Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services - HCS

09/07/2026

As a reminder: All Kalamazoo County offices and courts will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

09/04/2026

The influenza virus spreads easily and quickly in classrooms and on the playground. During flu season, the virus can sweep through a classroom and shut down learning. The annual flu shot helps your child’s immune system recognize and resist the virus so they can stay in school, go on playdates, and continue doing all the things they love. The AAP recommends annual flu vaccination starting at 6 months of age. Learn more and talk to your pediatrician with questions: https://bit.ly/3dLvPwm

09/04/2026

Car seats are safe for travel but not for prolonged sleep. When possible, keep car rides under two hours or take frequent breaks. If baby falls asleep, transfer the baby as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Learn more about choosing the correct car seat at https://bit.ly/3WckNmb.

09/04/2026

Food safety includes making sure your produce is washed, stored, and prepared correctly!

Kalamazoo HCS works to improve the health of our community to make Kalamazoo a healthier and more prosperous place to live for every resident. We operate through the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention public health model of Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance.

As a department, our team acknowledges that one of the main needs for Kalamazoo County is that of minimizing health inequities between various communities with the county. In order for people and the community to be healthy and vibrant, Kalamazoo HCS commits to equal access for everyone and quality healthcare, quality education, and opportunities to improve everyone's economic, physical, mental and environmental health.

09/04/2026

If you lose power, know what to do!

09/03/2026

Public Health Advisory issued for Hampton Lake due to a suspected harmful algal bloom.

To avoid getting sick, people and pets should avoid direct contact with water that appears blue-green, or water that looks like it has a green sheen or spilled paint on its surface.

Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4675Xmg

09/03/2026

The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department, in consultation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is lifting the public health advisory for a suspected harmful algal bloom, or HAB, in Austin Lake, located in The City of Portage MI.

Read the full advisory ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hcyLz5

09/02/2026

🌊 Public Health Advisory issued for Austin Lake due to a suspected harmful algal bloom.

To avoid getting sick, people and pets should avoid direct contact with water that appears blue-green, or water that looks like it has a green sheen or spilled paint on its surface.

Read more: kalcounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7657/090226-Public-Health-Advisory-Issued-for-Residents-of-Austin-Lake-002

Spanish: kalcounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7658/090226-SPANISH-Public-Health-Advisory-Issued-for-Residents-of-Austin-Lake-002

09/02/2026

Hot weather is projected for Kalamazoo County today! Know the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and if you might be at higher risk for heat-related health complications!

09/02/2026

For individuals who do not have access to a cool location during today's heat and feel they need it, the following cooling shelters and cooling centers will be available during their listed hours of operation.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. A valid state-issued ID or Kalamazoo County identification showing residency within the Kalamazoo metropolitan area is required for shelter utilization. For additional information, call (269) 345-2974.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 4 PM.
No identification or residency requirements for cooling center use. Guests may remain and transition directly into dinner service.

Ministry with Community
500 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcomed between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no identification or residency requirement for cooling center use. Pets are permitted if they remain under their owner’s immediate control and are not aggressive.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library
315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sunday

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch
1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Eastwood Branch
1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 1 PM – 8 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Alma Powell Branch
308 W. North St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Open 10 AM – 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo
1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 9 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday (closed from 12 PM – 1 PM each day)
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Portage District Library
300 Library Ln., Portage, MI 49002
Open 9 AM – 9 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sundays.

Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002
Open 8 AM – 5 PM Mondays and Fridays, 7 AM – 7:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. Closed on Saturdays.
*Service dogs permitted; no other pets allowed.

Comstock Community Center
6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Thursday. Open 8 AM – 12 PM on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
May close during severe weather if staff safety becomes a concern.