Panhandle Health District

Panhandle Health District Prevent disease, disability and premature death; Promote healthy lifestyles; Protect the environment Maries.

Come see us at any of our 5 offices located in Bonners Ferry, Hayden, Sandpoint, Kellogg or St. Panhandle Health District provides dozens of services to families, individuals and organizations in northern Idaho, some of which are provided on a sliding fee scale. Our team of nurses, nutritionists, epidemiologists, health educators, and environmental health specialists work to keep our community saf

e and healthy. Services include:
Primary care clinic
WIC nutritional benefits program
Disease prevention and investigation
Family planning
Immunizations
Oral health
Home health therapy and companionship
Injury prevention
Group weight loss programs
STI/STD testing and treatment
Tobacco cessation and prevention
Restaurant inspections
Food licensing
Aquifer water protection
Septic system permits and management
Land development
Child care resources and inspections
Small public water systems
Disaster preparedness

PLEASE NOTE: Comments that attack or are intended to harass an individual, group, or organization are unacceptable and will be promptly removed. Comments sharing personal health information may be removed to comply with HIPAA rules. Panhandle Health District does not discriminate against any views, but reserves the right to remove posted comments that do not adhere to these standards. TERMS & CONDITIONS: This is the official page of the Panhandle Health District (PHD). This page is monitored and managed by the District’s communications staff. We encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas on topics being discussed, but have rules in place to encourage civil discourse. Before posting on this page, please review the terms below:
• A posting on this page constitutes acceptance of these terms.
• The District reserves the right to delete any content without warning or explanation.
• PHD reserves the right to remove and/or block anyone who posts inappropriate material as determined by PHD.
• PHD reserves the right to delete any posts by individuals, businesses, organizations and/or causes deemed by PHD to be an advertisement or inaccurate information.
• PHD reserves the right to remove any comments that are inappropriate or offensive including comments that: defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or violate the legal rights of others; include racism, hatred, slander, threats, obscenity, violence, vulgarity, spam or advertisements; have personal information about another person or that violate a person's privacy interests; include copyrighted material belonging to another person; contain links to other websites.
• PHD does not allow posting of memes, GIFs, or photos by anyone other than PHD.

Summer may be winding down, but ticks are still active!Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-reg...
08/08/2025

Summer may be winding down, but ticks are still active!
Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-registered repellent, and sticking to clear trails. After outdoor activities, check for ticks (especially underarms, behind knees, and along the hairline) and shower within two hours. If you’re feeling unwell after a tick bite, call Panhandle Health District at 208-415-5270 to speak with a provider. Stay tick-aware through the end of the season!

Panhandle Health District (PHD) in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW) and Idaho Departme...
08/07/2025

Panhandle Health District (PHD) in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have issued a public health advisory for the Chuck Slough in Sandpoint, ID (see map of advisory area). Recent water sampling by DEQ indicates the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as a harmful algal bloom (HAB). The advisory is based on the field observations, water sample results, potential public health impacts, and the recommendation of DEQ. The public should take precaution throughout the lake as HABs can spread and move with wind and water traffic.

Idaho’s active HAB advisories are listed here: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories.

Private domestic water system owners utilizing the lake as a drinking water source are cautioned that potentially present cyanobacteria cannot be removed by boiling or filtering the water. If contact (swimming, bathing, or showering) has been made with water containing a HAB, it is recommended to wash off with fresh water.

If people choose to eat fish from the lake, it is recommended that they remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, since toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues.

Symptoms of exposure to HABs vary according to exposure. Symptoms can include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and/or wheezing. More severe symptoms affecting the liver and nervous system may result from ingestion of water. If symptoms persist, consult with your health care provider or your veterinarian for pet exposure.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water. Caution should be taken anywhere the water appears discolored or murky as HABs can spread or move with wind and water currents. HABs have the potential to produce dangerous toxins especially when accumulated in high concentrations. The physical
appearance of these blooms can vary, presenting as discolored water, streaks or globs of scum and can cause thick green mats along lake shorelines. Pets, children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at-risk of harmful exposure.

The public is urged to use caution when recreating in or near the water if the appearance of a HAB is present.

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at:
https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

Idaho’s active HAB advisories are listed here: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories

Our telehealth appointments make it easy to connect with trusted medical professionals - no commute required! Whether yo...
08/06/2025

Our telehealth appointments make it easy to connect with trusted medical professionals - no commute required! Whether you're insured, on Medicare/Medicaid, or uninsured, we’ve got you covered. Serving all of North Idaho!

Text/Call: 208-415-5270 to schedule today!

