Effingham County Health Department

06/01/2026

Effingham County Health Department and the Effingham County Health Coalition need your help in assessing the priority concerns of Effingham County.

To give you that extra boost… we have a giveaway! 🎉 We’re giving away 10 foldable wagons to 10 randomly selected people that complete the survey and comment “done” on this post. Be sure to share it to spread the word!

To make your voice heard, please complete the Community Health Assessment Survey by:

✅Clicking the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EffinghamCHA2026
✅Scanning the QR code below.
✅Stop by the Effingham County Health Department and fill out a paper form.

Thank you for being part of our IPLAN (Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs) process and helping us pave a way to a healthier Effingham County!

05/29/2026

The most effective way to reduce the risk of Alpha-gal syndrome - and other tick-related illnesses - is to prevent tick bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent, avoiding tall grass and brush, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Most people know ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease. But fewer people know that some tick bites can trigger a red meat allergy.

This condition is called Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). It occurs when the body develops an allergic reaction to a molecule called alpha-gal after a tick bite.

People with AGS may have allergic reactions hours after eating foods like beef, pork, lamb, or venison. Symptoms can range from mild itching to severe allergic reactions that require medical care.

AGS has been increasingly recognized in the U.S., and cases have been reported in Illinois.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of Alpha-gal syndrome - and other tick-related illnesses - is to prevent tick bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent, avoiding tall grass and brush, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.

05/28/2026

Looking for information about daycare centers in Illinois? Visit http://www.illinois.gov/daycareinfo

Looking for information about daycare centers in Illinois? Visit http://www.illinois.gov/daycareinfo to find a licensed daycare, research a licensed daycare’s history, learn how to become a licensed daycare provider and more.

05/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out for our free paint night event last week! 🎨

It was great to see so many women learning about ways they can protect their health and to see so much creativity and expression.
A big thank you to Jamie Stang and StangArts for all of her help in hosting and leading the paint class ❤️

Wanted to come but couldn’t? Keep an eye on our page to watch out for future events!

05/27/2026

The Illinois Family Planning Centers Mobile Health Unit will be visiting us soon!

They provide:
✔ Birth control
✔ STI testing & treatment
✔ Pregnancy testing
✔ Preventive care
📍 Effingham County Health Department
📅 June 3, 2026
No insurance? No problem. Everyone is welcome. 💜

🚐 ¡Ya hemos fijado nuestras fechas de junio para regresar a Effingham!
¡La Unidad Móvil de Salud de los Centros de Planificación Familiar de Illinois visitará pronto el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Effingham!

Acérquese para recibir servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva confidenciales y asequibles, que incluyen:
✔ Anticoncepción
✔ Pruebas y tratamiento de ITS
✔ Pruebas de embarazo
✔ Atención preventiva
📍 Departamento de Salud del Condado de Effingham
📅 3 de junio de 2026
¿No tiene seguro? No hay problema. Todos son bienvenidos. 💜

05/22/2026

We will be closed Monday, May 25th in honor of Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

Last call! We still have lanes available for our FREE axe throwing event tonight!

Looking for a fun way to let loose this evening? Join us at Effingham Axe throwing tonight for a private axe throwing lane to catch up with friends, try something new, AND learn a little bit about breast cancer!

Here’s what you need to know:

* The event will be held from 4-7PM. You can book your private lane for any 30-minute time slot during those hours.
* One booking covers your entire group (up to 6 people)
* We ask that all groups arrive 10 minutes before your selected time slot, this allows time to talk about breast cancer risk before your session begins!

Book your free 30-minute session now by following the link! https://book.squareup.com/classes/vnjehfrjad510r/location/359ADY3WRR2H6/classes?buttonTextColor=ffffff&color=000000&locale=en&referrer=so

Important details:

📍Effingham Axe Throwing: 306 S 4th St, Suite B, Effingham IL
🗓️ Wednesday, May 20th
🕓4:00-7:00

05/20/2026

Iodine is an essential mineral during all stages of life! ❤️ Iodine supports the thyroid by producing hormones necessary to regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. 🌡️ Iodine is also important during pregnancy! Regular iodine intake helps form the cerebral cortex, neural pathways, and hippocampus, helping your baby’s cognitive development! 🧠

The body cannot store iodine for long periods of time, so try to incorporate iodine regularly into your diet! Dairy, seaweed, and seafood are all plentiful sources of iodine. 🐟



¡El yodo es un mineral esencial en todas las etapas de la vida! ❤️ Contribuye al funcionamiento de la tiroides, ya que ayuda a producir las hormonas que regulan el metabolismo, la frecuencia cardíaca y la temperatura corporal. 🌡️ ¡El yodo también es importante durante el embarazo! El consumo regular de yodo ayuda a la formación de la corteza cerebral, las vías neuronales y el hipocampo, lo que contribuye al desarrollo cognitivo del bebé. 🧠

El cuerpo no puede almacenar yodo durante períodos prolongados, por eso es importante incorporarlo con regularidad en la alimentación. Los productos lácteos, las algas marinas y los mariscos son fuentes abundantes de yodo. 🐟

¿Desea obtener más información sobre cómo los nutrientes contribuyen a la salud de su familia? Visite https://signupwic.com/es/about para obtener más información.

05/19/2026

Don't forget... they'll be in town tomorrow! 😉

🚐 Mobile Health Unit Visit – May 20

The Illinois Family Planning Center Mobile Health Unit will be at the Effingham County Health Department South location on Wednesday, May 20, bringing trusted, confidential reproductive health services to the community.

Eligibility & Cost:
✅ Open to people of all genders
✅ Teens and adults welcome
✅ No insurance required
✅ Services are confidential
✅ Fees are based on income; many services may be low‑ or no‑cost
📍 Effingham County Health Department South Location

Call to make an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.