Local Public Health Offices Close

Thursday March 19, 2020

Services by Appointment Only

As of March 20, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. all offices of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency will close to the public. Public health services will be available by appointment only. Individuals presenting to any of the offices for an appointment will be subject to a health screening prior to being permitted entry into the building. To talk with a member of our staff or to make an appointment please refer to the program of interest:

• WIC – Current WIC clients have been notified of their benefit extensions. New WIC clients or those needing to be recertified to receive benefits currently need an appointment. Call any of our offices and select option #1.

• Immunizations/STD/HIV – We will see clients needing immunizations by appointment only. Call any of our offices and select option #1.

• Environmental Health – Application forms for services are available on our website at www.bhsj.org. If you cannot print an application form, contact any of our offices and select option #2 and request an application be mailed to you. For Environmental Health questions or an environmental health emergency contact our office by selecting option #2 from our voicemail system.

• Childrens Special Healthcare Services – Staff are available for phone consultation. Call any of our offices and select option #3.

• Area Agency on Aging 3C/Victim Services – Staff are available for phone consultation. Call any of our offices and select option #6.

• Health Education and Promotion – Staff are available for phone consultation and by appointment. Call any of our offices and select option #4.

• Medicaid/Health Michigan Plan Applications – Staff are available for phone consultation. Call any of our offices and select option #5.

As of March 19, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. there are no cases of COVID-19 in Branch, Hillsdale, or St. Joseph counties, Michigan. The residents of Branch, Hillsdale, and St. Joseph counties are reminded that they can take measures to protect themselves and their families by following this guidance:

To help reduce the strain on our healthcare systems:

• If you are mildly sick, stay home instead of going to the doctor.

• If you think you might have COVID-19 disease, call ahead to your doctor or clinic so that they can take special precautions.

• Only go to the emergency department if you feel very sick, and call first.

All individuals should take the following precautions:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.