Mahoning County Public Health

09/10/2026

The Care Cabinet is a 24/7 outdoor vending machine that offers FREE life-saving supplies. Funded by the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, the Care Cabinet increases access to essential public health resources at no cost and with no identifying information required, just a simple universal PIN number is used to select the items needed. Follow the steps shown in this video to dispense items from the machine - it really is that easy!

Supplies available include:
· Naloxone
· Fentanyl test strips
· Xylazine test strips
· Wound care kits
· Hygiene kits
· Feminine hygiene products

Care Cabinet Vending Machines are available at the following locations:
- MCPH, 50 Westchester Drive, Youngstown, OH 44515
- PLYMC Main Library, 305 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503
- PLYMC Newport Library, 3730 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44507

This initiative is part of MCPH’s ongoing commitment to reducing preventable deaths, improving community health, and increasing access to essential services.

09/09/2026

There is no safe amount of cannabis to use while pregnant. Studies show it has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Cannabis use during pregnancy can pass nearly 500 chemicals to your baby; chemicals that can lead to long-term development issues affecting a child’s memory, learning, and behavior.

There are many healthy alternatives to relieve common pregnancy discomforts, including anxiety, sleeplessness, and nausea, that are safe for you and your baby.

Find healthy ways to get relief and learn why a cannabis-free pregnancy is worth it by visiting
https://www.oneohiofoundation.com/cannabis-pregnancy

Alt text: A pregnant woman sitting with her hands on her belly and smiling with the text “Choosing a healthy pregnancy over cannabis. Worth it.”

09/08/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month. Support saves lives. Learn and share where to turn before a crisis occurs. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 confidential support. You can also call 988 to speak with someone through the National Su***de and Crisis Prevention Lifeline.

Save and share 988 with someone you care about.

09/07/2026

Our office is closed Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.

Alt text: American flag on a wooden background with the text “Happy Labor Day”

09/04/2026

Last Friday, August 28th, one of our Public Health Nurses, Nicole Herczog, participated as a panelist in Groundwork Ohio’s Road Show event in Mahoning County. She shared about the Family Connects program, which offers licensed registered nurses who can visit your home in the first few weeks after birth to:

✅ Check your baby’s growth, vitals, and overall health
✅ Support feeding, sleep, and daily routines
✅ Give guidance on maternal recovery and emotional well-being
✅ Connect families with additional healthcare or community resources

To learn more about the Family Connects program, visit: www.HelpMeGrow.org/FamilyConnects

09/04/2026

September is National Food Safety Education Month! Here are some food safety tips to keep in mind for your Labor Day Weekend cookout:

🧼 Clean your grill with soap and water, scrape away old residue, and let the grill heat up before cooking.

🥩 Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meats sealed and stored at the bottom of your cooler. Use separate plates, utensils, and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.

🌡️ Cook to the right temperature, don’t rely on color! Use a food thermometer:
- Beef, pork, lamb & veal: 145°F
- Seafood: 145°F
- Ground meats: 160°F
- Poultry: 165°F

❄️🔥 Avoid the Danger Zone (40°F - 140°F): Keep cold foods at 40°F or below and hot foods at 140°F or above. Don’t leave perishables out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour when temperatures are above 90°F).

Enjoy the cookout and keep it safe!

Alt text: Cartoon scene of a grill and picnic table with various food items, a food thermometer, a cooler, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer with the text “Summer cookout food safety”

09/03/2026

Huge shoutout to our incredible food team who is working hard at the Canfield Fair to ensure your favorite fair foods are safe to eat! Environmental Health Supervisor Cory Powell spoke with WKBN 27 Youngstown OH about how our food team conducts inspections throughout the fair.

The Canfield Fair kicks off its six-day run tomorrow. But first, an important inspection needs to be completed for one of the biggest attractions — food.

09/02/2026

Having fun at the Canfield Fair? Don’t forget one of the easiest ways to help keep everyone healthy: wash your hands!

Remember to wash your hands:
- After touching or feeding animals
- After visiting animal barns or petting areas
- Before eating or handling food
- After using the restroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- Any time your hands look or feel dirty

Use soap and running water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails, and dry your hands with a clean towel or an air dryer. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol until you can wash properly.

Enjoy the sights, sounds, food, and fun of the county fair, and make clean hands part of your fair-day routine!

Alt text: Cartoon person washing their hands at a sink with text describing when to wash your hands and the proper handwashing steps

09/01/2026

It’s Canfield Fair Week! That means our food safety team is hard at work inspecting the more than 250 food vendors to help ensure you can safely enjoy all your favorite fair foods. 🌭🍦

A huge shoutout to this incredible crew for the many hours they’re putting in this week to help keep fairgoers safe! We appreciate all that you do!

Alt text: Row of fair food stands with a magnifying glass over it and the text “Fair food safety inspections”