Berrien County Health Department

09/08/2025

🌪️🌧️🔥 September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and we’re reminding you that the best time to prepare for the unexpected is now.

Here are some must-do tips to get started:

🗺️ Create a family emergency plan: Include evacuation routes, safe meeting points and emergency contacts.

📞 Develop a communication strategy: Identify a central contact and backup ways to stay in touch.

🎒 Build an emergency kit: Stock up on water, nonperishable food, first aid supplies, medications, batteries, flashlights and a radio.

📻 Stay informed: Follow reliable sources for local news, weather alerts and official updates.

🏡 Secure your home: Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors. Anchor heavy furniture and address hazards.

🤝 Engage with your community: Partner with neighbors, attend workshops or join drills to build resilience together.

Register for the Berrien County Office of Emergency Management’s B-WARN! emergency alert service for voice or text notifications at https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721604/login

You’re also encouraged to download the FEMA App, which provides severe weather alerts for specific cities or ZIP codes and is available for both iOS and Android users: https://www.ready.gov/fema-app

09/05/2025

Struggling with substance use? Help is available.

In Michigan, you can walk into any Michigan State Police post during business hours and ask for help with substance use.

Here’s what happens next:

✅ You will receive a professional substance use disorder assessment and treatment intake.

✅ A caring Angel program volunteer will support you and provide transportation to a treatment facility.

You’re not alone – help is here.

Learn more at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/grantscommunityservices/angel

09/03/2025

September marks Sexual Health Awareness Month, and we’re reminding community members about our comprehensive Sexual Health Clinic services and prevention education resources:

🩵Our Sexual Health Clinic provides accessible and nonjudgmental services through in-person and telehealth appointments. Fast-track testing and walk-in services are also available to offer peace of mind.

💚Our Taking Pride in Prevention program provides both abstinence and contraception education to individuals ages 12-19, empowering young people to make informed choices and help build community awareness around sexual health.

➡️Learn more about our Sexual Health Clinic and TPIP program at https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2389

09/02/2025

Protect your children from the harmful effects of long-term pot use. SAMHSA notes long-term pot use can be linked to a variety of mental health issues. Other organizations like CDC state there is an association between pot use and schizophrenia, especially for those who use pot frequently and at a young age.

Learn more about the mental and physical impacts of long-term underage pot use at

This educational campaign about recreational and medical ma*****na was created to provide resources for parents, teens, schools, and more! Explore the pages below to find out more.  

08/29/2025

Our offices are closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day.

We’ll be back at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. For access to many of our services and resources 24/7, visit bchdmi.org.

08/27/2025

As you prepare for Labor Day weekend cookouts, follow these food safety tips to make sure the holiday is enjoyable for everyone:

👐🏿 Wash your hands often.

🧼 Clean all surfaces where food will be prepared or consumed with hot, soapy water.

🍴 Clean your cooking utensils after each use with warm, soapy water.

🥶 Keep food cold and under 41degrees until it’s ready to be cooked or consumed.

🧃 Store beverages separately from food to maintain a cool temperature. Beverage coolers are opened more frequently, letting hot air in.

🐟 Cook all meat and seafood at the recommended minimum temperature.

🥩 Pack raw meat and seafood separately from prepared food to avoid contamination.

Read more food safety tips at https://www.berriencounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/22007/Safe-Food-Handling-Tips-for-Summer-Gatherings

08/25/2025

🌪️ August is Emergency Management Awareness Month 🌩️

Are you and your loved ones ready for the unexpected? Taking a few simple steps now can make all the difference when it matters the most.

Here are ways to get prepared:

📍 Know your evacuation routes.
⚠️ Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
👜 Build and update your emergency supply kit.
📱 Create a family communication plan.
🔋 Keep backup charging options for your devices.
💊 Make sure you have important medications on hand.

Plus, register for the Berrien County Office of Emergency Management’s B-WARN! emergency alert service that provides voice or text notifications: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721604/login

You’re also encouraged to download the FEMA App, which provides severe weather alerts for specific cities or ZIP codes and is available for both iOS and Android users: https://www.ready.gov/fema-app

Stay safe, stay ready and protect the people you care about.

👉 Learn more at Ready.gov

08/22/2025

Measles can cause serious health problems, especially in kids. Symptoms can take up to 21 days to show up.

Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. Unvaccinated people who are exposed to the disease have a 90 percent chance of getting sick.

Learn more about our MMR vaccine and schedule an appointment at https://www.berriencounty.org/639/Immunizations

08/20/2025

🚨 Reminder! Our free Narcan® training events are NEXT WEEK!

Don’t miss your chance to learn how to prevent an overdose and pick up a free rescue kit:

🗓️ Aug. 27 (Benton Harbor – 2149 E. Napier Ave.)
🗓️ Aug. 28 (Niles – 1205 N. Front St.)

Registration is required at https://berrienpublichealthdeptscheduling.as.me/schedule/f0de5eef/?calendarIds=7104609 or by calling 269.927.5622

Narcan training is a vital step in helping community members respond quickly and effectively to an overdose – and save a life. Help us create a safer Berrien County by signing up today!

08/18/2025

A common misconception is that pot is not addictive. Not only can pot be addictive, but teens can also develop a physiological dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms, according to the American Addiction Centers. Withdrawal symptoms could include irritability, anxiety, insomnia and disturbing dreams.

Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline for free, confidential support for substance use disorders at 800.662.4357 and find more information about the risks of teen pot use at https://www.berriencounty.org/1580/Get-the-Dirt-on-W**d

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08/15/2025

Help save a life. Join us for a FREE drive-thru Narcan® training at our Benton Harbor or Niles location. The trainings are offered 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. on the following days:

🗓️ Aug. 27 (Benton Harbor – 2149 E. Napier Ave.)
🗓️ Aug. 28 (Niles – 1205 N. Front St.)

The training takes just 15 minutes, and each participant gets a free rescue kit that includes Narcan. Registration required; must be 18+.

Visit https://berrienpublichealthdeptscheduling.as.me/schedule/f0de5eef/?calendarIds=7104609 or call 269.927.5622 to sign up!

Schedule your appointment online Berrien County Health Department

08/13/2025

🌟Set your child up for success this school year with state-required hearing, vision and dental screenings and immunizations. Check these requirements off your list all in one spot at our fun circus-themed Back-to-School Bash:

⏰ 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
🗓️ Thursday, Aug. 21
📍 BCHD Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Ave.

We’ll have:
-State-required immunizations for all school-age kids (some costs may apply)
-Hearing and vision screenings for incoming kindergarteners (first come, first served)
-Dental screenings and giveaways from Van Buren Dental
-Free games, giveaways, cotton candy and popcorn (while supplies last)

PLUS: The first 250 attendees get a cool drawstring bag, thanks to our sponsor Honor Credit Union!

We’re looking forward to getting ready for the school year with you!

More details at https://www.berriencounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2383