• Safe Disposal of Used Needles  New!

  • Public Health E-Magazine: Celebrating 135 Years of Public Health in Springfield/Greene County
  • Special Insert by Harold Bengsch

  • Caution Urged when Canning Foods at Home

  • Test Well Water Annually

  • Annual Food Service Permit Fees

  • Fight the Bite - Mosquito Prevention

  • Sun Safety Tips

  • Prevent Drownings

  • Pandemic Flu Planning Toolkits

  • Greene County Dog Ordinance    Map

  • Public Health E-Magazine
  • Product Recalls


  • Click here to view the daily pollen count.
  • Click here to view photos of dogs currently being held at the Animal Shelter.
  • Click here to learn how to rescue dogs from the Animal Shelter.
  • Click here for current food inspection results.
  • Click here for the current air quality index.
  • Click here to view stream test results.







  •  


    Looking Back . . .


    August 25, 2004 - At a meeting to discuss the proposed smoke-free dining ordinance, more than 20 people from both sides spoke out. A September meeting was scheduled to determine whether an agreement could be reached that would head off a public vote.
    Read the current smoke-free dining ordinance.

    Current Issues . . .

    Summer temperatures are warming up, raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body's core temperature reaches 104°F, and a core body temperature of 107°F is considered fatal.
    more

    During the hot summer months, bacteria in food multiplies more quickly and can cause foodborne illness from food that is not handled correctly. Be sure the only thing you take away from your picnic is a full stomach and happy memories.
    more


    Children should never be left in a car unattended. The temperature inside a car can heat up to dangerous levels within minutes, even when it is only 60 degrees outside. If the car is parked in direct sunlight or has a dark interior, the temperature rises even more quickly.
    more



    Weekly Feature . . .


    Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable environmental health problems today. When lead gets into the body, it can damage the brain and nerves, causing learning and behavioral problems and lower IQ levels. It can also interfere with growth and hearing. You can lower your child’s risk of lead by making four small changes. By Ruth Szkubiel, BSN, RN
    more


    In the News . . .


    The school year may provide parents with some much-needed respite from their stir-crazy children, but it also provides a new wave of concerns, medical and behavioral experts say. Read the seven reasons to worry as your kids head back to school.  08/25/08
    more

    US measles cases are at the highest in a decade, and health officials fear the trend is due to unfounded fears that the vaccine may cause autism.  08/25/08
    more

    Healthy lunches help kids to concentrate in school and experts advise parents to go light on fats. Parents should also remember their example is the best teacher when dealing with their children’s diet.  08/25/08
    more

    Click here to view Medical Minute videos.
    Now playing:
    Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and when to call for emergency help.

    View other clips

    Podcast



    Did you know?

    The health department's laboratory ran nearly 17,000 public water supply tests in 2006.
    Learn more



    Click here to view a public service announcement on HIV testing.
    Local people living with HIV encourage others to get tested in these public service announcements.
    View 30-second PSA
    View 60-second PSA



    Click here to learn how you can volunteer as a Community Hero! Springfield-Greene County Health Department
    227 East Chestnut Expressway
    Springfield, MO 65802
    (417) 864-1658 telephone * (417) 864-1099 fax

    Email questions or comments to the Webmaster.
    Learn more about bioterrorism response planning efforts in southwest Missouri.