Latest Uncas Health District News
CT Leads Nation in MMR Vaccination Rates
As families across Connecticut prepare for the new school year, our state can take pride in another public health achievement: Connecticut has the highest two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate in the nation, with 98.3% of kindergarteners up to date in the 2024-2025 school year. This not only reflects the dedication of parents … Read more
Gov. Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Monday
Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting 211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1 Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a multi-day heat wave over the coming week, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on … Read more
Drowning Prevention: The Hidden Danger Swimming in Crowded Places
In the summer months, it’s common to head to public pools, lakes, and beaches to enjoy time with family and friends. But amidst the laughter, music, and splashing, the reality of drowning needs to be top of mind, especially in a crowded environment. Every year in the United States, there are over 4,000 unintentional drowning … Read more
CT Horse and Livestock Owners Advised to Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Preventative Measures are Key to Protection The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) reminds the state’s horse and livestock community to take preventative measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases this season, including West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). While Connecticut has not had any reported human or horse cases this season, the … Read more
Flash Floods — Keeping Safe in Rapidly Rising Flood Waters
Flash floods can strike with little warning and devastating force. This summer’s catastrophic flash floods in central Texas — where more than 100 lives were lost over the July 4th weekend — remind us how quickly deadly waters can form and sweep away everything in their path. The communities of Uncas Health District and its … Read more
Preparing for Summer Hazards: Heat, Storms, and Power Outages
Summer in New England brings a range of seasonal risks that can quickly escalate into emergencies. Due to climate change, extreme heat, severe thunderstorms, and power outages are all more frequent and dangerous. Preparing ahead of time can reduce harm and ensure that individuals, households, and communities stay safe during these events. This article outlines … Read more
Sharing the Road: Bicycle Safety Tips for Riders and Drivers
As the school year winds down and sunny days become the norm, more and more bicyclists are hitting the roads, sidewalks, and trails across Eastern Connecticut. Whether it’s kids cruising to the park, commuters trading four wheels for two, or families out for a weekend ride, bicycles are a big part of our summer streetscape. … Read more
National Safety Month: Simple Steps for a Safe June (and Beyond!)
June is National Safety Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about preventing injuries and accidents. But safety shouldn’t be confined to just one month — here are some easy-to-implement tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe all year round. Be Prepared with a First-Aid Kit Accidents happen. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit … Read more
Don’t Face Crisis Alone — Suicide Prevention Resources Save Lives
As mental health challenges and crises — including anxiety, depression, substance use struggles, and thoughts of suicide — can arise unexpectedly, it’s important to know help is only a call, text, or click away. In Eastern Connecticut, Uncas Health District partners with the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and a network of regional crisis … Read more
Eastern CT Sees Surge in Tick Activity — Stay Safe and Prevent Tick-Borne Illnesses
As we move into mid‑May in Eastern Connecticut, tick activity is rising. With warm, mild conditions replacing a short winter, our local environment has become prime real estate for ticks at every life stage. According to experts at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), including Dr. Goudarz Molaei, this year’s unusually mild winter and early … Read more