Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services

Check out this important information from Safe Kids NC about water safety 💦 ⬇️

TikTok and Instagram are teeming with parenting hacks. But when it comes to water safety, some trending ideas can actually be dangerous. Here’s what you should avoid this summer:

❌ Tethers tied to boats, whether homemade or restrictive
❌ Inflatable "floaties" or arm bands
❌ Mermaid tails and other restrictive swimming toys

What truly keeps kids safe?
✅ Life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard
✅ Adult supervision
✅ Stay updated with CPR training and certification

Those trends may look cute in a video, but they often create false security and put kids at serious risk of drowning. A mermaid tail that looked adorable in a photo could flip your child face down in seconds. Floaties give parents a false sense of security while offering zero actual protection.

This summer, skip the viral trends and stick with what actually saves lives. For more tips on how to keep your child safe, visit our website in the comments to learn more!

It’s Great Outdoors Month! 🌿 Getting active outside—whether walking, biking, or playing—helps strengthen your body, boost your mood, and supports overall health. Get out and get moving!

Find local parks, trails, and other outdoor spaces to improve your physical and mental health. https://bit.ly/3xo1tKd

Places to Be Physically Active Free apps, websites, and other ways to find new places to be physically active.

🍎 Help Shape the Future of Food in Gaston County! 🌽

The Gaston County Food Policy Council is bringing together community members and organizations to improve access to healthy, affordable food for everyone in Gaston County.

Our members work on important food system issues, including nutrition education, food access, local agriculture, and support for food assistance programs. The Council includes representatives from health care, food pantries, farmers markets, government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, and community members.

📅 Next Meeting: June 10, 2026
🕒 Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Highland Health Center (Hybrid option available), 609 N Highland St., Gastonia, NC 28052

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month and welcome new members and partners who are interested in strengthening Gaston County's food system. Learn more about membership opportunities and how you can get involved today!

Membership Application: https://forms.gle/nxum94895tQ8FHMY9

Every! Single! Saturday!

All of June, you can find me at the Saturday mornings from 7:30-12!!

I’ve got a fun new menu coming soon! Can’t wait to see and serve y’all

Have questions about new SNAP work requirements? Visit ncdhhs.gov/fns for details. Contact your local county DSS: ncdhhs.gov/dss-directory. Ask your caseworker at your next recertification. Your county DSS will screen you for all exemptions.

🌽 Fresh Food, Bigger Savings for Seniors! 🍅

Did you know eligible older adults can receive $50 in Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmers markets?

📍 Voucher distribution events will be held at the Belmont, Mt. Holly, and Gastonia

Farmers Markets in July.

To qualify, individuals must:
✔️ Be age 60 or older
✔️ Meet income eligibility requirements

In addition, SNAP/EBT shoppers can stretch their food dollars even further at participating farmers markets through programs that match SNAP purchases for fresh produce.

Fresh, local foods support healthy eating, local farmers, and stronger communities.

For more information about SFMNP vouchers, contact Regina Knox at [email protected] or 704-853-5114.

Sticking to the vaccine schedule helps protect children from over a dozen vaccine-preventable diseases. Find out why science supports on-time vaccination. https://youtube.com/watch?v=JuhlRQ8zyiY&si=xhWT5kDpl9S5ZVMI

See a new mom wearing a teal “I Gave Birth” bracelet? It's there for a reason.

The bracelet means she's in the critical postpartum period when physical symptoms can be life-threatening if ignored.

Share this message so others recognize what the teal bracelet means.