OC Department of Public Health

11/26/2025

Traveling with baby this holiday season?

As you head out to celebrate with loved ones, remember that safe sleep goes with you! Here are key reminders for travel:

✅ Plan ahead: Arrange for a safe sleep space at hotels and your destination. If a hotel provides a crib, confirm it meets current safety standards.

💤 Keep it simple: Baby needs a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only—no blankets, bumpers, or soft toys in the sleep area. Use a wearable blanket instead.

💬 Share current guidelines: Safe sleep recommendations have evolved over the years—share updates with grandparents and other caregivers.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/SafeSleep

11/25/2025

Gathering with loved ones this week? Johns Hopkins shares helpful tips for reducing the spread of respiratory illness during holiday celebrations.

11/24/2025

Thawing your turkey? Here's a quick refresher with three safe thawing methods:

🧊 Refrigerator Method (safest): Allow 1 day for every 4-5 pounds.

💧 Cold Water Method: Keep turkey in original wrapping, submerge in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.

⚡ Microwave Method: Check your microwave manual for size limits. Allow about 6 minutes per pound and rotate frequently.

Don't thaw your turkey on the counter, in the garage or on the back porch, in a paper or plastic bag, or in the dishwasher—these methods aren't safe!

If your turkey is still frozen on Thursday morning, you can cook it frozen. It will take longer— add an extra 2 hours for every 4 hours of cook time.

Learn more about safe thawing, proper cooking, and how to store and use leftovers at fightbac.org/winter/talking-turkey.

11/05/2025

If you or someone you know relies on SNAP to stretch their food dollars, please share this important information about extra support from Double Up Food Bucks Michigan, good now through December 31.

Important News for SNAP + Double Up Shoppers in Michigan: Starting November 1, you can receive $40 in Bonus Bucks to spend on fresh or frozen fruits & veggies. No extra SNAP purchase needed!

💳 If you shop with the Double Up card, $40 will automatically be added to your account.

💰 If you shop with Double Up tokens or coupons, show your Michigan Bridge Card at checkout at participating Double Up locations and you can receive $40 in printed vouchers.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a limit of one per customer while supplies last.

👉 Learn more and please SHARE this post: doubleupfoodbucks.org/bonus-bucks/

10/30/2025

We're expanding our hours again!

We know we've only recently made changes to operating hours at our Environmental Sustainability Centers. We appreciate your patience as we work to find hours that serve the community best while ensuring safe operations and managing visitor flow at the sites. Starting MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, we're implementing new expanded hours to better serve you and improve safety at all four locations.

📍 Holland (14053 Quincy St.): Tuesday & Thursday, 8am-2pm
📍 Grand Haven (16850 Comstock): Monday & Wednesday, 8am-2pm, and 3rd Saturday of the month, 8am-11am
📍 Georgetown (6693 Roger Dr.): Tuesday & Thursday, 8am-2pm, and 1st Saturday of the month, 8am-11am
📍 Coopersville (15600 68th Ave.): Monday, 12pm-4pm & Wednesday, 8am-12pm

These expanded hours will help reduce wait times and spread out traffic throughout the week. Weekend access alternates between our northwest (Grand Haven) and southeast (Georgetown) locations for regional convenience.

New to our recycling centers? Watch our video to see the recycling and composting services available to help you care for the places you live, work, learn, and play!

If you have questions, call us at (616) 393-5645 or visit miottawa.org/recycle.

09/19/2025

🌱 Environmental Sustainability Center Hours Update 🌱

Starting Monday, September 22, our Environmental Sustainability Center schedules are changing!

NEW WEEKDAY SCHEDULE:
📍 Monday - Coopersville (9 AM - 5 PM)
📍 Tuesday - Georgetown (9 AM - 5 PM)
📍 Wednesday - Grand Haven (9 AM - 5 PM)
📍 Thursday - Holland (9 AM - 5 PM)
Note: All locations are closed from 1-2 PM

SATURDAY HOURS (8 AM - 12 PM):
🗓️ 1st Saturday - Georgetown
🗓️ 2nd Saturday - Holland
🗓️ 3rd Saturday - Coopersville
🗓️ 4th Saturday - Grand Haven

Visit miottawa.org/recycle for information on the centers, memberships, and more. Or give us a call at (616) 393-5780. We're here to help you with all your environmental sustainability needs!

09/18/2025

⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE ⚠️

We will NOT be accepting water samples tomorrow, September 19, due to our laboratory vendor being unavailable for pickup.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Water sample collection will resume on Monday, September 22 during our normal business hours.

If you have questions about water testing, please contact us at (616) 393-5645 or visit our website at miottawa.org/well-septic.

