Monroe County Health Department

10/16/2026

November is just around the corner, and we’re inviting Monroe County families to join the Small Talks Challenge!
Throughout November, families will receive 15 conversation starters to help parents and caregivers talk with their kids about making safe, healthy choices.
Small Talks encouragers families to start talking about alcohol and other substance use early and often. These conversations don’t have to be big or complicated. Even small, everyday talks can make a difference.
Complete the challenge and earn a prize of family-pack (4) theater tickets to Sparta Cinema 6!
🔗Sign up today through this link: https://mailchi.mp/b7321c027352/small-talks-challenge or by scanning the QR code. Your first prompt will arrive November 1!

10/15/2026

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. A safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death. Spread the word about this month and year-round and call us if you are in need of a safe sleep space for your infant.
☎ 608-269-8666

10/14/2026

The Monroe County Health Department is teaming up with Great Rivers United Way, health departments, healthcare systems, schools, and other community organizations for the Compass Now 2027 Community Health Assessment survey. This survey is done every three years to find out what the community needs and what health problems people are facing. We are asking the public, including you, to take the Compass Now survey to help plan community projects to create a healthier Monroe County.

Take the survey here:

Compass Now Survey 2027 - Survey Tools

10/13/2026

Be ready. Be safe. On Home Fire Drill Day, we are reminding our community that preparation is the best protection. Gather your household, map your routes, and practice your drill today.

10/12/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Each year in the US, about 270,000 women get breast cancer, and about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed are found in a man.
Screening for breast cancer can help find it early, before there are signs or symptoms of the disease, when it is easier to treat. It is recommended that women who are at average risk begin getting mammograms at the age of 40, but different screening recommendations mat be used for women at higher than average risk.
🔗Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/features/breast-cancer.html

10/12/2026

Join us at one of our flu clinics this week! Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and can be done here: https://bit.ly/mc26flu
We hope to see you there!

10/08/2026

October is Health Literacy Month! Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information to make good decisions about your well-being.
Did you know that nearly 9 out of 10 American adults struggle to understand and use health information. That’s why health literacy matters for everyone!
When we understand our health, we can take charge of it.

10/06/2026

October is National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month. It’s a reminder that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health. A quick screening can help you better understand how you’re feeling and connect you with support if you need it.
🔗Mental Health America has several mental health tests available here: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

10/05/2026

The Monroe County Health Department is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™, October 4-10, Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in.
🔗For more info: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

10/05/2026

Join us at one of our flu clinics this week!
🔗Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and can be done here: https://bit.ly/mc26flu
We hope to see you there!