Barren River District Health Department

01/13/2026

At this time, there is NO change to WIC Nutrition Education or WIC Food Packages, as a result of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) released on January 8th, 2026. ✅

If you're interested in reading about the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can view them here — https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Learn more about the WIC program here! — https://www.barrenriverhealth.org/services/wic-program

01/13/2026

We're here for you — no matter where you are in your recovery journey. 🤲

The Exchange provides free harm reduction supplies and recovery information for any community member.

The Exchange is open in five Barren River counties. Find one near you — https://www.barrenriverhealth.org/services/harm-reduction

01/12/2026

As sick season continues, teach your kids how to cover their coughs and sneezes! 🤧

Teach them to...
1️⃣ Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue or their elbow (upper sleeve area).
2️⃣ Toss tissue into the trash.
3️⃣ Wash or sanitize hands.

Learn more about healthy habits for coughing and sneezing — https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/coughing-and-sneezing.html

01/12/2026

Interested if you're eligible for the WIC program? One way you can be eligible is by income!

Learn more about our program and eligibility here — https://www.barrenriverhealth.org/services/wic-program

WIC is a nutritional assistance programs for families and children under 5 years old. 🥕

01/11/2026

01/10/2026

Great job, Lana 👏 We’re so thankful for our partnerships with other community organizations!

Community Action of Southern Kentucky Head Start Program held its monthly Policy Council Meeting Thursday, January 8, 2026. This month, the council recognized Lana McChesney for her five years of dedicated service on the Head Start Policy Council and continued involvement in community programs.

Pictured is Martin McNew, Children's Services Director for Community Action of Southern Kentucky and Lana McChesney, RN, CLC, and Local Health Nurse II with the Barren River District Health Department.

Thank you to Ms. McChesney for her support and involvement with Head Start Policy Council!

01/09/2026

There is a health department in every Barren River county, serving you right in your own community!

If you're looking for services, directly call a health department near you! 📞

Barren County — 270-651-8321
Butler County — 270-526-3221
Edmonson County — 270-597-2194
Hart County — 270-524-2511
Logan County — 270-726-8341
Metcalfe County — 270-432-3214
Simpson County — 270-586-8261
Warren County — 270-781-2490

https://www.barrenriverhealth.org/contact

01/09/2026

We’re excited to share that we’re hosting a FREE Chronic Disease Workshop in February! This interactive workshop is designed for anyone caring for or serving individuals impacted by chronic disease as well as those looking to start the year with a healthy mindset focused on prevention and long-term wellness. There are only 120 spots available, and those who RSVP will receive free lunch.

Healthcare professionals can earn 2.4 KBN continuing education hours for $10.

This will be an engaging and educational event you won’t want to miss—please register by Wednesday, January 21st, to reserve your spot! Check out the flyer for more information and scan the QR code or click the link to RSVP.
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8634450/BRIGHT-Workshop-2026

01/09/2026

Want to better your in 2026?! Start with CredibleMind! 💚

CredibleMind is a FREE platform where you can take mental health assessments, learn tools for managing your mental health, connect you with local resources, and more!

Check it out here — https://barrenriverhealth.crediblemind.com/

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, call 988. If you or a loved one is at risk for hurting yourself or others, call 911.

01/09/2026

Through the rest of the morning a broken line of gusty showers with a history of winds gusting between 35-45 mph will continue to work through southern IN and central KY. Isolated stronger gusts are possible with the overall severe threat low. With that said, strong gusty winds are the main threat but a brief, isolated tornado can not be completely ruled out.

Showers are expected to exit to the east by midday and then we will remain mostly dry and mild through later this evening.

01/09/2026

Need help quitting in 2026? There are FREE resources available to you and your loved ones! 🤝

Quit Now Kentucky and My Life My Quit (for teens) offers free coaching and resources for those wanting to quit smoking or va**ng.

Quit Now Kentucky — https://www.quitnowkentucky.org/en-us/
My Life My Quit — https://ky.mylifemyquit.org/en-us/

01/08/2026

Do you know if opioids are in your home, such as prescriptions from surgeries or leftover pain medicine? 💊

Overdose can happen anytime — whether someone in your home has a substance use disorder or not. Overdose can occur by accidentally mixing opioids with other medicines, taking an extra dose due to forgetfulness, and more.

If you have opioids in your home...
1️⃣ Dispose of unused or 'leftover' opioids at your local pharmacy.
2️⃣ Store currently-used opioids in a medication lockbox.
3️⃣ Have Narcan in your home, in case of an overdose.

If an overdose occurs...
1️⃣ Call 911.
2️⃣ Begin CPR.
3️⃣ Administer Narcan, wait 2-3 minutes for it to work.

You can get FREE Narcan at any one of our health departments. Find a location near you — https://www.barrenriverhealth.org/contact