Licking County Health Department

📦Free firearm and medication safe storage devices sent straight to your door📦 A safer home is just a click away. The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is offering free medication and firearm storage devices to Licking County residents to reduce access to lethal means. Fill out our request form today at forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5V6X…, and get your items sent directly to your home.

This week, Scott Morris, REHS, Director of Outdoor Environmental Health, presented at the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) Conference in Denver. Scott shared insights on the modernization of the Licking County Health Department's Sewage Treatment Systems Program, highlighting innovative approaches to improving efficiency, service, and environmental protection. Thank you, Scott, for representing our community and helping advance conversations that support public health and sustainable wastewater management across the country.

Choosing to live free from tobacco and nicotine is a step toward a healthier future. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit ohioquits.org for support. #ATobaccoFreeOhio

Did you know women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer? Early detection can save lives. If you’re due for a mammogram, don’t let concerns about cost or lack of insurance stand in the way. 💗 No-cost mammograms may be available through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) for eligible women. 📞 Call 866-418-4963 to learn more and find out if you qualify. Know your risk. Get screened. Take care of you.

Don't let the flu stop you from your favorite fall activities! Get your flu shot today! Walk-in flu shots are available Monday thru Thursday 8:30-12:00 and 1:30-4:00. No insurance? No problem!

📣 Tomorrow is Drug Take Back Day! Did you know? Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted medications. Do a quick sweep of your medicine cabinet tonight and set aside any expired or unused prescription medications. Tomorrow, visit one of four convenient Licking County collection sites between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for safe disposal. 📍 Newark Kroger 📍 Heath Kroger 📍 Pataskala Kroger 📍 Hebron Police Department Together, we can help reduce medication misuse and prevent accidental poisonings. #TakeBackDay #Tomorrow #MedicationSafety #LickingCounty

Understanding the risks of tobacco and nicotine can help you make informed choices for your health. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit ohioquits.org to learn more. #ATobaccoFreeOhio

Did you know women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer? Early detection can save lives. If you’re due for a mammogram, don’t let concerns about cost or lack of insurance stand in the way. 💗 No-cost mammograms may be available through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) for eligible women. 📞 Call 866-418-4963 to learn more and find out if you qualify. Know your risk. Get screened. Take care of you.

🕷️🍬 Tick or Treat! Get ready for a creepy-crawly afternoon of fun, learning and CANDY! Join us on Saturday, October 24, from noon–2:00 p.m. at the Licking County Health Department for a community awareness event all about ticks and other creepy crawlers! There will be plenty to see and do, including: 🔬 Hands-on demonstrations and microscopes for a close-up look ✅ Learn how to perform a tick check 🎒 Free tick-removal kits 🍭 Fun activities and, of course, CANDY ☕ Hot chocolate to warm you up 🦟 A mosquito mascot ready for photos 🎁 A drawing for gift card prizes Bring the whole family, enjoy the outdoors, and learn a few things along the way! 📅 October 24, 2026 ⏰ Noon–2 p.m. 📍 Licking County Health Department Come for the creepy crawlers. Stay for the candy, hot chocolate and prizes! 🕷️🍬☕🎁

🚭Licking County Residents- We want to hear from you! Take a quick 5-10 minute survey about tobacco and nicotine use in our community. Open to ages 18+. 🎉 Enter to win a $100 gift card -- multiple winners! Access survey via the link below or the QR code: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/cauV… Please share with your friends and family!

