First District Health Unit

03/24/2026

We’ve officially wrapped up our Community Health Survey — and we are so grateful for the incredible response from our communities! Every single person who took the time to share their input helped us better understand local needs and continue working toward stronger, healthier communities.

As a thank-you, participants had the option to enter a drawing for one of four Amazon gift cards. We’re excited to announce our winners:

🎉 Tateanna from Ward County
🎉 Heather from McHenry County
🎉 Kari from Ward County
🎉 Brenda from McLean County

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you again to everyone who participated. Your voice truly makes a difference!

03/17/2026

Nancy from our McHenry County office participated in the Stop the Bleed training held at the Drake Fire Hall, where participants learned lifesaving skills. Thank you to NDSU Extension- McHenry County for hosting this important community training!

Learn more and find future classes at the link below. ⬇️
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/farm-safety-health/farm-safety/stop-bleed

03/13/2026

Going out this weekend? 👀
If your car stays parked overnight, you might come back to a little surprise on your windshield! ☕
We’re thanking the many people in our community who make the safe choice.

Thank you to The Station and Ryan Family Dealerships for partnering with us to celebrate safe choices in our community. This initiative is supported by First District Health Unit through funding from the Partnership for Success Grant.

03/13/2026

Planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? 🍀

We’re sharing this resource from the Vision Zero initiative to help keep our roads and community safe.
$10 off Lyft or Uber rides March 13–17 (or while codes last).
Plan ahead and choose a sober ride home. Get the code here:
https://visionzero.nd.gov/strategies/ImpairedDriving/NDSoberRide/

03/10/2026

Our WIC team recently finished a fun filled series of classroom visits with nearly 80 second graders!

During their time together, students explored new foods, read books, played BINGO, made crafts, shared lots of giggles, and learned what a balanced day of eating looks like for a growing second grader. 🍎

Ask your second grader what they learned about healthy foods!

03/05/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month💙
Luckily, screening doesn’t have to be dramatic. First District Health Unit offers non-invasive Cologuard screening, an at-home option that makes it easier to stay on top of your health.
Learn more about Cologuard screening here: https://fdhu.org/tips-for-healthy-living/colorectal_cancer_screening/

03/02/2026

This one’s for the creative kids and teens! 🎨

The Sun Safety Poster Contest is open for ages 8–19. Check out the details and encourage a young artist to enter! 😎

The Sun Safety Poster Contest is back! 😎 We are excited to see what creative designs you submit this year.

Only posters that are hand-drawn or produced with software such as Canva or PowerPoint in JPG or PNG files types will be accepted. All entries must be digitally uploaded on the North Dakota Cancer Coalition website; no mailed or emailed entries will be accepted.

Posters will be judged in two age divisions: pr***en (ages 8 to 12) and teen (ages 13 to 19). Posters will be judged on their general appearance and how well they present messages about sun safety. Winners in both age divisions will receive $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. North Dakota Cancer Coalition

Learn more rules and submit your design >>> bit.ly/sunsafe2026

03/02/2026

If you or someone in your family works on a farm or ranch, this is a great opportunity to learn valuable safety tips and first aid.

Check out the details in the shared post and be sure to sign up if you're interested!

****Cancelled due to low registration****

‼️ Don’t forget to sign up ‼️ Farm & Ranch Safety Course – Free & Hands-On! 🌾🚜

Join us for an important Farm & Ranch Safety Course focused on lifesaving skills and practical knowledge to help prevent accidents and respond quickly during farm and ranch emergencies.

📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM CT
📍 NDSU North Central Research Extension
5400 Hwy 83 S, Minot, ND

🩺 Hands-on learning topics include:
• Stop the Bleed® training (limited to the first 20)
• Basic First Aid
• Grain Bin Safety

🍽️ Dinner provided
✅ Free — registration required

👉 Register here or scan the QR code on the flyer:
🔗 ndsu.ag/farmranchsafety
(Select: Ward County – Thursday, March 5, 2026)

This training is open to farmers, ranchers, family members, and anyone involved in agricultural work. Please share with anyone who may benefit! 🚜❤️

02/27/2026

It’s officially here! 🚗☕

Our Thank You for Not Driving campaign kicks off this weekend, and we’re celebrating the many people in our community who choose the safe option and leave their car overnight instead of driving impaired.

A big thank you to our partners, The Station and Ryan Family Dealerships, for helping us turn appreciation into action.

Heading out this weekend? Make a plan. If your car stays put, you just might find a small thank you waiting on your windshield.

Check out the full KX News story below to learn more!

In North Dakota, 36% of fatal crashes are alcohol related. That's why First District Health Unit is saying thank you to the people who don't drive after drinking. Read more: https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/minot-drunk-driving-prevention-campaign/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KX_News

02/27/2026

Collaboration makes community health stronger. 💙

Our staff recently partnered with MSU Nursing students to host a Self Care Fair focused on prevention, education, and easy access to services. Attendees were able to check their blood pressure, learn more about heart health and cancer screening options, receive important vaccines, and take advantage of no cost Hepatitis C and HIV testing.

Thank you to the MSU nursing students for teaming up with us and to everyone who stopped by to check in on their health!

02/25/2026

Our Environmental Health staff recently completed their HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) refresher training.

HAZWOPER training equips our staff with the skills to safely assess hazardous sites, respond to spills and emergencies, use PPE correctly, and communicate risks clearly in order to protect both themselves and the public in the event of an environmental emergency.

For anyone who remembers the “2319!” scene from Monsters, Inc., yes, the resemblance crossed our minds too. No socks were harmed in the making of this training. 🧦

02/24/2026

MCHENRY COUNTY - Next week is your chance to learn how to Stop the Bleed.

In an emergency, minutes matter. This class teaches hands-on skills to help control severe bleeding until help arrives.

If you’ve been meaning to sign up, now’s the time! 👉 Register using the link in the shared post.

Stop the Bleed is coming to Drake!

Join us for a morning discussing rural and farm safety and walk away from the training with critical first aid skills to control a bleed in an emergency situation.

Learn more and register here:
ndsu.ag/drakestb