Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services - HCS

06/03/2026

Happy Insect Repellent Awareness Day!

Insect repellent is a summer essential, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

Use this EPA tool to explore your options: epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you

To learn more about choosing an insect repellent for your child, visit healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Insect-Repellents.aspx

06/02/2026

U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts thunderstorms with large hail, severe wind gusts and possible tornadoes in parts of the northern Plains throughout today. Be sure to monitor local news and any emergency alerts you receive on your phone to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Found a baby wild animal? Most of the time, the best thing you can do is leave it alone.
Many young animals that appear abandoned are actually being cared for by their parents, who may be nearby but out of sight. Removing healthy wildlife from the wild can reduce its chances of survival and may not be necessary.
Learn more from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about when wildlife needs help and when it should be left in the wild:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/Wildlife/keep-wild

When in doubt, call a wildlife rehabilitator before intervening.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident or sexual assault. It's estimated that 7 out of every 100 veterans will have PTSD in their lifetime. It's important that they know they are not alone.

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, visit Michigan.gov/MVAA or call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838). If you are in crisis, dial 988 then press 1.

To learn more about PTSD treatments: go.mi.gov/PTSD

05/29/2026

Lake Street will be closed beginning on June 1. The Household Hazardous Waste Center (East of the closure) will still be accessible.

Closure on Lake Street
Between Mills Street and King Highway and from Mills Street to Portage Road

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – May 29, 2026 – Two sections of Lake Street—from Mills Street to King Highway, and from Mills Street to Portage Street—will be closed to traffic, though the Mills Street intersection itself will remain open. This closure begins on Monday, June 1, 2026, and will last for approximately two weeks. The disruption is necessary to allow crews to complete water service line renewals.

Motorists should expect delays and are advised to follow the UPDATED posted detour route. If pedestrian access is impacted, a local pedestrian detour will be utilized. Access to all homes and local businesses will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.