08/05/2025

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵
Take the month of August to reset and refocus on your well-being. Find time to:
• Take 10-minute walks
• Eat more whole foods
• Talk to someone about stress
Small steps can make a big difference in your mental and physical health.

𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭?
Visit panhandlehealthdistrict.org for a full list of services designed to fit your needs... because your wellness matters all year long.

New at Panhandle Health District: Lactation Services!Starting August 1, we’re offering personalized breastfeeding suppor...
08/04/2025

New at Panhandle Health District: Lactation Services!

Starting August 1, we’re offering personalized breastfeeding support for new and expecting moms! Whether you're preparing for baby or navigating feeding challenges, our Board-Certified Lactation Consultants are here to help.

What’s included:
- One-on-one support (60–90 mins)
- Prenatal education (37+ weeks)
- Latch coaching & pumping guidance

8500 N Atlas Rd, Hayden, ID
Appointments open now - call 208.415.5130 or email jdansereau@phd1.idaho.gov to reserve your spot!

Know a teen ready to quit va**ng or smoking?Our free, 4-week in-person course is designed just for them... covering quit...
08/02/2025

Know a teen ready to quit va**ng or smoking?

Our free, 4-week in-person course is designed just for them... covering quitting strategies, stress management, decision-making skills, and more.

Wednesdays | Starting August 13th | 3:30–4:30 PM
Panhandle Health District, Hayden

Space is limited - register now!
Email Shalisha at smoreno@phd1.idaho.gov or call 208.415.5273 to reserve a spot today

At Panhandle Health District, we believe health isn't one-size-fits-all. Whether you're working to manage diabetes, plan...
07/31/2025

At Panhandle Health District, we believe health isn't one-size-fits-all. Whether you're working to manage diabetes, planning for a healthy pregnancy, quitting to***co, or just trying to feel your best, we’re here to support you and your goals every step of the way!

Learn more and explore our full list of services: panhandlehealthdistrict.org

Bats play an important role in nature, but they can also carry rabies... a serious and deadly virus spread through bites...
07/29/2025

Bats play an important role in nature, but they can also carry rabies... a serious and deadly virus spread through bites or scratches. In Idaho, bats are the main source of rabies exposure.

If you or your pet comes into contact with a bat (even indoors) call Panhandle Health District immediately! Stay safe. Stay informed.

Learn more here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/wildlife/disease/rabies

🎉 BUBBLE PALOOZA in Kellogg! 🫧Join .states.ehs,  ,   and Panhandle Health District for a morning of fun with bubbles, mu...
07/28/2025

🎉 BUBBLE PALOOZA in Kellogg! 🫧
Join .states.ehs, , and Panhandle Health District for a morning of fun with bubbles, music, stories, art, and more!
📅 Date: August 14, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Kellogg City Park, 2 Hill St., Kellogg, ID

Event is Free and all families are welcome! Free books (while supplies last) and storytime. Activities are geared towards ages 0-3.

Stay safe around water this summer! Swimming is a fun way to cool off, but it’s important to stay safe around pools and ...
07/25/2025

Stay safe around water this summer! Swimming is a fun way to cool off, but it’s important to stay safe around pools and open water. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1-4. It can happen in seconds, often silently, even when kids aren't supposed to be swimming.

Keep your family safe with these must-know tips:
* Active supervision is key. Always watch kids near water, even if it’s a small amount of water.
* Blue and green swimsuits blend in. Dress your child in bright, contrasting colors like red, pink, or orange so you can easily see them under water!
* Teach kids to never swim alone, no matter their skill level.
* Learn CPR. It could mean the difference between life and death.

For more important tips to prevent drowning (even when it’s not swim time), check out this helpful resource from : https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Pool-Dangers-Drowning-Prevention-When-Not-Swimming-Time.aspx

Notice something off in the water like weird colors, foam, or a greenish scum? It could be a harmful algal bloom! Report...
07/23/2025

Notice something off in the water like weird colors, foam, or a greenish scum? It could be a harmful algal bloom!

Report it to DEQ at deq.idaho.gov/habs, and remember - even if there’s no official advisory, it’s better to play it safe. Keep pets out, bring clean water, and when in doubt, stay out!

07/21/2025

Panhandle Health District’s PAT program is a FREE, voluntary, evidence-based resource for families with children prenatal to age 5. 💙 From boosting school readiness to supporting healthy development, our certified educators are here to walk with you every step of the way!

Available in Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary & Shoshone counties.
Call (208) 415-5298 | Text (208) 661-3493

Address

8500 N Atlas Road
Hayden, ID
83835

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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