Calhoun County Health Department

03/26/2026

Ticks are active in Illinois, and they’re not picky about where they bite. 👀
If you’re spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, or mushroom hunting, a few simple precautions can help prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.
✔ Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
✔ Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks
✔ Walk in the center of trails and avoid tall grass
✔ Check yourself, your kids, and pets for ticks daily
✔ Shower after spending time outdoors
If you find a tick, remove it quickly and watch for symptoms like a rash or fever.
Contact your doctor if you develop unexplained illness after a tick bite.
Learn more about tick bite prevention and what to watch for below.

03/11/2026

The "Sniff Test" is a Myth 👃

Bacteria that cause food poisoning (like Salmonella or E. coli) are invisible, odorless, and tasteless ninjas. You can't smell them! When in doubt, throw it out.

03/05/2026

Did you know we have an International Board-Certified lactation Counselor on staff? Our very own Rachel Klocke is an IBCLC!
To become IBCLC, she completed over 90 hours of continuing education in lactation, spent over 1000 hours providing breastfeeding counseling and support to families, and studied hard to pass the exam. Well done, Rachel!
IBCLCs are the highest-accredited experts specializing in breastfeeding and lactation care. Rachel and other staff members are available to help anyone in Jersey and Calhoun Counties with breastfeeding.

02/27/2026

The appeal of raw milk usually boils down to a desire for "natural" products or a belief that pasteurization kills off nutrients. If you are on any type of social media platform, raw milk is becoming a hip/trendy thing to consume because it's "all natural".

While the sentiment of wanting less-processed food is understandable, the science on this one is pretty firm: raw milk carries a high risk of making you very, very sick. Especially children, the elderly, pregnant women and immune-compromised.

Think of pasteurization like a seatbelt. You don't drive expecting to get into a wreck, and farmers don't milk cows expecting to get p**p in the bucket. But because cows are animals and farms are outdoors, "wrecks" (contamination) happen.

02/25/2026

Can you believe we are almost done with February?! March is coming and we are marching into wellness! 👟✨From food inspections to vaccinations, we’ve got your back. Which health goal are you smashing this March?

Here's one you and your family could try: Try to "Eat the Rainbow" by adding one new colorful fruit or veggie to your dinner tonight!

02/24/2026

After 18 remarkable years, we bid a fond farewell to Sandy Teichmann. Sandy joined the Health Department in October 2008, bringing a nurse’s heart to the WIC program. Her natural leadership saw her rise to Administrator in late 2019—just in time to steer our department through the greatest public health crisis of our generation.

Sandy didn’t just manage the COVID-19 pandemic; she led us through it with poise and a tireless focus on community well-being. Her legacy is one of resilience, professionalism, and deep-rooted compassion. We are a stronger department because of her 18 years of service.

Thank you for being the leader we needed and the person we’ve been honored to follow.

With deepest gratitude and best wishes for your next adventure,

— The Entire Health Department Team

01/28/2026

To every pumping mom:
You are doing something incredible.
Every ounce counts. Every session counts. You count.
Give yourself grace—you’re doing enough. 🤍

01/23/2026

Winter weather can change fast—being prepared makes all the difference.
Take a few minutes now to check your supplies, plan for power outages, and make sure your home and vehicle are winter-ready. Stock up on essentials, keep emergency contacts handy, and don’t forget to look out for neighbors who may need extra help.

Stay safe, stay warm, and be ready for whatever winter brings. ☃️

01/09/2026

Update on the WIC formula change.

12/23/2025

12/14/2025

Open to our Calhoun wic participants as well!! 🎅 🎄✨️

Jersey and Calhoun WIC families: Stop in and see us next week in the Jerseyville office for a holiday picture and you can make reindeer food and write a letter to Santa! We can't wait to see you!

12/01/2025

Due to the snow, CCHD will close at 1pm today. Be safe and stay warm!