Huntington County Health Department

06/01/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

It’s more than just stress—it can affect daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Common symptoms include:
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma
• Feeling constantly on edge
• Negative thoughts or mood changes

💚 You are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

06/01/2026

The "who" of su***de.

The group who have high death rates from su***de?-- **middle age and older men**!!!!

Biggest risk factors:
1. Previous attempt
2. Mental health diagnosis
3. Substance Use Disorder
4. Major life stressor
5. Social isolation

there is a 2-4% lifetime prevalence that someone will attempt su***de.

05/29/2026

BEHIND THE BADGE

Not every battle is visible.

Public safety wears a lot of different uniforms.Police officers.Firefighters.Dispatchers.Medics.Corrections.Investigators.Command staff.

Different roles.Same weight.

Some calls stay with you.Some moments follow you home.Some things get buried under years of “I’m good.”

But carrying it in silence doesn’t make you stronger.

Checking on each other matters.Talking matters.Support matters.

No rank.No title.No position changes the fact that we’re all human first.

You don’t have to carry it alone.

05/28/2026

We've been getting a nice stream of people making appointments for school vaccines, but we would LOVE to see a lot more! August 5th will be here before you know it and getting kids the required vaccines now is just one less thing parents will have to worry about in the fall. Call us NOW for more information or to make an appointment.

05/27/2026

Discussing the "Why" of Su***de. Dr. Thomas Joiner is a great source of research and talks about 3 things common in su***de:
1. Increased sense of being a burden or ineffective in your environment
2. Increased feeling of not belonging
3. Increase capability of self-harm.

We have so many people asking "why" right now. We have a lot of people who can meet with you or your group about this. Just let us know.
You are not a burden. Keep showing up, we'll be here.

We are planning an upcoming large community conversation about su***de and mental health but obviously this stuff can't wait. - Dr. Matt

Youth Services Bureau - Empowerment for CommunityBowen HealthHuntington County Emergency ManagementHuntington County Community SchoolsBoys & Girls Club of Huntington CountyHuntington County Council on Aging

05/27/2026

💙 Understanding PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): You Are Not Alone 💙

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s more than just stress—it can have lasting effects on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

🔹 What Can Cause PTSD?
• Serious accidents
• Natural disasters
• Violence or abuse
• Military combat
• Loss of a loved one
• Any deeply distressing or life-threatening event

⚠️ Common Signs & Symptoms May Include:

🔸 Re-Experiencing Symptoms:
• Flashbacks or reliving the event
• Nightmares or disturbing dreams
• Intrusive thoughts

🔸 Avoidance Symptoms:
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that are reminders
• Withdrawing from others

🔸 Mood & Thinking Changes:
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
• Difficulty remembering parts of the event
• Loss of interest in activities

🔸 Physical & Emotional Reactions:
• Being easily startled or “on edge”
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability or angry outbursts

✨ The good news? PTSD is treatable.
With the right support, people can recover and regain a sense of control.

✔ Talk to someone you trust
✔ Seek professional help
✔ Practice self-care and grounding techniques
✔ Stay connected with supportive people
✔ Call or text **988** (U.S.) for immediate support

💬 Healing takes time - but help and hope are always available.

05/27/2026

Do you have your kids signed up for the Summer Food Service Program?

Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), kids of all ages can get meals and snacks during the summer at no cost at schools, parks, and other neighborhood locations.

Check out our webpage linked below to find information about the Summer Sun Meals locations throughout Huntington County!

https://www.hccsc.k12.in.us/services/operations-facilities/food-service/sun-summer-nutrition-programs-for-kids

Andrews Elementary School
Flint Springs Elementary
Horace Mann Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Roanoke Elementary School
Salamonie Elementary School
Crestview Middle School
Riverview Middle School
Huntington North High School
Huntington County Community Learning Center




Resource:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program

05/27/2026

It’s Wednesday… aka “Why am I tired when the week isn’t even over yet?” 😴

Midweek Health Check:
💧 If your water intake is mostly coffee… we need to talk
🥦 Vegetables are still your friends (even if you’re ignoring them)
🧍‍♀️ Sitting all day? Your body would love a quick stretch break

Small habits today = more energy tomorrow. You’ve got this!

05/26/2026

Did you know that the color of your child's swimwear can impact how quickly they can be seen and rescued in the water?

The color of your child’s swimsuit directly impacts their visibility in the water, particularly during emergencies. Bright, high-contrast colors like neon yellow, green, and orange create strong contrast against the water’s surface and pool bottoms, making them easier to spot.

On the other hand, darker colors and muted tones can blend in, delaying response times when every second counts in drowning prevention.

When it comes to visibility in water, some swimsuit shades stand out immediately. In contrast, others can blend in beneath the surface, putting kids at a greater risk of going unnoticed in an emergency.

High-Visibility Colors
These colors provide the highest contrast and are considered the safest options for swimwear:

Neon yellow
Neon green
Bright orange
Fluorescent pink (especially effective in pools)
Bright red (better in clear water)

Low-Visibility Colors
These colors blend into the water, pool floor, or natural surroundings, and are much harder to spot:

Light blue
White
Gray
Black
Navy blue
Dark green
Pastels and muted tones