💡 Did you know? You don't have to wait for Drug Take Back Day to safely dispose of medications. Many law enforcement agencies maintain permanent medication drop boxes throughout the year, providing a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted prescription medications. If you can't attend Drug Take Back Day on October 24, consider using a year-round disposal location in your community. Year-Round Drop off locations: dea.gov/everyday-takeback-da… #MedicationSafety #SafeDisposal #TakeBackDay #LickingCounty

🎃🧪 Looking for a fun and easy Halloween-themed science experiment to try at home? Our Licking County Health Department Home Educators have a SWEET idea for you! Put candy corn to the test! 🍬💧 Gather a few household liquids: water, vinegar, oil, and soda, and discover which one dissolves candy corn the fastest! 🤔 Make your predictions, watch what happens, and see if your guess was right! This hands-on activity is a fun way to spark curiosity, encourage learning, and enjoy a little Halloween science with the whole family! 👻 Which liquid do YOU think will dissolve candy corn the fastest? Share your prediction in the comments! 👇

Only 7days until Drug Take Back Day! Now is the time to check your medicine cabinets, bathroom drawers, and kitchen cabinets for expired or unused prescription medications. 📅 Saturday, October 24 ⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Four convenient drop-off locations are available throughout Licking County. 📍 Newark Kroger 📍 Heath Kroger 📍 Pataskala Kroger 📍 Hebron Police Department Let's work together to reduce medication misuse and keep our community safe. #7DayCountdown #TakeBackDay #LickingCounty

What do germs say on Halloween? 🍬Trick or sneeze! But seriously, we shouldn't let germs ruin the upcoming Halloween fun with runny noses and coughs. Back-to-school can cause illness for our students and teachers with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a Streptococcal infection (Strep Throat), Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and much more. These diseases can spread easily around schools because of their congregate setting and the disease's ability to usually cause illness within days of exposure. However, we can take steps to protect ourselves and others by: 🎃 Washing hands, especially before and after eating, with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 🕷️ Using the appropriate disinfectant frequently on high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables/desks, and technology like keyboards. 👻Promptly see a doctor or provider when you are sick for a diagnosis and proper treatment. 🐈‍⬛ Stay home when sick! Return to school criteria can vary by disease and the schools' policy, but as a general rule, an individual can return if they have not had a fever with the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours and are feeling better overall. The Licking County Health Department monitors individual reportable diseases as well as outbreaks to help prevent further transmission of disease. You can stay up to date on communicable diseases in Licking County by navigating to our monthly report on our website here: lickingcohealth.org/communit….

Did you know women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer? Early detection can save lives. If you’re due for a mammogram, don’t let concerns about cost or lack of insurance stand in the way. 💗 No-cost mammograms may be available through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) for eligible women. 📞 Call 866-418-4963 to learn more and find out if you qualify. Know your risk. Get screened. Take care of you.

Ready to make a change? Take a step toward being tobacco- and nicotine-free by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visiting ohioquits.org. #ATobaccoFreeOhio

🍂🎃 The Licking County Health Department is excited to be part of the 2nd Annual Community Fall Festival! Join us for an evening filled with fall festivities, family fun, and community connections! 🎃 Sunday, October 18 ⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM 📍 Living Hope Community Church: 8135 Mt. Vernon Rd., St. Louisville, OH 🎯 Games & Activities ✨ The best part? Admission, activities, and food are COMPLETELY FREE! Be sure to stop by and say hello to the Licking County Health Department team! We look forward to connecting with families and enjoying a wonderful evening with our community. A big thank you to Living Hope Community Church and the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Licking and Knox Counties for bringing this event to our community! 🍂 We hope to see you there! 🍂

🎃 Pumpkins with a Purpose! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and these pumpkins are helping spread the word. See below to learn the 6 signs of breast cancer, creatively visualized with pumpkins, and schedule your free screening today. 💗 Early detection saves lives. 📲 Scan the QR code to register for your screening or visit lickingcohealth.org/breast-a…. #BreastCancerAwareness #ThinkPink

Did you know? Safely disposing of medications helps reduce the risk of accidental poisoning among children and pets? National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of medications you no longer need. 📍 Newark Kroger 📍 Heath Kroger 📍 Pataskala Kroger 📍 Hebron Police Department 📅 Saturday, October 24 ⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Every bottle cleared from a medicine cabinet is one step toward a healthier and safer community. #TakeBackDay #SafeDisposal #LickingCounty