Healthy Forest County

The Community Health Improvement Plan is the result of the collaboration of community partners to create a tool for community agencies, businesses, local government, and citizens to take action to create a “healthy community” for Forest County residents. It is anticipated that this document will be used as a reference and foundation for many efforts within the county.

The plan can be most valuable if action is taken, improvements are measured, and enhanced health status is attained. Community change, and the resulting health improvements, is a difficult process that requires dedication and commitment. In order to meet the health status goals for Forest County, collective action is necessary among all residents, as well as community and business sectors. We invite all Forest County residents to use this plan to improve individual, family and community health.

If you are interested in participating, you can contact the Forest County Health Department at 715-478-3371.

A special thank you to the community partners who provided guidance and direction. Our agency greatly appreciates and values the collaboration it took by all to complete this plan.

View the complete Community Health Plan (pdf file)

Goal #1 Nutrition and Physical Activity

A physical activity and nutrition coalition was established in January 2012.  Meetings are every 2nd Wednesday at Noon at the Crandon Library.  The goals of the group are to:

1.  Educate and promote healthy living in Forest County.

2.  Increase opportunities for physical activity.

3.  Increase access to healthier foods. 

Visit the Forest County CAN! website at http://www.forestcountycan.org/

Goal #2 Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Forest County Community Coalition is taking steps to address alcohol and drug abuse in our communities. 

Some of the goals are to increase responsible use of alcohol by adults.  This includes a community wide campaign called "Parents Who Host Lose the Most"  which discourages parents from allowing underage drinking in the homes.  Look for the signs in your neighborhood.

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in our communities.  Here are a few tips about safe storage of medications in the home:

• Periodically organize and keep track of your medications.
• Keep all of your medications in one place and out of reach of children.
• Keep track of the amount of medication you have frequently to make sure no one else is taking it.
• Whenever possible, try to keep medications in their original containers or packaging.  The original packaging has useful information such as dosing, expiration date and pharmacy contact information.
• Don’t combine different med medications
• Check the expiration date of the medication and dispose of any expired medicine. 
• Don’t share medication with anyone else.  Prescription medications are prescribed by medical professionals based on a person’s individual medical condition and history.

Don't keep medication once you no longer need it.  This will keep it out of the hands of children and others who should not take the medication. 

It is important to protect the environment and prevent unintentional misuse and illegal abuse by properly disposing of unused medications. Controlled substances such as opioid pain medications should be disposed of with particular care.

• Check with your pharmacist about proper disposal.
• Inquire with the Sheriff's Department about drop off sites in our community.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources link to pharmaceutical waste disposal:  Click Here
• Prescription Drug Facts

Helpful Resources

Northern Wisconsin Alcoholics Anonymous

For Teens:  Above the Influence-Pressure to Use Drugs