Berrien County Health Department

06/19/2026

Feeling your best starts with caring for your health, including your sexual health. Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment at our Sexual Health Clinic for a wellness exam, including pelvic, breast and testicular, as well as STI testing, pregnancy testing and counseling, contraception and birth control resources and much more.

Learn more about our affordable, nonjudgmental sexual health services at berriencounty.org/1672/Sexual-Health-Clinic.

06/17/2026

The Benton Harbor Farmer's Market is closed for the day today, June 17th, 2026, due to weather. 🌧️
The market will be open again next week, Wednesday, June 24th, from 9 AM to 3PM.

📍 Located at the Dwight P Mitchell City Center Park, 127 E. Main Street, Benton Harbor

🌐 More information about the weekly Benton Harbor Farmer's Market at https://bchdmi.org/664/Benton-Harbor-Farmers-Market

The Benton Harbor Farmer's Market is closed for the day today, June 17th, 2026, due to weather. 🌧️

The market will be open again next week, Wednesday, June 24th, from 9 AM to 3PM.
📍 Located at the Dwight P Mitchell City Center Park, 127 E. Main Street, Benton Harbor

🌐 More information about the weekly Benton Harbor Farmer's Market at https://bchdmi.org/664/Benton-Harbor-Farmers-Market

06/17/2026

As you spend more time outdoors – whether you’re walking, riding your bike or simply enjoying nature, having a bonfire or doing other warm-weather activities – make sure to protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus and other serious diseases.

Follow these simple tips from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:

🦟 Use insect repellent with 10% to 35% DEET and follow the label directions.
🚶‍♂️ Wear long sleeves and pants to limit skin exposure.
🌅 Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
💧 Eliminate or regularly refresh standing water around your home, such as bird baths, pet bowls and other containers.
🪟 Keep screens and gutters in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Learn more mosquito bite prevention tips at berriencounty.org/1779/Fight-the-Bite---Ticks-Mosquitos.

06/15/2026

An average of 1,500 Michigan residents die from firearm injuries each year, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, we’re partnering with the Berrien County Sheriff's Office to urge community members to follow Michigan’s safe gun storage law and help prevent these tragedies. Follow these safe storage tips:

✅ Store loaded guns in a locked box or safe.
✅ Keep unloaded guns secured with a trigger/cable lock.
✅ Place ammunition in a secure location out of reach of children.
✅ Never share access to locks or safe codes with children.
✅ Teach kids: Stop, don’t touch and tell a grown-up if you find a gun.

We also recommend firearm owners seek additional training from a qualified instructor.

🔒 Free gun cable locks are available at our Benton Harbor and Niles locations. Call 269.926.7121 for more information.

For more safe storage safety tips and resources to help keep our community safe, visit Michigan.gov/FirearmSafety.

06/12/2026

🩵 June is Men’s Health Month – a great time to highlight the importance of routine checkups for the men in our community. Routine checkups are the best way to identify and address health issues early, helping you lead a longer, healthier life. If you haven’t already had an annual exam, we encourage you to schedule it with us or your health care provider this month.

In addition to wellness exams, we offer immunizations, sexual health services and more. For details about our men’s health services, visit bchdmi.org.

06/10/2026

Measles can spread quickly, but the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization can help stop it in its tracks. Safeguard yourself, your loved ones and your community by following the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services immunization recommendations below.

💉Children – First dose at 12 to 15 months old and second dose at 4 to 6 years old.
💉Adults born in or after 1957 – At least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
💉High-risk adults, including health care workers, international travelers and college students – Two doses separated by at least 28 days.

Learn more about measles and its health risks at berriencounty.org/2037/Measles.

Talk with one of our public health nurses or schedule an immunization appointment by calling 269.926.7121.

06/09/2026

🦷👂👁️ Our free preschool and prekindergarten screening clinics start this week and run through the summer. Don’t delay – schedule your child’s dental, hearing and vision screening appointment today!

We’re offering screening clinics across Berrien County so you can find one close to home and help prepare your child for the upcoming school year.

Dental, hearing and vision screenings are required by Michigan law for children entering kindergarten at public and private schools.

Learn more about our clinic locations and schedule an appointment at https://www.berriencounty.org/634/Hearing-Vision-Screening.

06/08/2026

Did you know alcohol is the most commonly used drug among people younger than 21 in the U.S., according to the CDC. Despite legal age limits, many teens start drinking due to peer pressure and curiosity and to cope with stress or other challenges.

Awareness and open conversations are key to preventing underage drinking and supporting healthy choices among young people. Together, we can protect the next generation by talking honestly about the risks of underage alcohol use.

Learn more at berriencounty.org/1890/Underage-Drinking-Prevention.

BCHD works to prevent disease, prolong life and protect the health of the community.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

06/05/2026

Watch the video below to learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from rabies, a fatal disease. 🦠

Get more rabies prevention tips at
berriencounty.org/1868/Bats-and-Rabies-Prevention.

06/02/2026

🌽🥦🧅Starting this week, the Benton Harbor Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park, 127 E. Main St. Stock up on fresh, local produce, handmade items and more each week through Oct. 21.

In addition to cash, the Farmers Market supports a variety of food assistance programs, including
SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH, Senior Project FRESH and Lakeland Rx for Health. Find all the details at berriencounty.org/664/Benton-Harbor-Farmers-Market.