local health departments

The Berrien County Health Department in Michigan has received a grant to help cover costs associated with a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the county. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, typically linked to contaminated food or water. The funding will support the department's response to the outbreak, which has affected local residents and drawn attention in the region.

A local health department has recognized National Suicide Prevention Month, observed each September to raise awareness of suicide and promote available mental health resources. The department is using the occasion to encourage residents to seek support and to highlight prevention efforts. Awareness campaigns like this typically share crisis helpline information and stress that help is available to anyone struggling.

The McHenry County Department of Health has dropped its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees, according to Shaw Local reporting. The move means unvaccinated staff will no longer need shots as a condition of employment. It follows a broader trend of government and health agencies rolling back pandemic-era workplace rules as the emergency phase of the pandemic has faded.