Latest Uncas Health District News
National Fentanyl Awareness Day — Education Can Save Lives
May 7th marks the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day — established by families who tragically lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses. It serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers of this powerful synthetic opioid and its devastating impact on communities across the United States. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin … Read more
Food Handler Certification Course — June 10th
Ledge Light Health District is offering a ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager Course on Monday, June 10th, 2024, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Place for CommUNITY (74 Garfield Avenue, New London, CT) will host the class. Seating is limited, so register early to secure your spot! The cost of $175.00 includes your course … Read more
Hepatitis Awareness Month: Get Tested. Get Treated. Get Cured.
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, an opportunity to talk about a serious liver disease and to empower the community to take control of their health. It’s also a call to action for those over 18 to Get Tested. Get Treated. Get Cured. According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Hepatitis C is curable in more than … Read more
Summer’s Approaching — Let’s Practice Pool Safety
Pools can offer cool relief on scorching days, a place for exercise and relaxation, and summer fun. But owning — or even using — a pool enjoyment comes with a big responsibility: safety. Saturday is National Pool Opening Day, so let’s take a moment to recognize the importance of pool safety. According to the CDC, … Read more
Where to Find Free Narcan Distribution Boxes in Uncas Health District
In the fight against opioid overdoses, access to naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is critical. Naxolone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving lives in crucial moments of crisis. However, access to naloxone has been an issue, hindering its potential to prevent tragic outcomes. Locally, an initiative led by NLC Cares is … Read more
National Infant Immunization Week: Protecting Our Littlest Ones
Every year in April, we celebrate National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), a dedicated time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This year, NIIW runs from April 22nd to 29th, 2024. Why Vaccines Matter Vaccines are one of the most successful and cost-effective public health tools … Read more
Uncas Health District Offering Free Gun Locks to Promote Firearm Safety
Uncas Health District is committed to promoting safety in our community, including firearm safety. We are pleased to announce that we are offering free gun locks to residents while supplies last. Gun safety is critical for everyone. Each year, nearly 500 people die from unintentional firearm injuries. These tragedies can often be prevented with proper … Read more
Flu Update: 51 New Cases Reported in First Week of April
2023-24 continues to be a busy flu season, as 51 new influenza cases were identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District, according to April 6, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 987 cases in the district. Those aged … Read more
Ticked Off — Your Guide to Tick Removal and Lyme Disease Prevention
Living in Connecticut, we all cherish our state’s natural beauty. But with those scenic woodlands and brushy fields comes a potential health threat: ticks. These tiny arachnids can transmit Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. Did you know that in Connecticut alone, an estimated 30,000 people contract Lyme disease each year? That’s a significant … Read more
