The regular, bi-monthly meeting of the Monongalia County Board of Health will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Monongalia County Health Department's conference room.

Anyone who wants to attend the board of health meeting in person should enter through the front door at the upper level and walk through the temperature scanner before entering. To attend virtually, email Kelly Grow at Kelly.A.Grow@wv.gov or call 304-598-5147 before 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 to get an invite.

More information and the agenda can be found 

Regular MCHD Board of Health meeting to be held Thursday, Sept. 24

453 Van Voorhis Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
(Top Floor)

Dentistry

453 Van Voorhis Rd, 
Morgantown, WV 26505

Environmental Health

Threat Preparedness

Clinical Services

1000 Elmer Prince Dr, 
Morgantown, WV 26505

453 Van Voorhis Road
Morgantown, WV 26505

Health Promotions

Some animals and insects, such as rodents, mosquitoes and ticks, can spread diseases to humans. Although these animals and insects are a natural part of the environment where we live, by minimizing our contact with them we can help to prevent the spread of disease.

Because it is not possible to remove ticks from the environment, try to keep them from biting and attaching to you. When you are out in wooded areas or in tall grass, wear repellent. When you return, check yourself for any ticks that tried to hitch a ride on you. If you do find a tick attached to you, remove it by pulling it straight out —

do not twist it — with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If you find a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) attached to you, contact your doctor. Monongalia County Health Department conducts 

 surveillance to monitor tick diseases, such as 

, like to live in trash piles, removing trash from your property is a way to control rodents. 

 requires all persons to have trash service or to take the trash to a landfill at least once per month. Because trash with food scraps will also attract other wild animals, such as raccoons, any trash stored outdoors should be kept in a covered and leak-proof trash container.

 need standing water to breed, removing standing water from your property, or at least around your house, will help to control mosquitoes. Any standing water — a bucket, an old tire, a pot or a birdbath can be a potential breeding area for mosquitoes. If you live in an area where there are mosquitoes, be sure to use repellents when you are outside to help keep mosquitoes from biting you. If you have any pets, make sure that your pets receive regular heartworm preventative. Monongalia County Health Department conducts mosquito surveillance to monitor 

 requires a property owner to properly dispose of any animals that die on their property. This is especially important if the dead animal is located in a creek or stream. Dead animals can also attract other animals, such as rodents. Properly disposing of dead animals helps to prevent the spread of disease.

Vector Control – Ticks, Mosquitoes, etc.

Members of Monongalia County Health Department’s 

program work to protect area residents from the harmful effects of substances known by the acronym 

 — Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear.

Radiation is used medically in X-rays and to diagnose and treat some conditions. It's also used in places that some might not expect, such as in household products such as smoke detectors, and in heavy industry to measure underground wells or pipelines. These devices are transported via area roadways that all citizens use.


Radiation can harm humans if it becomes uncontrolled or is used improperly. Members of Monongalia County Health Department’s 

 have undergone and continue to take training to learn how to conduct surveillance and detect different types of radiation in a variety of situations to help keep our community safe, as well as to respond to incidents that may occur. That includes learning how to treat radiation injuries in a network that includes WVU Medicine.


 also works with other partners to prepare for potential radiation emergencies, such as an event at a nuclear power plant or a lost/missing radiation source. The team continually works to build capability to support the response to those types of activities. This includes generating data that allows for mapping and making decisions about how to deal with potentially dangerous items.

 Monongalia County Health Department staff members, along with other community radiation responders, attend West Virginia University football games and other large-scale events to perform surveillance and to detect any radiation that may be on-site.
MCHD Threat Preparedness staff members also have participated in community radiation response drills, including one with West Virginia University in May 2019 involving a scenario on WVU’s PRT.

Team members have undergone training through a variety of institutions. These include:

The Counter Terrorism Operations Support (CTOS)

 of the Center for Radiological/Nuclear Training in Nevada; 

Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site

 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland; 

Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program 

Also, team members have taken additional training to learn how to combat chemical and biological attacks at the 

United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

 to help carry out the duties of the Radiation Response Team. They include:

Thermo Scientific RadEye Personal Radiation Detectors 

Detects radiation and monitors total dose when worn on an individual.

 — Locates radioactive contamination on individuals and objects.

 — Locates radioactive sources and identifies specific radioactive isotopes.

 — Scans individuals or vehicles that go through portal for radioactive sources or contamination.

