Berrien County Health Department

12/19/2025

Our Sexual Health Clinic is here to help you make the choices that work best for you. 💕

We have multiple contraceptive and birth control options available, as well as STI testing and treatment.

Learn more and take charge of your reproductive health with confidence by visiting https://www.berriencounty.org/1672/Sexual-Health-Clinic

You can request an appointment with our Sexual Health team at https://www.berriencounty.org/FormCenter/Health-Department-Encrypted-41/Sexual-Health-Appointment-Request-260

12/17/2025

Traveling with your little one this holiday season? 🚗✈️

Whether at home or on the go, make sure your baby always has a safe place to sleep — for naps and nighttime.

✅ Use a firm, flat sleep surface like a crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets consumer safety standards: https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/safe-sleep2/safe-sleep-for-your-baby/safe-sleep-steps

🚫 Keep the sleep area free of blankets, pillows, bumpers and toys.

🏨 If you’re staying in a hotel or with family, arrange for a safe sleep space ahead of time. Inflatable air mattresses are not safe for infants.

Make sure you and other caregivers know the latest safe sleep guidance. For more tips and to learn about our Baby’s Own Bed program, visit berriencounty.org/706/Infant-Safe-Sleep

12/15/2025

Teens who misuse prescription drugs face a range of serious consequences, including health problems, school drop out and involvement with the legal system. Prevention starts with awareness.

Start meaningful talks with your teen using these resources:

The Substance Abuse Prevention program seeks to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for all children and families in Berrien County.

12/12/2025

Feeling more stressed than joyful this holiday season? You are not alone. Less daylight, more demands and the potential for isolation can take a toll on mental health.

Here are a few gentle reminders:

🚫It’s OK to say no to extra events or spending that stretches your budget.

🛌Try to keep a routine with sleep, physical activity and balanced meals to support your mood.

💕If you feel lonely, reach out to a friend, join a community event or check in with a local support group. Connection matters.

For tips on easing stress, getting outside when you can, using simple relaxation techniques and recognizing when to reach out for help, visit the CDC’s managing stress page at https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html

📱If stress, sadness or isolation are making it hard to get through the day, reach out to your health care provider or a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

12/10/2025

❤️ Caring for others is one of life’s most meaningful roles — but caregivers need care and support, too.

Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan has launched Mi Caregiver Connection, an online hub that links caregivers to community services, programs and helpful resources across the state.

Mi Caregiver Connection is your starting point for finding real, local support. Whether you’re helping a parent, partner or friend, help is available.

Learn more at 4ami.org/mi-caregiver-connection

12/09/2025

👶🏾 Attention, first-time moms! Our Nurse-Family Partnership team is here to help make your journey smoother. We offer support with pregnancy, parenting tips, child safety, career goals and more. Your nurse becomes a mentor, coach and someone you can truly count on. 🫶

The best part? It’s FREE for first-time moms in Berrien County!

Sign up today to learn more: https://www.berriencounty.org/650/Nurse-Family-Partnership-NFP

12/08/2025

As you prepare for holiday gatherings, we’re offering food safety tips to help make sure the season is healthy and festive for everyone.

Read the full list of tips at https://www.berriencounty.org/Admin/DocumentCenter/Document/View/23255/Holiday-food-safety

12/05/2025

Special thanks to the Cook Plant Foundation for awarding us a $5,000 grant for our Baby’s Own Bed program! 🥳

Cook Plant Foundation Vice President Kelly Ferneau hand-delivered the check yesterday to our Benton Harbor office. She was joined by Health Officer Guy Miller, Family Programs Manager Miranda Bronicki Dopp and Community Resource Navigator Jasmine Holloway to celebrate the partnership.

The grant dollars will be used to buy infant safe sleep supplies for our Baby’s Own Bed program. Learn more about Baby’s Own Bed at https://www.berriencounty.org/706/Infant-Safe-Sleep

Helping Berrien County Infants (And Their Parents) Sleep Well

The Cook Plant Foundation is proud to support the Berrien County Health Department's Baby's Own Bed Program with a grant for $5,000! The program provides much needed individual bedding supplies and educational materials that remind parents of the "ABCs" of safe infant sleeping: "Alone" on their "Back" in their own empty "Crib."

Pictured here from left to right are: Miranda Bronicki, Berrien County Health Department Family Programs Manager; Jasmine Holloway, Berrien County Health Department Community Resource Navigator; Kelly Ferneau, AEP Executive Vice President & Chief Nuclear Officer and Cook Plant Foundation Vice President; and Guy Miller, Berrien County Health Department Health Officer.

12/03/2025

Need help finding affordable health insurance? We’re here to guide you through your options and help you enroll in the program that fits your needs. Our staff will work with you to determine your eligibility and make the process easy.

Call 269.927.5660 to connect with our medical social worker for personalized assistance and learn more at https://www.berriencounty.org/775/Health-Care-Assistance

12/02/2025

Did you know that teens who misuse prescription drugs often get them from their home?

Prevention – like purchasing a lockbox – and education can make a difference. Find conversation guides and prevention resources here:

The Substance Abuse Prevention program seeks to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for all children and families in Berrien County.

12/01/2025

In recognition of World AIDS Day, we’re encouraging community members to check out our accessible and confidential HIV prevention, testing and education services.

Learn more at https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2438

11/26/2025

Our offices will be closed to the public starting at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 26). They’ll also be closed all day tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 27) and Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

We look forward to seeing you when our offices reopen Monday, Dec. 1. For access to many of our services and resources 24/7, visit bchdmi.org