BENZIE-LEELANAU DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT

COVID-19 Vaccine Information (last updated August 9, 2024): 

Click here to see Clinic Dates

Michigan's COVID-19 CASE DATA

Click here to see current COVID-19 Case Data

COVID-19 Testing Kits- 

Free at home test kits remain available at both Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department offices while supplies last. You are encouraged to have kits on hand before you develop symptoms.

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S., and spring is peak season for tick bites. Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. Learn about Lyme disease symptoms and prevention.

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is part of a new SNAP-Ed project to better understand how local residents access healthy food. 

We’re attending community events to share resources and gather feedback through a short survey. Your input helps us: 

✔️ Identify barriers like transportation or limited healthy options 

✔️ Connect people with food and SNAP resources 

✔️ Improve future nutrition programs 

Take the survey today and help us build a healthier community! 

https://forms.office.com/g/AseWvXpQ6T 

As temperatures rise, it’s a great time to brush up on water safety. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, and adults can take steps to stay safe, too. 

The Red Cross highlights a few water safety tips residents can use: 

• Swim sober 

• Know your limitations 

• Never swim alone 

• Wear an appropriate, US Coast Guard approved life jacket when boating 

• Know how to call for help 

• Understand unique risk of bodies of water (river currents, water temperature, shallow/deep water, and underwater hazards). 

Our Environmental Health services focus on protecting the community by ensuring clean air, safe water, and healthy living environments. From well and septic inspections to food safety and radon awareness, we’re dedicated to keeping northern lower Michigan safe. Learn more about how we help and the services we offer at https://bldhd.org/environmental-services/  

April is a time to raise awareness about HIV and STDs, emphasizing the importance of prevention, regular testing, and early treatment. 

STDs are common, but many don’t show symptoms, making regular testing essential for your health. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested at least once a year or more frequently if you have multiple partners. Take control of your health—talk to one of our nurses today about getting tested.

Starting in November 2024, we’re offering free birth control and STI prevention supplies, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These resources include condoms, over-the-counter emergency contraception, and over-the-counter oral contraceptive pills—all provided at no cost and without the need for insurance information. Additionally, information on family planning services and health insurance options will be available, helping connect individuals to affordable healthcare coverage. This initiative supports reproductive health by providing immediate access to contraception and STI prevention supplies for all community members.

• Monday, May 26th- Memorial Day
• Friday, July 4th- Independence Day
• Monday, September 1st- Labor Day
• Tuesday, November 11th- Veterans Day
• Thursday and Friday, November 27th and 28th- Thanksgiving
• Wednesday and Thursday, December 24th and 25th- Christmas

Each May, we celebrate Older Americans Month—a time to honor the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of older adults in Benzie and Leelanau. 

This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated stereotypes and highlights the vibrant, diverse ways older adults enrich our communities. Let’s shift the conversation and celebrate aging as a time of strength, growth, and connection.