Freeborn County Public Health

09/26/2025

09/16/2025

You might not know it by name, but you see it every time you get in a vehicle. It's the A-pillar – that thick, sturdy post that frames your windshield. While it’s a crucial safety feature that supports the roof, it can also create a dangerous blind spot that can easily hide a pedestrian, a cyclist or another vehicle.

Following these steps at every intersection can help you see what – or who – might be hidden and could prevent a life-changing crash:

Come to a complete stop. Make sure your vehicle is stopped, and your mind is focused.
Look left, then right. Do a thorough scan for traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians approaching the intersection.
Shift your body. Lean forward or to the side to see around the A-pillar.

Look left and right again. Double-check before proceeding.

Taking these simple steps can help keep everyone on the road safer. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

Safe travels.

09/12/2025

CELEBRATE THE CULTURES of Albert Lea with free food samples while they last! Try Asian, Hispanic and Scandinavian food. Happening Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Albert Lea Farmers Market in the north lot on Broadway Avenue. Pick up recipes to spice up your meal planning. Learn about the recently reconvened Human Rights Commission. Hosted by Blue Zones Project Albert Lea, Farmers Market and Human Rights Commission. No admission fee or registration required. Everyone is welcome!

09/10/2025

With the return of school, the start of fall activities and shorter daylight hours, September through December is statistically the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians. We can’t avoid darker mornings, earlier sunsets and change in traffic patterns. To keep people safe, we can drastically reduce the risk for walkers and drivers by taking a few simple precautions.

Walkers:

Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing. If you're walking at night, carry a flashlight, wear a headlamp or use your phone's light to make yourself more noticeable.
Stay alert: Put your phone away and take off headphones. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when crossing streets or in parking lots.
Use crosswalks: Always use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Make eye contact with drivers to confirm they see you before you cross.

Drivers:

Slow down: Give yourself extra time to react to pedestrians, especially at dawn, dusk and at night.
Scan the road: Be extra vigilant for pedestrians who might be harder to see due to dark clothing, bad weather or poor lighting.
Be cautious in parking lots: Parking lots are especially dangerous. Drive slowly and be on the lookout for pedestrians walking between cars or when you’re backing out of spots.

By working together and being mindful of these risks, we can help drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

09/09/2025

School buses are back on the road, which means it's time for a refresher on bus stop safety! Remember, on undivided roads, all vehicles traveling in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Passing a school bus is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to a $700 fine and even criminal charges. Let's all do our part to keep students safe. Slow down, pay attention, and look out for buses and children, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.

09/08/2025

👟 “Walk the Path to Health and Happiness” 👟

The Blue Zones Project Albert Lea Walkway is more than a trail, it is part of Albert Lea’s health movement. It’s worth walking this top 10 attraction because it combines wellness, scenic views, and community spirit in one beautiful path. Visitors love that it is both refreshing and inspiring, making it the perfect and healthiest way to enjoy the city outdoors. 🌿

👉 More details: https://albertlea.bluezonesproject.com/

08/25/2025

Here’s how to step into a Blue Zones lifestyle Aug. 25 - 31. For more information about Blue Zones Albert Lea, visit https://cityofalbertlea.org/bluezones/. Freeborn County Public Health , Age Friendly Freeborn County , Lea Farmers Market

08/18/2025

https://www.speakingofcannabis.org/

A conversation about cannabis is worth having. Informed decisions start with information.

08/12/2025

A new Minnesota law concerning off-road vehicles (OHVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) went into effect July 1, 2025. This new law is simple – if an OHV or ATV comes equipped with factory-installed seat belts, all occupants must wear them when operated on or within the right-of-way of a public road. By following the new seat belt law, we can collectively contribute to a safer riding environment for everyone. The Minnesota Safety Council and Minnesota Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) developed a resource to help riders understand the new law. Please share with family and friends to help promote a culture of safe, responsible riding.

Off-road vehicles are popular for both work and fun, but they can present some serious dangers if not operated safely:

Limited protection: Some don't have the same safety features as a car, like seat belts and airbags, so there is little to protect you in a crash.
High speed and stability issues: These vehicles can go fast, making them difficult to control on uneven ground. They can also tip over easily, especially on paved roads where they don't grip well.
Safety risks: A significant number of injuries – about 26 percent of all ATV-related injuries happen to children under 16.

Enforcement and penalties:

A fine of $25 per violation may be issued.
Drivers are responsible for their own violations and for any violations committed by passengers under 15 years old.

Drivers looking for additional resources on off-road vehicles should go to buckleupmn.org for more information. RIDE SMART. HELMET ON. BUCKLE UP.

08/08/2025

Freeborn County Public Health needs your input to guide our work for the next five years. We are choosing three new health priorities, and your voice matters. Please join our Call to Action Meeting and RSVP today. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdD366ovgHYjvHmBJD2F0GXj6dbqraOiwYH_0n1eEXHHvZFBw/viewform?usp=send_form

08/06/2025

Our Anita is famous!!! Well deserved recognition for all the hard work you do as a Freeborn County Public Health Nurse!