Health promotion and wellness


Rice County SHIP newsletter

Promoting healthy communities

Rice County Public Health offers health education for schools, worksites, and community groups. Staff collaborate with the community on policies, systems and environmental changes to protect, promote and improve the health of all Rice County residents.

Healthy living

Juniper is a hub for evidenced-based healthy living classes. Search for Juniper programs.

Chemical and mental health resources

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Tobacco information and resources

Your health and the environment

  1. Air quality
  2. Healthy home environments
  3. Lead
  4. Radon

On these days, air pollution levels may cause adverse health effects for people with cardiovascular disease, lung disease, older adults, children, and even healthy people doing vigorous activity. For more information about air quality and health, visit www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/air-quality-and-health

To find air quality levels by ZIP Code, visit the U.S. Air Quality Index website, Airnow.gov. 

AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy for you. When you know the AQI in your area, you can take steps to protect your health.

Health promotion activities

  • Chronic disease prevention - asthma, cancer, diabetes
  • Diet and nutrition - nutrition education, community gardens, farmers markets
  • Health and Happiness Project- help our community build skills to cope with stress, promote a positive outlook, build resiliency, and shift their mindset
  • Health care access - help for under-insured and uninsured in accessing health care in Rice County
  • Home safety - home safety instruction for injury and fall prevention
  • Indoor air quality - radon, environmental tobacco smoke, mold
  • Mental health - promotion activities, resources
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
  • Physical activity and healthy weight - promotion of parks and recreation, non-motorized transportation, healthy lifestyle
  • Sun safety - use of Dermascan to show sun damage
  • Tobacco use cessation - prevention activities, carbon monoxide monitor, QUITPLAN Minnesota