Marion County Public Health Department

This month’s stream highlight is Herbicides! We focus on testing multiple rivers and streams on this one route. We are looking for herbicides and nutrients from fertilizers in the body of water. This route is run weekly in May and June and bi-weekly in July and August during the height of growing season.

If you have any questions about this route or the most recent results, please contact the Water Quality department at 317-221-2266.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone can get skin cancer at any age. If you notice a new and suspicious spot or a spot that changes, itches and bleeds, you should notify a dermatologist. Click here to learn how to perform a skin self-exam: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/skin-exams.html

Happy Memorial Day! Today we everyone who has served in the military.

Our offices and clinics will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. This includes COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites operated by the health department. Have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Lyme Disease is a serious illness that can be spread by some ticks. Protect yourself with these tips:
- Protect: Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and wear insect repellant while outdoors.
- Check: Check yourself, your friends, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. Shower soon after checking.
- Remove: Remove ticks with tweezers. Get close to the skin and pull straight up. Wash the area with soap and water. Dispose of tick in rubbing alcohol, wrap it tightly in tape, or flush it down the toilet.
- Call: Call a medical professional if you develop a rash or fever after spending time outdoors.

Learn more about tick bite data by visiting CDC’s Tick Bite Data Tracker! https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-research/facts-stats/tick-bite-data-tracker.html

Save the Date: Back to School Community Resource Day is coming back this July! Bring your kids to get a free backpack of school supplies, sports physicals and immunizations, dental and vision screenings, free car seats, and more. Don't miss out on this incredible summer event!

Free Adult Diabetes Education Program at the Lawrence Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. Topics include medications, healthy eating habits, increasing activity, and preventing complications. Registration is required. Sign up here: https://marionhealth.org/programs/population-health/chronic-disease/diabetes

Diabetes

Coming up tomorrow: Get your car seat inspected for free by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician on May 19 at Ivy Tech Community College. See flyer for more details!

Tomorrow (May 16) is National Piercing Day! The Water Quality department licenses and routinely inspects body art studios for compliance with health and safety regulations. If you’re interested in celebrating the day by getting a piercing, check out the full list of licensed body art shops on our website: https://marionhealth.org/info-for-the-general-public/. If you have questions or concerns about any licensed body art facility, please contact us at 317-221-2266.

Construction is also continuing on the new Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services headquarters, with an expected opening date of spring 2027. Watch a recent drone video of the headquarters building at https://youtu.be/HCuze7qPzBI.