollars go further. There are no income or residency requirements — everyone is welcome!
Please make sure your trunk is cleaned out and there’s enough room for your food share(s). No pre-registration is required.
📍 Location:
1105 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN
We hope to see you on Saturday, November 1st at 8:45 a.m.!
For more information, visit www.rubyspantry.org.
Partial food lists are posted on the Ruby’s Pantry page the day before each distribution.

11/01/2025