Jackson County Health Department - Illinois

05/22/2026

We'll be closed next Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

05/21/2026

May is Women’s Health Month! At WIC, we recognize the importance of taking care of your health and well-being. This month, we encourage you to learn more about prioritizing your health! Think about some ways you can think about your wellbeing:

🩺Schedule routine doctor visits and screenings.
🏃‍♀️Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine!
🥗Maintain a balanced diet to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs!
📣Raise awareness by educating yourself and the women around you.

All of us at WIC are here to help you be your healthiest self! Visit jchdonline.org/wic or call 618-684-3143 ext. 120 for more information.

05/20/2026

Children are more likely to make safer choices when they have trusted adults they can talk to. Discussing the risks of opioids, alcohol, and other drugs helps children recognize unsafe situations and know when to ask for help.

Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources

05/19/2026

Children are at greatest risk for lead exposure because their small bodies are still growing and absorb more lead than adult bodies do. Learn more about protecting your family from lead poisoning at www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead

05/18/2026

211 is a free, statewide helpline that connects residents to essential health and human services. Trained community navigators assess needs and provide tailored referrals - 24 hours a day. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211illinois.org for help.

05/15/2026

Jackson County Health Department is hosting this year's Household Chemical Collection event on June 6, 2026, at the Banterra Center in Carbondale. Proper disposal of these household items keeps harmful chemicals from polluting the environment and becoming a health hazard. ⚠️

This event is open to all Illinois residents and is the only such event happening south of I-64.

Schedule an appointment to drop off your waste items: https://jchdonline.as.me/schedule/3e730ac1

05/14/2026

It's the World No To***co Day 5K, coming Satuday, May 30th, at John A. Logan College! This event is FREE! But you must sign up before May 29th! USE THIS LINK to sign everyone in your family up! The Jackson County Health Department is helping to raise awareness on the dangers of smoking and va**ng, a...

05/14/2026

Your septic system works hard. Follow these tips to keep your system healthy and your water protected!

• Keep water, cars, and trees off your drainfield.
• Only flush toilet paper—trash, wipes, and diapers go in the garbage.
• Limit grease, fats, and harsh chemicals down the drain.
• Stagger laundry and dishwasher use to avoid overload.
• Have your tank inspected and pumped regularly.
• Test your well water to keep it clean and safe.

05/13/2026

Did you know there’s something you can do to help prevent your baby from developing food allergies? Evidence shows that introducing of major food allergens early can significantly lower the risk of food allergies among children. 💡

You can introduce safely food allergens at the same time you start to offer other solid foods to your baby by taking steps like:
🔹 Paying attention to timing: Start offering food allergens to your baby when they are developmentally ready, around 4 to 6 months, when other solids are introduced.
🔹 Avoiding choking risks: Baby’s first foods should always be in baby friendly forms.
🔹 Being consistent: Any progress is a great start! The key is to be consistent and gradually increase the amount of each allergen they eat.
🔹 Offering lots of variety: While you don’t want to offer two new foods in the same meal, giving your baby a chance to try lots of different foods over time helps them experience different flavors, textures, and nutrients.
🔹 Keeping your healthcare and WIC team in the loop: Talk to your healthcare team and WIC clinic staff about food allergies early, even at your 1- or 3-month appointments or at WIC check-ins! They are here to support you with your feeding plans.

For more information on introducing allergens to your child’s diet, visit www.fampitfamily.org/early-allergen-introduction.

05/12/2026

Jackson County Health Department offers health education classes during summer programs! 🍎📘 From handwashing to mental health, we’ve got lessons to keep your students healthy, informed, and prepared for the future.

05/12/2026

We still have a few appointments left to donate blood at our blood drive this Thursday, May 14, from 10am-2pm!

Anyone who successfully gives at this drive can receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Make an appointment to donate ⬇️

Find the nearest Red Cross blood, platelet or plasma donation center. Make a difference in someone's life, give the gift of life.