First District Health Unit

09/04/2026

Did you know September is Emergency Preparedness Month? Last week, members of our Emergency Response and Environmental Health teams put preparedness into action by traveling to Anniston, Alabama, to complete Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response Operations.

The hands-on training covered how environmental health staff respond during emergencies and disasters, including field assessments, food and water safety, health and safety at emergency shelters, hazardous materials and much more!

We are grateful for training opportunities like this that strengthen our preparedness and give our staff valuable knowledge and skills to bring back to the communities we serve.

09/04/2026

📣HOLIDAY CLOSURE: All First District Health Unit offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

09/03/2026

⚠️ Harmful Algal Bloom Alert ⚠️

A new harmful algal bloom Advisory is now in effect for Epping-Springbrook Dam (Williams County). A new Warning is in effect for Buffalo Lodge Lake (McHenry County), and Lake Darling (Renville County) has been elevated from an Advisory to a Warning. HABs have now been identified at 17 locations across North Dakota.

View the full list of HAB Advisories and Warnings:
https://www.deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/3_WM/HABs/HABsListings.pdf

If the water looks green, blue-green or has a thick surface scum, stay out. Harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that may pose health risks to people and animals.

Avoid contact with algae-covered water.

Report suspected blooms: 701-328-5210 or [email protected]

When in doubt, stay out.

08/27/2026

🚨FOOT CARE - You asked, and we listened!

We officially have two podiatrist-trained nurses offering professional foot care services for individuals who need assistance safely caring for their feet. This may include people with diabetes, neuropathy, limited mobility or other conditions that make routine foot care difficult.

🔹Appointments are limited. Call 701-837-5135 to schedule an appointment or ask about eligibility.
🔹Cost: $50 per service (insurance will not be billed for this service).

08/26/2026

Feeling concerned about a loved one dealing with addiction is completely normal. Yet, finding a balance between caring for them and preserving your own daily routines can be tricky.
To find information and resources click here: https://fdhu.crediblemind.com/topics/loved-one-with-addiction

08/25/2026

During Overdose Awareness Week, we come together to remember the lives lost to overdose, support those still struggling, and take meaningful action toward change.

Looking for resources? Visit: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/opioids

08/24/2026

Natalie, Zach and Haley attended the National Environmental Health Association’s Annual Educational Conference this month in Kansas City.

Sessions covered food safety, drinking water, environmental contaminants, emergency preparedness, healthy housing, recreational water safety and more. There were so many great options, it was hard to choose!

They shared experiences with peers from across the country and returned with new ideas and resources to help us better serve our communities. Along the way, they also got to see some familiar faces from other North Dakota agencies!

08/20/2026

We were glad to be part of United Way’s Community Cares event last night!

Our team provided blood pressure checks, HIV and hepatitis C testing, community health resources and access to showers for those in need.

Thank you to United Way and everyone who helped connect community members with valuable services and support! 💙

08/18/2026

Check out these great back to school safety tips!

Here are a few quick reminders to share with kids as they head back to school and spend more time walking around the community:

1. Use crosswalks and sidewalks!

2. Look right, left, and right again before crossing the street.

3. Make eye contact with any drivers at the crosswalk before crossing the street.

4. If listening to music, remove headphones or lower the volume before crossing the street.

5. Use a cellphone only in a safe area, away from traffic.