Lo/Ovral Birth Control Pills Recalled
The Health Department was advised January 12, 2012 that Lo/Ovral packages with lot numbers E15678 and F36908 have been recalled due to an error in packaging in which "some packages may contain an inexact count of placebo or active ingredient tablets." The pills are SAFE TO TAKE, but may NOT protect the user from pregnancy.
This notification means that too many or too few active ingredient (white) pills may be in these packages. The Health Department is in the process of getting a new, unaffected stock of Lo/Ovral. Clients who received the recalled pills from the Health Department may return the pills to the Health Department for replacement. Please call the clinic where you receive your pills for further information.
Benton Harbor Clinic: 269.927.5670
Niles Clinic: 269.684.2800 ext. 6529
Three Oaks Clinic: 269.756.2008
STD Services Now By Appointment
Beginning January 3, 2012, STD services will be by appointment. Walk-ins will be taken as time permits. Please call 927-5658 for an appointment in the Benton Harbor clinic and 684-8200 ex. 6510 for an appointment in the Niles clinic.
2011 Flu Season
It is recommended that all people ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year!
Flu shots are now available by appointment
at the health department in Benton Harbor and Niles.
For appointments in Benton Harbor, call 927-5638.
For appointments in Niles, call 684-2800 ex. 6510.
If you are unable to leave your home due to a medical condition, call 927-5627 for more information on our flu shot program for the homebound.
The cost for regular flu shots and FluMist is $30. Medicaid, Medicare, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurances are accepted, and receipts are provided for other insurances to reimburse for the cost. High-dose flu vaccine is covered by Medicare B. Lower prices are also available for uninsured children, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
Dual Winners for the 2011
Friend of Public Health Award! 
Jerry Frank and Marjorie Rea were presented with “Friend of Public Health” awards for 2011 by the Berrien County Health Department Board of Health. Jerry Frank, former Director of the Berrien County Department of Human Services was honored mainly for his advocacy for the Department’s Nurse-Family Partnership Program over the past decade. Marjorie Rea is a nurse practitioner and was the backbone of the Department’s Family Planning Program for the past 25 years. This award, created in 2000 and given annually, has been established to honor a worthy recipient, either individual or organization, for outstanding contribution to the health of the community while reflecting the spirit of the Health Department’s mission and its population-based approach to health status enhancement. Find out more aobut these outstanding friends of public health by reading Jerry Frank's accomplishments and Marjorie Rea's accomplishments.
Click here to learn more about the Friend of Public Health Award.
Terror Alert System Changes
The old national terror watch level system has changed.
The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.
To check the current terror alert status here: www.dhs.gov
Learn About Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Flu and whooping cough are serious diseases, especially in infants. Many babies are too young to get
certain vaccines. Vaccinate people around these babies to protect them from disease. People who should
get flu and whooping cough vaccines are:
*Pregnant women
*Parents, grandparents, and siblings
*Babysitters and caregivers
*Healthcare providers
*Anyone who visits the baby
For more information on pertussis, click here.
What is Public Health?
Whether you have been to the public health department before or not, public health affects you and the environment in which you live. Learn how by checking out www.APHA.org
To learn more about public health achievements and careers, check out www.whatispublichealth.org
Health Department News and Information
In an effort to keep Berrien County residents healthy and educated about public health issues we provide press releases regularly to local media. In addition, a few of our recent press releases are listed here for your information:
Reproductive Health
Health Differences among Races
Living Healthy in 2011
Healthy Moms: Healthy Babies
Stop Smoking
Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness
Emergency Preparedness: Are you Ready?
For more information on a wide variety of public health topics, you should visit our virtual library of articles. Please take a moment to learn more about public health and many other health topics by visiting our health library.
Berrien County Health Department 
Achieves High Marks
The Berrien County Health Department underwent 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.