07/23/2025

Thank you to Ottawa County Parks and Recreation for partnering with us to bring this important educational session to our community! Together, we provided essential information about protecting yourself and your family from ticks (Lyme disease), mosquitoes (West Nile virus), and rabies.

📹 Missed the session? Watch the full recording to learn valuable prevention tips: https://youtu.be/C2_8txQtd8c?si=rDTRfyl7jT45Z-k1

⚠️ With our recent confirmation of the first rabid bat of 2025 in Ottawa County, this educational content is especially timely. Knowledge is your best defense when enjoying the great outdoors!

The OC Department of Public Health recently hosted a helpful session on how they track ticks & mosquitoes, shared tips to protect you and your family from diseases they may carry, and touched on the topic of rabies. 🦟

🎥 Watch the recorded session to learn how to stay safe outdoors this summer 👉 https://youtu.be/C2_8txQtd8c?si=rDTRfyI7jT45Z-k1

07/18/2025

🦇 IMPORTANT: First rabies-positive bat found in Ottawa County this year

While it's just one bat, rabies is 100% fatal if untreated – but completely preventable with proper precautions. Bats are most active May through September, so now is the time to stay informed.

If you find a bat: 🚫 Don't touch or release it 📞 Call OCDPH at 616-396-5266 to see if it needs testing 🏥 Seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched 📋 Safe collection instructions: www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html

Of particular concern: If you find a bat in a room where someone was sleeping or with an unattended child or adult who cannot communicate clearly – contact us immediately, even if you don't see any bites.

Keep your family safe: ✅ Vaccinate pets (even indoor cats!) ✅ Never touch or handle wild animals ✅ Call your vet immediately if pets encounter wildlife

Remember: Wild animals can carry rabies without looking sick. Taking these simple steps protects everyone in our community.

Questions? Visit our website or call 616-396-5266.

07/18/2025

🏫 Schedule your child’s health appointments now to beat the rush!

WHO NEEDS DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHOOL?

Students entering:
- Kindergarten
- 7th Grade
- Students who are new to any district

CHOOSE YOUR APPOINTMENT OPTION:

✅ OPTION 1: Vaccination Records

Contact your child's healthcare provider to:
- Review vaccination records
- Catch up on any missing vaccines
- Ensure school receives updated documentation

📋 OPTION 2: Waiver Documentation

Call OCDPH to schedule a required education session:
- Learn about vaccination benefits and disease risks
- Receive state-certified waiver documentation

KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES: Don't forget your child also needs hearing and vision and oral health screenings! Schedule these appointments early along with your other appointments.

🌟 WHY SCHEDULE NOW?
⏰ Avoid the August appointment rush
📅 More appointment times available
😌 Less stress for the whole family

📞 READY TO SCHEDULE?

For waiver, hearing and vision, or oral health appointments:
Call OCDPH: (616) 396-5266

For vaccination records:
Contact your child's healthcare provider

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Students without proper vaccination documentation may be excluded from school until requirements are met.

07/08/2025

🌊 Do you know what "Flip, Float, Follow" means? 🌊

Our water safety newsletter is packed with helpful tips and information to make your summer on the water safe and fun.

Inside you'll find:

✅ The "Flip, Float, Follow" technique for rip currents
✅ How to help someone in trouble using "Throw, Row, Go"
✅ Where to find weekly beach water testing results
✅ What to know about harmful algal blooms
✅ Updates about Grand Haven channel dredging this summer
✅ Public pool safety and sun protection tips

Whether you're a regular at Lake Michigan beaches or just planning a few pool days, this newsletter has everything you need to stay informed and enjoy your summer water activities to the fullest!

Find all of our tips here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOTTAWA/bulletins/3e5f4af

07/03/2025

Our Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Weekend!

🦟PROTECT AGAINST MOSQUITOES & TICKS

Environmental Public Health detected Jamestown Canyon Virus in a mosquito this week. There have been no human cases reported, but this is a good time to remember how to avoid being bitten.

Simple protection steps:
✅ Use EPA-approved repellent with DEET or picaridin
✅ Wear long sleeves/pants when possible
✅ Remove standing water around your home
✅ Do tick checks after outdoor activities

🏖️ WATER SAFETY
• Don't swim if you are sick, including with any symptom like diarrhea
• Shower before and after swimming
• Avoid swallowing lake or river water
• Always supervise children - NO LIFEGUARDS at county parks
• Check beach water quality updates at miottawa.org/beachwatch

🔥 GRILLING SAFETY
• Wash hands before and after handling food
• Use a food thermometer for safe cooking temperatures
• Keep cold foods below 41°F, hot foods above 135°F
• Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods (salads, fruits, chips)
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Have a safe holiday weekend, Ottawa County!