MCHD’s Threat Preparedness program also houses the

 West Virginia Northern Radiation Response Team

. We have a team of radiation specialists that can respond to incidents to assess and mitigate the radiation hazard as well as provide subject matter expertise and recommendations to responders as well as the public. Click 

 to find radiological data gathered by United States government agencies.


What to do in case of a radiation emergency

Radiation Response Team — CBRN

Nutritionists and registered dietitians provide nutrition assessments along with nutrition counseling and education for WIC participants. Nutritionists and dietitians also prescribe the WIC food package tailored to the individual participant’s needs. 

Nutrition information by category and child's age is available here

Nutritional Counseling and Education (WIC)

Naloxone HCL (Narcan) is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, a result of consuming or using one or more opioid-related drugs. 

In order for those struggling with substance abuse to receive help, they need to stay alive. The 

 provides naloxone distribution and training to any individual, groups or organization that are interested. If interested in naloxone or naloxone training, reach out to Joe Klass, Assistant QRT Coordinator, at 

 or 304-225-0264. Naloxone is also available 24/7 at 

 to watch a video on the importance of naloxone and how to administer it, and 

 to read a blog about why everyone should consider carrying it. 

The Monongalia County QRT also holds at least two Free Naloxone Day events at different locations around Monongalia County twice a year. The most recent Free Naloxone Day took place on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. 

Naloxone/Narcan

Monongalia County Health Department offers three levels of food safety training: food manager certification, person-in-charge training and food worker training.

Food worker training is required for all persons involved in preparing, storing or handling food in restaurants and other facilities offering food for sale to the public.

Class length is about 45 minutes. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to class. It's best to arrive early because seating and parking can be limited. A photo ID is required for registration.

The training costs $10 per year. Cards expiring in one, two ($20) or three years ($30) are available.

MCHD is pleased to offer online food worker training provided by StateFoodSafety.com. The course costs $20. It takes about two hours to complete and you must pass a test at the end.

 is the only online food service worker course we accept.  Please be sure to take the Monongalia County course.

Course registration will ask for the name and address of the facility or volunteer organization you work for, so it will be helpful to have that information available before you start. If you are not employed or not volunteering, please put N/A in those fields.

We now have three options for the Online Food Worker Training Course. Click on a link below to take the course that best suits your needs:

one-year certification valid in Monongalia County only ($20)

one-year certification valid statewide ($25)

two-year certification valid statewide ($30)

three-year certification valid statewide ($35)

Many employers and organizations ensure their workers comply with training requirements by sponsoring an onsite food worker course. MCHD is pleased to offer this service for groups of 20 or more.

The cost is typically $200 plus card fees. Please contact 304-943-7773 to schedule a course. 

We offer temporary food worker cards every weekday (except for holidays) from 9-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. Candidates must study informational sheets (available below) and then complete a 10-question worksheet.

Temporary cards cost $1 for each week issued. All cards expire the day of the next scheduled food workers class. Temporary card holders are expected to attend that class.

Download Temporary Food Worker Study Material

The Food Code requires a designated PIC to be in the food establishment during all hours of operation (2- 101.11(A)). The PIC is required to demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and the requirements of the Food Code. The Monongalia County Health Department's online PIC course is available with a fee of $65. You will have 30 days to complete the course once you create your account. It takes about four hours from start to finish and you must pass a test at the end. Please have the name and address of your food service facility available for the registration process. You may read about the course, watch a preview video and take the course 


The 2013 Food Code requires all food establishments to have at least one management level employee who is certified in food protection by passing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited exam. Our Food Manager Training Course will help to prepare you to meet this requirement.
At the end of the course, we will proctor the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals CFPM exam. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.
The course costs $150 per person; this includes the exam fee. It is day and half in length, meeting from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. the first day. The second day from 8:30 a.m.-noon.
Individuals who are not fluent in English are encouraged to bring a translator. The exam itself is available in several languages.
Pre-registration with payment is required at least 21 days prior to the class. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.
A one-year food worker card will be issued to all class attendees.

Well-qualified candidates can take the ServSafe exam without the course. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.
The exam-only option is $100; an optional study manual can be purchased at any time prior to the test for $25.
You must pre-register with payment no later than 21 days prior to the test date.
For testing purposes, arrive at 8:30 a.m. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.
Onsite registration begins 30 minutes before testing times.
To pre-register, use the 

Food manager certification National Registry

The 2013 Food Code requires all food establishments to have at least one management level employee who is certified in food protection by passing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited exam. Our Food Manager Training Course will help to prepare you to meet this requirement.

