Hamilton County Health Department - Tennessee

This week, we celebrated Wendy Shepherd as she begins an exciting new chapter: retirement! For 19 years, Wendy has dedicated herself to serving Hamilton County through the Health Department, leaving a lasting impact on both the community and her colleagues. Her commitment, compassion, and hard work have truly made a difference. Thank you, Wendy, for your years of service and the legacy you leave behind. Wishing you all the best in this next adventure.

Help us to celebrate developmental disabilities awareness month as we promote understanding, inclusion, opportunities, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Together, we can build an inclusive community that values each person’s unique strength, contributions, and values. At the Hamilton County Health Department, we are committed to providing education, resources, and support to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have every opportunity to fully participate in our communities.

The third week of March is National Poison Prevention Week! Since 1961, National Poison Prevention Week has been observed to increase awareness about the dangers of poisonings at any age, and how to prevent them. Safe storage of medications, cleaners, chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous products is one way to minimize the risk of your children being poisoned. In case of a poison emergency, call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222). For more information on prevention tips, please visit poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/what-you-can-d…

March is National Nutrition Month! Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as National Nutrition Week, it became a month-long observance by 1980. The theme for 2026 is "Discover the Power of Nutrition." Discovering the power of nutrition is more than just choosing what to eat. It’s about fueling yourself with essential nutrients that drive energy, focus, and overall wellness. The Hamilton County Health Department is committed to supporting our community by providing resources and guidance to help everyone make informed, healthy choices. For more information about National Nutrition Month, please visit eatright.org/national-nutri…

Stop, look, and learn! Designed for children ages 3-6, the Safe Sprouts program brings engaging activities into the classroom, combining games, songs, and most importantly, traffic safety! If you'd like to learn more about available lessons, please visit Health.HamiltonTN.org or call the program at (423) 209-8204.

Today is NATIONAL DENTIST’S DAY! Dentists play an important part in our health and well-being. More specifically, Access to reliable dental care for prevention and treatment is critical to ensure optimal oral health. We are thankful for our wonderful team of DENTISTS located at our 3rd street clinic and homeless health care center. The Hamilton County Health Department’s Dental Clinic provides preventive, restorative, and emergency care to patients 3-20 years of age and 0-2 years of age for consultation only. Emergency walk-ins are welcome, but patients with appointments are the priority. Adults are also seen for emergency dental care. Visit Health.HamiltonTN.org for more information or call (423) 209-8100 for dental care. Call us and scheduled an appointment today!

March 6th is Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day. We would like to thank all of the wonderful maintenance workers and custodians who work tirelessly to keep the Hamilton County Health Department running smoothly. Thank you for everything you do!

Did you know? The Hamilton County Health Department provides a program that educates on healthy aging, fall prevention, and overall well-being. The Live Well Age Well program encourages people to explore and adopt healthy living habits that make life vibrant at any age! If your organization would like to learn more about the Live Well Age Well program, please call (423)-209-8366 to speak with Taylor, or visit Health.HamiltonTN.org.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that 1 in 3 teenagers will experience dating abuse before they reach adulthood? It's time to speak up and break the cycle, because #RealLoveRespects. If you would like to learn more or take a quiz to find out if your relationship is healthy, you can click here.: loveisrespect.org/quiz/is-your-r… go to the LoveIsRespect website. For more information on local resources, visit our website at Health.HamiltonTN.org.

RECALL ALERT: Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is recalling approximately 3 million pounds of chicken fried rice, most commonly sold at Trader Joe’s. The decision to recall these products was made due to reports of a glass contaminant found by consumers. The recall affects products manufactured between September 8, 2025, and November 17, 2025. To determine if your product is affected, please visit: fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts…

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which promotes good dental hygiene for children, so they can have a head start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. One of the best ways to celebrate is by scheduling a dental appointment. The Health Department provides dental care via appointment to residents of Hamilton County, ages 3-20. For more information regarding the dental services offered, please visit Health.HamiltonTN.org or call (423) 209-8100.

Through With Chew Week, February 15th to 21st, is dedicated to educating Hamilton County residents about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, or “chew.” Smokeless tobacco is not a safe substitute for cigarettes and is equally a significant health risk. In fact, smokeless users are at a heightened risk for oral cancers compared to non-users, and these cancers can form quickly. If you or someone you know is ready to begin their journey toward a nicotine-free lifestyle, please visit Health.HamiltonTN.org or call (423) - 209 – 8093

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Hamilton County Health Department has identified an unexpected increase in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) cases in 2026 associated with the consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk. Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria that may cause severe or life-threatening illness, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and individuals with weakened immune systems. If you or your child has recently consumed raw milk and is experiencing diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, or vomiting, seek immediate care from your medical provider. Timely reporting helps protect others in our community. Please monitor official updates from the Hamilton County Health Department for additional guidance.

Don't let STIs be the unwanted third wheel on your dates this week! Remember to wear a condom and practice safe sex. No one wants STIs to interfere with their romantic plans. National Condom Week is an excellent opportunity to learn how condoms can protect you and your community from sexually transmitted infections. Did you know that the Hamilton County Health Department has a condom distribution program? To learn more, please visit our website at Health.HamiltonTN.org or call (423) 209-8350

In observance of President’s Day, all Hamilton County Health Department locations will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. We will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, February 17th. For further details regarding our locations and hours of operation, please visit Health.HamiltonTN.org or call 423-209-8000.

This Sunday, be sure to have a plan in place to stay safe after the game ends. Remember, even one drink can impair your ability to drive. If you choose to drink, please do not drive. For more information about the dangers of drunk driving, visit the webpage here.: nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/… #SuperBowlSunday

Who wore red? We did! Hamilton County Health Department employees are proudly walking around wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease. Today serves as a reminder about heart health such as being tobacco-free, staying current with doctor visits, screenings, and medications, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. Share a photo of yourself using the hashtag #WearRedDay, and tag @HamiltonTNHealthDept along with your local American Heart Association.

Join us on Friday, February 6th, for National Wear Red Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and preventing heart disease, a leading cause of death in America, particularly among women. Engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of women. Interested in learning more? For additional information about National Wear Red Day and American Heart Month, please visit goredforwomen.org.

Did you know that you can invite our Health Department programs to participate in your upcoming event or offer a presentation to your organization? We have a variety of programs eager to engage in community outreach and provide educational resources throughout Hamilton County. Our programs are available for: Community events Health fairs Career fairs Church gatherings School and small group presentations And more! If you have an event on the horizon, fill out our “Health Education Request” form to have the Health Department join you! (health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/resource…) If you have any questions, feel free to call 423-209-8077.

Every day, the Hamilton County Homeless Healthcare Clinic shows up for our most vulnerable neighbors with compassion, dignity, and unwavering commitment. Their team delivers transformative services ranging from primary medical care and dental treatments to mental health support, substance use assessments, housing assistance, and much more. Their team tirelessly promotes health, self-sufficiency, and stability, helping thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in finding care, hope, and a path forward each year. Today and every day, we acknowledge you, we appreciate you, and we stand with you, Hamilton County Homeless Healthcare Clinic. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please feel free to contact us at 423-209-5800.