
Staffing Week of May 21 - 25
During the week of May 21 - 25, health department staff will be in training on a new computer program, so there will be limited staff on site to answer calls. They will be checking messages at the end of each day. Please bear with us as we work on learning our new process which will allow us to better serve the communty in the future.
Substance Abuse Survey
The Lakeshore Coordinating Council would like your opinion on alcohol and prescription drug purchasing and use.
Click here to take the survey.
Shingles Vaccine

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is now available in both our Niles and Benton Harbor offices. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults 60 years of age and older receive this vaccine. Click here for more information on the vaccine.
The cost of the vaccine is $175. Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part A and Part B, do not cover the cost of this vaccine. Please check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment to verify coverage. If you do not have health insurance, ask about the Merck Vaccine Assistance Program.
To make an appointment in our Adult Services clinic please call:
Benton Harbor: 269.926.5638
Niles: 269.684.2800 ext. 6510
Berrien County Health Department Achieves High Marks

The Berrien County Health Departmentunderwent a week-long review of our processes, policies and procedures by the Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation Program. Of the 140 essential indicators that applied to the Berrien County Health Department, 136 were determined to be met without question. The other 4 indicators require very minor changes to our procedures.
The health department is extremely proud of this accomplishment which marks 10 years of full accreditation status indicative of high quality care for the people of Berrien County.

Bed Bugs
Many people have questions about bed bugs. How do I know if my home has bedbugs? What can I do to prevent a bed bug infestion? What do I do if there are bed bugs in my home? For the answers to these and any other bed bug questions, visit the Michigan Department of Community Health Bed Bugs website.
Be Prepared

It's never too late to Get Ready! The American Public HealthAssociation's Get Ready campaign helps Americans prepare themselves, their families and their communities for all disasters and hazards including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies.
Are you ready? #1 Make a Plan; #2 Build a Kit; #3 Practice
To learn more read this informational article: Emergency Preparedness: Ready?
Or visit the following websites:
Berrien County Emergency Management Office: www.bcsheriff.org
Berrien County Red Cross: www.berrienredcross.org
State of Michigan: www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares
Federal Emergency management agency at www.emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness
If you have a special need and will require assistance during an emergency, please fill out this form and mail as directed.
Childhood Lead Poisoning - Is Your Home Safe?

We are currently accepting applications for lead remediation. If you own property that may have lead, please complete the application and return it to the health department Environmental Health Service Area. Phone 269-927-5645.
Application for LEAD Hazard Repair Funding (word)
Application for LEAD Hazard Repair Funding (pdf)
Lead abatement contractors click here for available bids.
The Health Department is a resource for community programs to help you quit smoking. For more information on programs to help quit smoking, click here.
For information on the Berrien County Clean Indoor Air Regulation and how to assure your work space is smoke free, click here. If you are having a problem breathing smoke-free air where you work or visit, please call the health department or issue a complaint by completing the Complaint form.