At the end of the course, we will proctor the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals CFPM exam. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.

The course costs $150 per person; this includes the exam fee. It is day and half in length, meeting from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. the first day. The second day from 8:30 a.m.-noon.

Individuals who are not fluent in English are encouraged to bring a translator. The exam itself is available in several languages.

Pre-registration with payment is required at least 21 days prior to the class. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.

A one-year food worker card will be issued to all class attendees.

Well-qualified candidates can take the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals CFPM exam without the course. A score of at least 75% is required for certification.

The exam-only option is $100; an optional study manual can be purchased at any time prior to the test for $25.

You must pre-register with payment no later than 21 days prior to the test date.

For testing purposes, arrive at 8:30 a.m. You must provide a photo ID prior to taking the test.  Onsite registration begins 30 minutes before testing times.

Food Safety Training

 is the study of health and illness in the community and is considered the foundation of public health. At Monongalia County Health Department, our epidemiologists track infectious diseases, investigate and manage disease outbreaks, educate medical providers and the general public about illness in our community and teach how to prevent the spread of diseases.


When an outbreak occurs, our epidemiologists communicate with the facility or individual(s) to help track the disease and provide guidance on steps to work through the outbreak and prevent them in the future.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive information about epidemiology on its 


The West Virginia Office of Epidemiology 

 to alert residents of infectious diseases that could be encountered close to home or on a trip.

The federal public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 

ended on May 11, 2023 and as a result CDC has updated the 

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

 To support healthcare workers in understanding and implementing the updated recommendations, CDC’s Project Firstline hosted a town hall in collaboration with the American Medical Association. Watch the 

Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR)

 tools are used to systematically assess a healthcare facility’s infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and guide quality improvement activities (e.g., by addressing identified gaps).

Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE)

The Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (DIDE)

, a program from the West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services (OEPS), monitors and manages communicable diseases in West Virginia through technical assistance, investigation, education and prevention. DIDE is staffed by epidemiologists, physicians, nurses and other experts infectious diseases. DIDE provides consultation regarding infectious diseases and outbreaks and in collaboration with local health departments investigates and reports these diseases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DIDE also provides educational materials on identification, management and prevention of diseases to clinicians and the public.

Epidemiology/Infectious Diseases

There is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health, nutritional and emotional benefits to both mother and baby. Mothers enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program are encouraged to breastfeed their infants, unless there is a medical reason not to.

The WIC program supports breastfeeding in many ways. Specially trained counselors provide WIC mothers with breastfeeding encouragement, education and support. Members of the public can take advantage of free breastfeeding classes in each MCHD WIC county (see below for times and days) as well as a 24/7 app through the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network. Many WIC moms are eligible to receive or borrow breast pumps at no cost. Breastfeeding mothers are also eligible to participate in WIC longer and can receive enhanced food packages, if they breastfeed exclusively.

If you are interested in breastfeeding your baby, MCHD WIC can help.

for Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor Counties:

Lynne Ryan, BA, IBCLC, Peer Counselor - Monongalia County 

Angie Rebrook, Breastfeeding Liaison, IBCLC, Registered Lactation Consultant - Harrison County 

Susie Boreing, Peer Counselor, Certified Lactation Counselor - Monongalia County 

Chrissy Rodeheaver, Peer Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Certified Lactation Counselor - Monongalia County 

Ceranda Jones, Peer Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist - Monongalia County 

Brianna Lucas, Peer Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist -  Harrison and Marion counties,

Anna Ash - Peer Counselor, Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist - Monongalia County 

MCHD WIC's retired breastfeeding coordinator. Lynne Ryan, now serving as a WIC breastfeeding consultant, conducted this breastfeeding class about 10 years ago. MCHD WIC offers free breastfeeding classes for all pregnant and new moms in its six-county region, which includes Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor counties. 

You can watch this video to learn more about breastfeeding. Clients also can get information from consultants via phone consultations and the Pacify app. Here is the schedule for free breastfeeding classes that are open to the public, including non-WIC participants: 

WIC breastfeeding classes are open to the public. Please call ahead to verify the class schedule.

 first and fourth Wednesday at 3 p.m., third Wednesday at 10 a.m.

 first, second and third Tuesday at 10 a.m.

 first and third Wednesday at 4 pm, second Wednesday at 10 a.m.

MCHD WIC maintains a limited inventory of manual and electric breast pumps. Only active WIC participants are eligible to borrow or receive a WIC pump, and pumps are issued based on need and availability. WIC does not fill pump prescriptions for insurance companies.

