Decatur County Department of Health

09/06/2026

Be the Difference.
Su***de is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. We believe that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to change that. This September, you can be the difference.

With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.

09/05/2026

💜 September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month 💜
This month, we come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind those who may be struggling that help is available and hope is real.
Su***de impacts individuals, families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities. The statistics remind us why awareness and connection matter:
📊 In the United States:
• 48,824 people died by su***de in 2024.
• The su***de rate among males in 2024 was nearly four times higher than the rate among females.
• Su***de is a leading cause of death in the United States.
• In 2023, more than 2 in 5 adults reported personally knowing someone who died by su***de.
A simple conversation, a check-in, or letting someone know you care can make a difference. You don’t have to have all the answers — sometimes just being there and listening can help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, experiencing emotional distress, or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
💜 You are not alone. You matter. Help is available.

09/04/2026

We’ve received an increase in calls about bats lately, so we wanted to clear up what the health department can and cannot do when it comes to our flying friends.

Here’s what we can do:

*Talk through a situation and help determine if there has been an exposure
*Explain what steps to take next
*Help coordinate rabies testing when appropriate
*Answer questions about rabies and testing
*Direct you to medical care or other resources when needed


Here’s what we cannot do:

*Come to your home to catch or remove a bat
*Collect bats that are outside – outside is their natural habitat
*Make the decision for you about receiving rabies post-exposure treatment


If you have bats that need removed, you can contact a wildlife control operator: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/living-with-wildlife/nuisance-wildlife-control-operators

A note about rabies testing:

The Indiana Department of Health Laboratory has been receiving a higher volume of bats for testing this year. Because of this, there may be a delay in receiving results. We appreciate your patience.

09/04/2026

September is National Food Safety Month!

Do you have a food safety question you’ve always wanted to ask? Now’s your chance! Drop your questions in the comments below or take a quick (anonymous) survey and submit your questions there!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3PBPB7F

In a couple of weeks our Environmental Health Manager, Alicia, will sit down for a video and answer your questions. So, give us your questions - from cooking temperatures and leftovers to how an inspection works and everything in-between!

No question is silly – it’s important to know how to stay safe around food!

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

📢 ATTENTION DECATUR COUNTY BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE AUGUST STORMS & FLOODING

Businesses in Decatur County that sustained damage or experienced financial losses from the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred beginning August 11, 2026, may be eligible for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Decatur County is included in the federal disaster declaration, making businesses eligible to apply for SBA disaster assistance.
What assistance may be available?

🏢 Business Physical Disaster Loans
• Available to businesses of any size.
• May help repair or replace disaster-damaged buildings, inventory, machinery, equipment, supplies, and other business property.
• Loans may be available for up to $2 million, subject to SBA requirements and verified losses.

💼 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
• Available to eligible small businesses and certain private nonprofit organizations.
• May provide working capital for expenses such as payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other ordinary expenses that cannot be met because of the disaster.
• Physical damage is not required to qualify for EIDL assistance.
Important Deadlines

📅 October 25, 2026 — Deadline to apply for physical damage assistance.
📅 May 25, 2027 — Deadline to apply for economic injury assistance (EIDL).

How to Apply
Businesses can learn more and apply through the SBA:

SBA Disaster Assistance
📞 SBA Customer Service: 1-800-659-2955
📧 Email: [email protected]

Businesses should contact SBA directly to determine whether they qualify and what assistance may be available for their specific circumstances. SBA determines eligibility, loan amounts, and terms.
Questions?

Businesses in Decatur County can also contact the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency (812-663-2004) for assistance or questions regarding the disaster declaration and available resources.

If your business was affected, we encourage you to reach out to SBA and see if you may qualify for assistance.

09/03/2026

We are here!