public health

The Minnesotans behind the Speaking of Cannabis campaign

Mar 18, 2026

Recently, you may have noticed messages about Speaking of Cannabis online, in stores and around your community. Much like alcohol, cannabis is now legal for adults, but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Using it during a time when the brain is actively growing can have harmful and long-term...

Counties collaborate on cannabis misuse effort

Mar 11, 2026

Launched by 11 counties, the Speaking of Cannabis campaign seeks to empower trusted adults in Southeast Minnesota to share information with the youth in their lives about the risks of cannabis use. Using cannabis during a time when the brain is actively developing can have harmful and long-term...

Public health spotlight: Breast lump 101

Oct 1, 2025

Up to half of all women will experience breast lumps in their lifetime. While finding a breast lump can be concerning, it is important to remember that not all breast lumps are breast cancer. In fact, most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, all breast lumps should be checked immediately by a...

Emplify: Flu season intensifying

Feb 19, 2025

The current flu season is intensifying and is having a significant impact across the nation, including (particularly) in the Midwest, according to an Emplify Health by Gundersen news release. “With rising flu cases reported in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, it is important (crucial) for...

Library hosts lyme disease prevention program

Jun 5, 2024

The Lake City Public Library invites the public to an informational program on Lyme Disease on Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. at the library. In this discussion, Dr. Soleil Arrieta will share tips to prevent tick bites and treatments to use at home to avoid tick borne illnesses. “You know what...

Community conversation about suicide is May 13

May 1, 2024

The public is invited to “Bringing Light Into Darkness: A Community Conversation about Suicide,” on Monday, May 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lincoln High School. Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center is hosting the event. It follows the “My Ascension” suicide awareness and prevention events...

MDH: Two in Five Minnesota homes have high radon levels

Jan 17, 2024

More than 40% of Minnesota homes have dangerously high radon levels, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). That concerns health officials, because radon — an odorless, colorless radioactive gas — is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Together with...

Youth suicide prevention event is Jan. 10 at Lincoln High School

Dec 20, 2023

Every day, an average of nearly 20 young people die by suicide in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lake City Schools will host two youth suicide prevention events on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Both events will feature a screening of the “My Ascension.” The...

Goodhue County soliciting public input to identify top health issue

Aug 24, 2022

Minnesota is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest states in the nation, and the state has a strong local public health system. Our local public health departments have a long history of assessing the health of their communities and using the results to address community needs. Community...

Zero active COVID-19 cases reported at Lake City Public Schools

Apr 6, 2022

After weeks of very low active cases reported on its weekly COVID-19 dashboard, Lake City Public Schools reported the lowest number of cases possible at its two buildings for the first time this year. Both Lincoln High School and Bluff View Elementary School had zero active cases as of April 1....