Macoupin County Public Health Department

04/01/2026

💙April is Prevent Child Abuse Month in Illinois and we come together to raise awareness, support families, and strengthen our communities.💙

Throughout April, watch for ways you can get involved and learn more. We will be sharing insider knowledge on topics related to healthy child development. These videos are designed to support parents, caregivers, and anyone who plays a role in a child’s life.

Follow along, learn with us, and help spread the message that strong families build strong communities. Together, we can help every child thrive.🌱

To learn more, visit https://www.preventchildabuseillinois.org/

03/31/2026

🏆 Please join us in celebrating MCPHD's February Employee of the Month, Katy Evans! Katy is a dental hygienist at our Columbian
Boulevard Dental Clinic and has been working with us at MCPHD for over 6 years! 💪

Katie's teamwork and friendly attitude contribute significantly to a positive work environment at Columbian Boulevard Dental Clinic. She stands out amongst her coworkers because of her excellent communication skills and her work ethic. Katie's patients love her because she goes above and beyond to help them feel comfortable. She is very knowledgeable in dentistry,
provides effective oral hygiene education to kids in a way they understand, and thoroughly discusses exam findings with patients.

With Katy’s training, she can help the dentists administer anesthesia which improves overall workflow. Katy's co-workers agree that she is an exceptional team player! Congratulations, Katy, well deserved!

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

Sometimes safety means pausing to protect life.

Extreme Risk Laws, also known as Firearm Restraining Orders, are a temporary, legal tool that can reduce harm during moments of crisis by limiting access to fi****ms while someone gets support and time to heal.

THese laws are about prevention, care, and community safety. They help families, friends, and loved ones step in before a situation turns tragic.

Learn how these protections work and when they can be used:
👉 illinois.gov/PauseToHeal
Education saves lives. Sharing information can too.

03/30/2026

Got Medicaid? 🩺💙 Don’t risk losing your coverage—keep your information up to date! ✅📬📱
Making sure your address, phone number, and email are current helps Illinois Medicaid reach you about renewals, important notices, and benefit updates 📄🔔. Missing a letter or message could lead to delays or even loss of coverage ❗⚠️. Take a few minutes to update your info and protect the health coverage you and your family rely on 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💪.

03/27/2026

🖍️ During the month of February, we invited Kindergarten through 5th grade students from all 8 Macoupin County school districts to participate in our National Heart Month art contest!

❤ Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and empowering children with knowledge early in life is a powerful way to combat it. To support this effort, participating teachers also received educational materials about how the heart works, ways to keep it healthy, and why heart health matters—resources they then shared with their students.

🏆Congratulations to this year's winners!🏆

Kindergarten: Gracelynn, North Mac Elementary
1st grade: Nico, Staunton Elementary
2nd grade: Brysen, Ben-Gil Elementary
3rd grade: Vanessa, Mt. Olive Elementary
4th grade: Lily, Ben-Gil Elementary
5th grade: Josie, Carlinville Intermediate

This is a fantastic achievement, as there were entries from all 8 Macoupin County school districts. Thank you to everyone who participated this year, we already look forward to next year's contest!

03/26/2026

⏰ ONE WEEK AWAY- Our community Fi****ms Safety Training is almost here!

Join us for an informative afternoon featuring speakers from Illinois State Police, Macoupin County Courthouse, & Safe Families.

Thursday, April 2 | 1–3pm
Carlinville Police Department
Pre-registration required for FREE firearm safe by March 29!
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/DAXBX9PQEW

Let’s make Macoupin County safer — together.

03/25/2026

Federal changes to SNAP mean Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will lose benefits on May 1, 2026 if:

• they have received SNAP for three months, and
• they have not met or were not exempt from work requirements.

Check if the new SNAP work requirements are being met: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

Stay up to date on the latest SNAP information: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov

03/25/2026

All MCPHD Community Health Centers will be closed this Friday, March 27th and Monday, March 30th. Medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance use treatment and recovery services will resume at the applicable locations on Tuesday, March 31st.

Locations include:

📍Maple Street Clinic | Gillespie | Medical, Dental, BH
📍Morgan Street Clinic | Carlinville | Dental, WIC
📍Oakland Avenue Behavioral Health Clinic | Carlinville | BH
📍St. Francis Way Clinic | Litchfield | SUD Treatment, BH
📍Columbian Boulevard Dental Clinic | Litchfield | Dental

03/23/2026

Protect what matters most. 🔒 Secure all your guns and help keep your family safe.

Learn more at EndFamilyFire.org.

03/20/2026

Poison Prevention Week: Safe Medication Storage Matters! 🔒💊

Every year, many families face scary moments when a child or loved one accidentally gets into medication. These situations can be overwhelming, but the good news is that simple, everyday habits can greatly reduce the risk.

Safe Medication Storage Tips:
- Hear the click, ensuring medications are fully closed after every use.
- Store all medications up high and out of sight, never on counters, nightstands, or purses.
- Lock medicines in a cabinet if possible, especially opioids or other high‑risk medications.
- Keep medicines in their original containers with labels intact.
- Safely dispose of unused or expired meds at a drug take‑back site.

📞 If a medication is taken incorrectly, swallowed by a child, or you’re unsure what to do, call Poison Control at 1‑800‑222‑1222 immediately. The call is FREE, confidential, and available 24/7.

Experts will walk you through exactly what to do with no judgement, just help.

If someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or unresponsive, call 911 right away.

Let’s work together to keep families safe this Poison Prevention Week!