Latest Uncas Health District News
Private Wells: When and Why to Test Your Water
If your home uses a private well, the safety of that water is largely your responsibility. Connecticut advises regular testing because water quality can change over time, and testing is the only way to know whether your water is safe to drink. State health officials also note that about 23% of Connecticut residents rely on … Read more
How CT’s Health Districts Protect Communities Every Day
When people think about public health, they often think about the big moments: a disease outbreak, a vaccination campaign, or an emergency response during a storm or pandemic. But public health is just as often found in the quieter, everyday work that keeps communities safe long before a crisis begins. In Connecticut, local and regional … Read more
National Public Health Week: Celebrating Those Who Keep Our Communities Healthy
Each year, the first full week of April marks National Public Health Week – a recognition of the infrastructure that keeps our daily lives running safely. This year, from April 6-12, the Uncas Health District is highlighting the essential work of the professionals who monitor our environments, prevent disease, and bridge gaps in healthcare access. … Read more
Early Tick Season is Here: Tick Checks & Disease Prevention
As the weather begins to warm up, more of us are heading outside to walk the dog, work in the yard, hike local trails, visit parks, and enjoy spring sports and activities. It is also the time of year to start thinking seriously about ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, and many … Read more
7 New Substances Classified as Controlled Substances in CT
Kratom, Tianeptine, and five other substances are now Schedule 1 Controlled Substances and must be removed from shelves by Wednesday. Resources are available for those struggling with addiction. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General William Tong, and state officials from the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Resources, and Connecticut State … Read more
Save a Life Day — Free Nalaxone Training on April 8th
On Wednesday, April 8, the Uncas Health District will take part in Save A Life Day, a statewide effort focused on naloxone training, overdose prevention, and public education. Held during National Public Health Week, Save A Life Day gives people a simple, practical way to learn how to respond in an overdose emergency. The goal … Read more
Poison Prevention: Safe Storage for Meds and Chemicals
Spring cleaning season is a good time to think about poison prevention at home. More than 90% of poisonings happen in people’s homes, most often in places like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. That is why a few simple habits around storage, labeling, and disposal can make a real difference for children, pets, and adults … Read more
National Nutrition Month: Practical, Affordable Tips for Eating Healthy
As we begin to come out of winter and look ahead to spring, it is a good time to reset routines and make a few modest changes that support better health. That is very much the spirit of National Nutrition Month, held each March to encourage informed food choices and healthy eating habits. Start Small … Read more
Winter’s Not Done Yet: Safety Tips for Heavy Snow
The last few weeks have been a reminder that winter in eastern Connecticut can still pack a punch. During the recent blizzard, North Stonington recorded 30.8 inches of snow – the highest total reported in Connecticut. And even when the flakes stop, winter hazards don’t: daytime melting followed by overnight refreezing can create slick sidewalks … Read more
Respiratory Season: When to Stay Home, Test, or Seek Care
Late winter in New England is prime time for respiratory bugs to circulate – especially influenza (flu), RSV, COVID-19, and “common cold” viruses. National monitoring in February 2026 showed flu activity remained elevated, with influenza B increasing, and RSV elevated in some areas. In a recent epidemiology report, RSV was at peak winter levels statewide, … Read more