Kent City Health Department

09/15/2026

We have a big day coming up this Saturday as we host our 4th Annual Community Picnic in Hometown Bank Plaza in downtown Kent. Join us 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for FREE food, games and music all afternoon. Open to the public.
Marc Lee Shannon performs noon to 1 p.m. He will be followed by special guest Raynard Packard, who will talk about what led him from original "Dogtown" skateboarder to founder and director of Akron's The Packard Institute.
You can also visit with some miniature Highland cows, as well as some other animals from Pure Passions Farm, while you are here.
If you are able, please bring a shelf-stable food item to help fill the food pantry at Tommy's Place and Horizon House.
A special thanks goes out to Here to Serve Barbecue who are preparing the food.
We hope to see you Saturday!

09/14/2026

September is National Education Month! 🥗🍝
Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated food every year? Many foodborne illnesses can be prevented with a couple simple kitchen habits.

The Core 4 steps are four easy ways to keep you and your family safe from foodborne illnesses:
1️⃣ CLEAN: Wash your hands often, with soap and water, and rinse produce under tap water. Don't use soap or detergents on your fruits and veggies!
2️⃣ SEPARATE: Raw meat and ready-to-eat foods don't mix. Keep raw meat on the lowest shelf in your fridge so it doesn't contaminate other foods.
3️⃣ COOK: Cook all meat, eggs, shellfish, and leftovers to a high enough internal temperature. Use a thermometer when cooking.
4️⃣ CHILL: Make sure your fridge is 40 degrees or lower. If perishable food has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours, don't eat it!

For more information about food safety, including school lunches, grocery shopping, air fryers and cutting boards, and more, visit the USDA website: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics

What's some kitchen advice you wish you knew sooner? Comment below ⬇

09/09/2026

🍅 Happy September! Summer might be winding down, but that doesn't mean the fresh fruits and veggies have to stop! Check out what's in season this month.
🌽Have you been to the Thomas-Anderson Memorial Garden? Founded by Doria Daniels, the garden honors the history of the Historic South End, and the different communities and cultures that built it.
🍑Visitors can sit on benches and watch butterflies, read from the Little Free Library, and pick their own FREE produce! Tomatoes, herbs, collard greens, figs, and MORE are currently in bloom. The garden is located at 1110 Walnut Street in Kent's Historic South End.

09/09/2026

Today is 988 Day. If you or someone you care about is struggling, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline connects you with a trained crisis counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org

09/08/2026

🚨 Confirmed Measles Case in Portage County

The Portage County Health District (PCHD) has confirmed one case of measles in Portage County.

At this time, no public exposure locations associated with this case have been identified. PCHD is working closely with the Ohio Department of Health to investigate the case and identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.

💉 Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. Residents are encouraged to review their vaccination records and contact their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether they are protected.

PCHD will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

🔗 Read the full media release: https://portagehealth.net/data-reports-and-forms/press-releases/

09/07/2026

The Kent City Health Department is closed today, September 7th, to observe Labor Day. We will reopen at 8 am on Tuesday, September 8th.

09/04/2026