Berrien County Health Department

11/06/2025

Attention, SNAP recipients: According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, you’ll receive partial payments for the month of November. Maximum SNAP payments will be reduced to 50%, MDHHS has announced.

If you are a SNAP recipient who needs food assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit Help4Berrien.org.

The State is expanding access to the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables. Call the Double Up Food Bucks hotline at 866.586.2796 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For answers to frequently asked questions about SNAP benefits and partial payments, visit http://michigan.gov/.../snap-education/snap-benefits-faq

If you are a community member who can help fill this need, the Berrien Community Foundation is collecting food donations at locations across Berrien County. For a list of the donation locations and needed food items, visit https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2426

11/06/2025

Colder weather is here – and so is cold and flu season! Stay healthy by using disinfectants safely to help prevent the spread of germs. Our friends at MDARD share these tips for using disinfectants:

📖 Read and follow directions on the label.
🧽 Make sure the surface you plan to disinfect is listed on the product label.
🧤 Wear gloves or other safety gear if the label says so.
🚫 Don’t mix cleaning products or use disinfectants on skin.
🔒 Keep all disinfectants out of reach of kids and pets.
🧼 Always wash your hands after use and let surfaces dry before touching them.

Extra tips: 🖐️ Handwashing is still your best defense. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles and phones for an extra layer of protection. Make sure your disinfectant is EPA-approved by looking for the registration number on the label.

11/05/2025

Join us and Meridian tomorrow (Nov. 6) for a lead testing and immunization event. After getting your lead test or immunization, you’ll receive a $25 Walmart gift card as a thank-you!

⏰ 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
📅 Thursday, Nov. 6
📍 1205 N. Front St. in Niles

For the blood test, a trained BCHD professional will do a quick poke of the child’s finger to draw a blood sample. Parents and guardians will receive test results immediately. If a child has elevated lead levels, they will be referred to the Health Department’s lead case manager, who will provide additional resources and support.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for residents at the event. Insurance will be billed when possible.

Questions? Call 269.684.2800.

💙 Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your family and protect your health.

11/04/2025

It’s time to talk. Nearly 1 in 8 Michigan high school students have engaged in prescription drug misuse. This risky behavior can lead to serious health and legal consequences.

Learn how to talk with your teen about the risks of prescription drug misuse:

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

11/03/2025

🚗 Buckle Up, Berrien! We’re teaming up with the Berrien County Sheriff's Office to launch Buckle Up Berrien, a countywide initiative dedicated to keeping kids safe on the road.

Join us for the FREE Buckle Up Berrien event 2–6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Niles Fire Department, 1345 E. Main St.

Attendees can receive:
✅ Free car seat safety inspections
✅ Child passenger safety tips
✅ Car seats for eligible households while supplies last. Child must be present.

This event coincides with National Injury Prevention Day and brings local law enforcement, health professionals and community partners together to make car seat safety more accessible across Berrien County.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2429

10/31/2025

🎃 🍬Happy Halloween! From checking candy to ensuring visibility with glow sticks and reflective tape, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shares these tips for a fun and safe night: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/halloween-safety-tips-costumes-candy-and-colored-contact-lenses

10/30/2025

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be paused on Nov. 1, leaving thousands of Berrien County residents who rely on these benefits in need of food.

If you are a SNAP recipient who needs food assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit Help4Berrien.org. For answers to frequently asked questions about your SNAP benefits and the pause, visit michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/food/snap-education/snap-benefits-faq.

If you are a community member who can help fill this need, the Berrien Community Foundation is collecting food donations at locations across Berrien County. For a list of the donation locations and needed food items, visit https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2426.

10/29/2025

🍂 As the days grow shorter, it's important to remember your mental health deserves care just like your physical health does. Fall can bring beautiful moments but also challenges like increased stress and seasonal mood changes.

Take care of your mental health by:

-Staying connected to friends, neighbors and loved ones.

-Staying active with things that feel productive and fun.

-Limiting the time you spend on social media, news sites and other digital platforms so your mind can recharge.

-Practicing deep breathing exercises, mindfulness and other methods of meditation.

For other helpful tips and resources to support your mental well-being, visit https://www.berriencounty.org/1697/Mental-Health

10/28/2025

We want to take a moment to thank newly retired Donna Payne, who spent a decade with us – most recently as our clinical and health services manager. 💙

Donna has dedicated so many years to serving our community – through her work as a nurse and as a leader in public health. Her compassion, kindness and commitment have touched countless lives across Berrien County, and we’re so grateful for everything she’s done to make our community healthier and stronger.

Join us in celebrating Donna’s well-deserved retirement and read more about her remarkable career in this The Herald-Palladium article:

GALIEN — Donna Payne may have retired last week after her decades-long nursing career, but she said she’ll miss her coworkers and the work at the Berrien County Health Department.

10/27/2025

Do you know a first-time mom-to-be in Berrien County? You can help give her baby the best start in life! Through our Nurse-Family Partnership program, moms receive free home visits from a registered nurse during pregnancy through their child’s second birthday. 🏡❤️

💕 A little encouragement goes a long way – share this amazing program with a mom you love!

Register today: https://www.berriencounty.org/650/Nurse-Family-Partnership-NFP

10/24/2025

We’re offering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at our Benton Harbor and Niles offices. Appointments are available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday in Benton Harbor and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday in Niles.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends all adults, including pregnant individuals, get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s also recommended for all infants and children ages 6-23 months, children ages 2-18 who have risk factors and children older than 6 months whose parents want them to be vaccinated.

Schedule your appointment by calling 269.926.7121 and learn more about our immunization services at https://www.berriencounty.org/639/Immunizations

10/23/2025

Meet the WIC ambassador for Berrien County: Randi Askren.

Randi is ready to assist WIC clients with:

-Answering WIC-related questions.

-Using WIC benefits in store or over the phone.

-Providing support on the WIC Connect app, including resolving minor technical issues such as permission errors.

-Providing support on the WIC website: wichealth.org.

-Submitting WIC-related complaints.

Learn more about Randi, her support services and the WIC program at https://www.berriencounty.org/657/Women-Infants-Children-WIC