ECHO [Emergency and Community Health Outreach] offers free 24/7 pre-recorded health information from the Minnesota Department of Health @ 1-888-883-8831. It exists to ensure that people with limited English proficiency receive life-saving information. Click on http://www.echominnesota.org for more information.

For information on emergency preparedness, go to www.ready.gov

Minnesota Responds is a partnership that integrates local, regional, and statewide volunteer programs to assist our pubilic health and healthcare systems during a disaster. It is part of a national initiative to coordinate and mobilize health volunteers to respond to emergencies. Whether you are licensed or certified in a health field, active or retired, or a person with an interest in assisting in a health response, we invite you to register with Minnesota Responds. To sign up or for more information, click on www.mnresponds.org

Freedom to Breathe legislation passed for smoke-free air for all workers.
Starting October 1, 2007 most work places must be smoke-free.
Please go to www.freshairmn.org for information on the new law and how it affects the public and businesses in Clearwater County.

Seat belt safety:  Parents and caregivers are the most important role models to their children. Always demonstrate the importance of seat belts by buckling up. Learn more aboutchild restraints at www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us or www.carseatsmadesimple.org .

Pharmaceutical Waste: Disposing of unwanted medications: In the past it was recommended that unwanted medications be disposed of by flushing them down the toilet or drain.  This method of disposal can cause pollution in wastewater and can also cause unintentional human exposure to chemicals in medication.  Mediations should not be disposed of by flushing down the toilet or a drain.
   *Take unused, uneeded, or expired medications out of their original containers and throw them in the trash.
      -Mix prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and put them in impermeable containers, such as empty cans or non-transparent sealable bags. 
      -Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.
    

For information go to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website:
 http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/living-green/living-green-citizen/household-hazardous-waste/pharmaceutical-waste-disposing-of-unwanted-medications.html

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