The mission of the Van Buren/Cass County District Health Department is to promote AND contribute to the highest level of health possible for the people of Van Buren and Cass Counties.

Girls on the Run

Please join us Saturday, May 31st, 2008, at  8:30 a.m. for the Van Buren/Cass County Celebration Girls on the Run/Walk 5K. This non-competitive girls and women only 5K winds through beautiful South Haven. Click here for the more info and the Race Brochure.

THANKS to our many Sponsors!!  Click here for the Sponsor Brochure.

Kid’s Safety Day June 20, 2008

A Fun Filled Day of Home & Community Safety! Friday, June 20th, 2008, 2pm-6pm at Bangor High School, Bangor, MI. The day will feature a Bike Rodeo (bring your bike and helmet), 911 Simulator, Fire Safety with Bangor’s Fire Chief Babcock, Fingerprinting and Child ID Cards with Police Chief Baker, McGruff the Crime Dog, Child Safety Seat Inspections and Free Child Life Insurance Quotes! There will be Prizes, Food and Much More!!! (All giveaways are while supplies last) For more info, please contact Amanda Salvaggio at (269)427-7856.

Vaccine Safety Realities  

A recent ABC television episode of “Eli Stone” portrayed a successful lawsuit against a vaccine manufacturer. This fictional account was filled with misinformation about the safety of childhood vaccinations.  For accurate vaccine info click here.

The reality is vaccines remain safe and effective.

MRSA

MRSA is one type of bacterial staph infection.  These infections are generally indistinguishable from other staph infections which include; boils, deep skin infections, infected cuts and abrasions, and impetigo.  Recently the national media has generated significant attention on MRSA.  However, over the past decade the local health department, hospitals and physicians have been dealing with MRSA.  Whereas MRSA previously was mostly “hospital acquired”, now “community acquired” cases have become much more prevalent.  The vast majority of community acquired cases will not be severe or life threatening.  At high risk will continue to be those individuals in a compromised state of health, often in settings such as hospitals.

Click here for an excellent brochure on MRSA

Click here for more information on MRSA in the school setting

An excellent resource is also available from the CDC: MRSA In Schools

MI Prescription Drug Price Finder

If you don’t have prescription drug insurance coverage, the MI Prescription Drug Prices website can help you to find the best price, for the top 150 prescribed medications, in your area. Just enter your zip code or city, the name of the medication and the distance from your home you are willing to travel. A list of all pharmacies in the area you specified and the price they charge for the medication will be listed. You will probably find that there is a significant difference in the price of your medications, depending on where you shop.