County Health Department publicizes services during public health week

Raising awareness nationally and locally of public health’s critical role in ensuring a healthy America is the focus of National Public Health Week, which was this week.

The week long celebration, started by the American Public Health Association in 1996, educates the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving the health of all Americans.

The Kenosha County Division of Health would like residents to know that “Public Health is Everywhere.”  From the food you eat, the water you drink, the home you live in, and the way you get to work every day.  Public health is all around us – protecting your health by safeguarding the places where you live, work, and play.

If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions below, the Kenosha County Division of Health (KCDOH) may be able to help you.

• Are you pregnant? – KCDOH has a prenatal care coordination (PNCC) program which offers prenatal and post partum health services to high risk women and infants.
• Do you drink water? – The KCDOH lab provides chemical analysis of private and public water supplies to determine whether the water is safe to drink.
• Does your child need a dental exam? – KCDOH offers preventative oral health screenings, dental varnishing, and dental sealants to children.
• Do you need a Mammogram or Pap smear? – KCDOH provides breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible women.
• Do you swim at a local beach? – The KCDOH lab provides beach water testing and posts the results.
• Are you going to eat at a local restaurant? – KCDOH inspects restaurants and posts those reports on the Division of Health website for the public to view.
• Do you transport a child? – KCDOH provides child passenger safety seat checks.
• Do you live in a home built before 1978? – KCDOH protects children from lead paint exposurethrough the Kenosha/Racine Lead-Free Communities Partnership.

These are just some of the services offered through the Health Department that build the foundation for a healthier community.  For more information on the Kenosha County Division of Health, please visit http://www.co.kenosha.wi.us/dhs/Divisions/Health/ or call 605-6700.