Uncas Health District

05/05/2026

The Uncas Health District would like to thank Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani and Deputy Commissioner Lisa Morrissey for visiting us today.

04/16/2026

Low cost Vet care for your cat or dog!

04/13/2026

As more people head outdoors this spring, DEEP is reminding residents that young wildlife found alone are often not abandoned and should be left undisturbed.

From bear cubs and fawns to rabbits and young birds, many species naturally leave their young alone for extended periods while foraging or avoiding predators. In most cases, the safest and most responsible action is to observe from a distance, keep pets away, and allow the parent to return.

Well-intentioned intervention can unintentionally orphan wildlife and create risks for both animals and people.

04/09/2026

Update: Dino Shaped Chicken Nuggets Confirmed Safe ✅

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has retracted the April 1 alert for Walmart Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets (“Best If Used By: Feb 10 2027”).

Follow-up testing by New York State Department of Public Health and Dorada Foods confirmed these nuggets are safe to eat.

The original alert was based on routine testing that suggested elevated lead levels, but additional testing found no unsafe levels.

No action is needed for consumers.

🔗 More info: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-dinosaur-shaped-ready-eat-chicken-nuggets-due

04/03/2026

This National Public Health Week, we pause to recognize the people and work that quietly keep our communities strong, safe, and supported.

Public health isn’t always seen, but it’s always felt. From prevention and education to emergency response and everyday guidance, it shapes how we live, work, and care for one another. As a nationwide initiative led by the American Public Health Association, this week is a reminder that good health doesn’t just happen, it’s built through dedication, collaboration, and care.

At Uncas Health District, that work happens every single day.

We are grateful for the commitment, compassion, and expertise that go into protecting the health and well-being of our community. Thank you for being the steady force behind a healthier tomorrow.

Learn more about National Public Health Week here: apha.org/initiatives/national-public-health-week

Join us in Celebrating National Public Health Week, April 6 - 12, 2026. APHA brings communities nationwide together to honor the contributions of public health and shine a light on the issues shaping the health of our nation.

04/03/2026

We will be closed today, Friday April 3rd, to allow our team time with family and loved ones.

We return to our regular office hours on Monday from 8am to 4pm, and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

04/02/2026

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen, Dinosaur-Shaped, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Nuggets Due To Traces Of Lead

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in consumers’ freezers.

The chicken nuggets were produced on Feb. 10, 2026. The following product is subject to the public health alert:

29-oz. plastic bags containing approx. 36 “GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with “BEST IF USED BY” date “FEB 10 2027,” lot code” 0416DPO1215,” and establishment number “P44164” printed on the back of the bag.
These items were shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. FSIS is continuing to investigate this issue. Please check back frequently as additional products could be added.

The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner.

Lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems. There is no safe amount of lead exposure. Guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration provide an interim reference level (IRL) of 2.2 micrograms. The amount of lead found in these nuggets could be as much as five times higher than this IRL for children. Health experts also say these nuggets may be a risk for women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on the health effects of lead consumption.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact John Patrick Lopez, Vice President, Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs, Dorada Foods, at john.patrick@lopezdorada.com

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

03/30/2026

You never know when a moment could become life-saving.

On April 8, Uncas Health District invites you to Save a Life Day, a free training focused on recognizing an opioid overdose and responding with naloxone. It’s simple, accessible, and could give you the tools to help someone when every second counts.

Join us from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Mohegan Fire House (2029 Norwich New London Tpke, Uncasville). Drop in at any time during the session, no registration or medical experience required.

Questions? Reach out to harmreduction@uncashd.org

Come learn something powerful. Leave ready to make a difference. Read more at https://uncashd.org/save-a-life-day-free-nalaxone-training-on-april-8th/

03/25/2026

03/24/2026

🚫 Kratom is now illegal in Connecticut

⏰ Retailers have until TOMORROW (March 25) to comply

All kratom products must be:

Removed from shelves
Returned to wholesalers OR destroyed

❗ It is illegal to:

Possess
Sell
Distribute

⚠️ Continued sale after March 25 may result in enforcement, arrest, and penalties

Help spread the word to ensure compliance and protect our community.

Griswold Public Health and Safety Uncas Health District

03/17/2026

Need help kicking the nic? Yale is actively recruiting high school aged participants for their fully remote, paid research study for youth seeking help with quitting ni****ne. Text "Quit V**e" to 203-361-4267 or visit www.kick-nic.com to learn more.

03/11/2026