wabasha county public health

County releases opioid settlement funding RFP

Sep 16, 2026

On Aug, 20, 2021, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office joined the historic $26 billion multi-state settlement agreements with pharmaceutical distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. In December 2022, the Attorney General’s...

Public Health Spotlight: National Preparedness Month

Sep 9, 2026

Preparing for a disaster might seem like an impossible task, and we hope you never have to experience one, but if you do, government agencies like FEMA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and organizations like the American Red Cross and Ready.gov, have excellent websites with...

Wabasha County Public Health Spotlight: Eyes forward; don’t drive distracted

Apr 8, 2026

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and on April 1, Minnesota NETS, (Network of Employers for Traffic Safety) with support from State Farm, will launch a new distracted driving campaign “Someone is Waiting for You.” The campaign will remind drivers to slow down and pay attention by...

Public Health Spotlight: Self care isn’t selfish

Feb 11, 2026

As we are navigating the second month of the New Year, many of us are focusing on resolutions, fresh starts, and plans for the month ahead. February also marks Self-Check Month, a nationwide reminder encouraging people of all ages to pause, pay attention to their health, and take steps that can...

$95,000 in cannabis and substance misuse funding to be released

Dec 10, 2025

Local funding in the amount of $95,000 is being provided through a Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention Program grant from the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Health Improvement Bureau. Established during the 2023 legislative session, this grant supports local and Tribal public health...

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...

Public Health Spotlight: Measles

Jul 30, 2025

Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control Measles was declared eliminated in the United States (U.S.) in 2000. This was thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps...

How to prevent recreational water illnesses

Jul 2, 2025

As the temperatures rise and people flock to pools, lakes, and water parks, it’s important to stay vigilant about recreational water illnesses (RWIs). These illnesses, caused by germs and chemicals in contaminated water, can lead to skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, and even respiratory...

Public Health Spotlight: Are ultra-processed foods bad for you?

Jun 11, 2025

“Ultra-processed” is a term that has become increasingly popular among journalists, researchers, policy makers, and health professionals. As a population we are being told to avoid said ultra-processed foods, but what does that mean? What are ultra-processed foods and are they as bad as everyone...

Public Health Spotlight: E-cigs not safe for kids

Apr 30, 2025

Nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain. Because the brain is still developing until about age 25, youth and young adult exposure to nicotine can lead to addiction and disrupt attention and learning. No amount of nicotine...