Healthy Quin Counties

11/02/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫!

November is here, bringing cooler temperatures, shorter days, and a reminder to take care of ourselves as we head into winter!

As the seasons change, it's a great time to focus on healthy habits. Staying active, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and keeping up with recommended vaccinations can help support your health throughout the colder months.

Follow Healthy Quin Counties throughout November for helpful health information, seasonal safety tips, and resources to keep you and your family healthy!

11/01/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝟑𝟔-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports 80 measles cases in 2026, the highest yearly total since 1990.

🔹 71% of cases have involved children under 18.

🔹 All but two cases occurred in people who had not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

🔹 Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications.

💉 Vaccination is the best protection! The MMR vaccine is safe, highly effective, and provides long-lasting protection.

✅ Take action: Check your family's vaccination records and contact your healthcare provider or local public health department if vaccinations are needed or if you have any questions.

Protect yourself, your family, and your community!

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween from Healthy Quin Counties!

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween! Whether you're trick-or-treating, attending a community event, or celebrating at home, remember to stay visible, watch for traffic, and check those treats before enjoying them.

Before heading out, take a few minutes to review Halloween safety rules with your family. Drivers, slow down and stay alert for trick-or-treaters!

Let's work together to keep Halloween safe and fun for everyone!

10/30/2026

To test your home for lead, have a risk assessment or lead inspection done. 🔍 For a list of certified lead inspectors and risk assessors in your area, visit cdxapps.epa.gov/leader or contact your local public health department if you have concerns about lead in your house.

Kittson County Public Health: 218-853-2497
Roseau County (LifeCare Public Health): 218- 463-3211
Marshall County (North Valley Public Health): 218-745-5154
Pennington and Red Lake County Public Health: 218-681-0876

10/29/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧!

Halloween is a fun time for families, but safety should always come first! Whether you're trick-or-treating or handing out candy, a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

𝐁𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞: Carry flashlights or glow sticks and add reflective materials to costumes.

𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲: Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible and look both ways before crossing streets.

𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬: Make sure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Use face paint instead of masks that may block vision.

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬: Have an adult inspect candy and be mindful of food allergies and choking hazards.

𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲: Slow down and watch for children, especially in neighborhoods during trick-or-treating hours.

10/28/2026

🌨️ Did you know our five counties get their local National Weather Service forecasts and alerts from the US National Weather Service Grand Forks?

This week is Winter Weather Awareness Week in North Dakota, making it a great time to make sure you’re connected to trusted weather information before winter arrives.

Follow US National Weather Service Grand Forks North Dakota for forecasts, alerts, and important weather updates that can impact Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.

Today is the first day of Severe Winter Weather Awareness Week in North Dakota! Today's theme is Staying Informed with the NWS. Know before you go! Get in the habit of checking weather.gov every morning before you go out. Make sure that you are ready for whatever the day may bring.

10/28/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

Did you know that safely storing and disposing of medications can help prevent accidental poisonings and medication misuse?

Take a few simple steps to keep your household safe:

Store medications safely. Keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in a secure location, out of sight and reach of children.

Follow directions. Take medications only as prescribed or directed, and never share prescription medications with others.

Check expiration dates. Regularly review your medicine cabinet for expired or unused medications.

Dispose of medications properly. Use a local medication take-back location to safely dispose of medications you no longer need.

Take a few minutes today to check your medicine cabinet! Small steps can make a big difference in keeping your family and community safe.

10/27/2026

Be the hero at home and shield children’s futures from lead. Learn more about keeping a healthy home during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25–31, 2026! 🏠 hud.gov/contactus/healthy-homes

10/26/2026

As we reflect on the Bemidji Blowdown, one important lesson stands out: timely warnings save lives.

In the hours leading up to the storm, weather forecasters closely monitored rapidly changing conditions and communicated an increasing threat of destructive winds. As the storm approached Beltrami County, tornado warnings were issued based on radar observations, giving residents critical notice to seek shelter.

While the event ultimately became a catastrophic windstorm, that decision to upgrade warnings and alert the public likely helped prevent even greater tragedy. Early warnings provide people with precious minutes to take action, move to safety, and protect themselves and their families.

We extend our gratitude to the US National Weather Service Grand Forks North Dakota, emergency managers, dispatchers, first responders, and local officials who worked together before, during, and after the storm. Their commitment to public safety made a difference when every minute mattered.

Preparedness, communication, and community partnerships remain some of our strongest tools during emergencies.

10/24/2026

For information on where you can get a flu shot, contact your provider or your local public health office.

Kittson County Public Health: 218-853-2497
Roseau County (LifeCare Public Health): 218- 463-3211
Marshall County (North Valley Public Health): 218-745-5154
Pennington and Red Lake County Public Health: 218-681-0876