Most nursing employees are entitled to accommodations to allow them to breastfeed at work, via 

 Feel free to ask your breastfeeding counselor for more information. 

Breastfeeding

Our diverse team of highly skilled, experienced and dedicated professionals are collectively focused on the health and well-being of our community.

Events Calendar

 Immunizations

Lead Testing

Rabies Control 

Radon

Reproductive Health

Smile Express

STI and HIV

WIC/Breastfeeding

Accessibility

Online Inspection Reports

Resources

MCHD Threat Preparedness provides public health preparedness and response capabilities to protect the community from natural and man-made threats. Learn more about 

MCHD Dentistry proudly provides quality preventive, restorative, therapeutic and cosmetic dental care for children and adults in a caring, professional environment. 

MCHD WIC provides nutrition, breastfeeding support, health education and other services, free of charge, to pregnant women, mothers, infants and children up to the age of 5 who qualify. 

Environmental Health helps to protect the health of the citizens of Monongalia County by regulating the food, water, land, public spaces and businesses of Monongalia County. 

MCHD Clinical Services has served generations of Monongalia County residents with their medical needs, ranging including adult and childhood vaccines, cervical cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment and more. Learn more about 

Health Promotions centers on outreach and encouraging activity through the West Virginia Wellness Passport, as well as community partnerships to help tackle problems faced by area residents. Learn more about 

The mission of Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) is to prevent disease, promote healthy living and protect our community.

Home

An age-old question: Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable ? It’s actually both! Botanically, a tomato is a fruit because it grows from a flower and holds seeds. But we treat it like a vegetable because it has a savory taste and goes so well in main course dishes.
Tomatoes work in sandwiches, salads, casseroles and, of course, pasta, including this Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta.
Tomatoes are great for hydration and a low fat low sodium snack. They are high in vitamin A, C and lycopene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells. Tomatoes and pasta go so well together because the natural acidity and sweetness of tomatoes balances the rich, starchy blandness of the wheat in pasta.
And there is science involved! The pectin in the tomatoes, along with the juice, emulsifies with the cooking water of the pasta that has released starch from the pasta in it to create a natural sauce with little effort, which allows the natural chemistry of the ingredients to create a wonderful dish.
As pasta became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries in Italy, the local climate made fresh and preserved tomatoes an affordable and versatile match. And, this saying is really true: If it grows together, it goes together. That’s why spinach and basil are a great accompaniment to tomatoes.
Our other October recipe is mindful of autumn as harvest season is coming to a close. Corn and Zucchini Chowder provides an opportunity to use up any of the green summer squash that is readily available.
Corn provides protein fiber and B vitamins, while zucchini offers higher amounts of vitamin C and is much lower in calories. Corn has significantly higher carbohydrates, while zucchini has more water-rich nutrients, making this a great pairing for soups.
And as the days get cooler, these hot dishes, which can be served separately or together, provide warmth and comfort!




1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage meat (mild or spicy)
*4 servings of pasta (we used farfalle)
*2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
*7 oz (200 g) cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
*1 handful of fresh spinach
2 tablespoons tomato puree
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
Start by cooking the pasta al dente, according to the package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, sauté the sausage meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until almost cooked through. Add the garlic and a drizzle of olive oil to the sausage and cook until fragrant and the sausage meat is no longer pink.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the sausage and garlic, with a sprinkling of paprika and cayenne pepper. Once those have cooked, stir in the tomato purée and add spinach, letting it wilt.
When the pasta is cooked, drain and stir it into the sausage, tomato and spinach sauce. Serve the tomato spinach sausage pasta with lots of black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!




*4 cups fresh corn kernels (about four ears)
*2 cups diced zucchini
*1 cup diced potatoes
*1 cup diced carrots
*1 cup diced onions
*2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
*1 cup milk
2 tbsp olive oil
*1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Sauté vegetables in a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes. Cook until vegetables are softened, about five to seven minutes. Add zucchini and corn. Stir in diced zucchini and corn kernels. Cook for an additional five minutes.
Add broth and simmer. Pour in vegetable broth. Add thyme, salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Blend and add milk. Using an immersion blender, blend the chowder until partially smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the milk and cook for another five minutes.
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.


*Ingredients with an asterisk next to them are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Call us at 304-598-5181 for more information.


October WIC Kitchen: Falling for vegetables

Roger Neptune was already in search of a support group when a brochure fell off a table in a therapist’s waiting room. He picked it up.
That’s how he learned about the West Virginia chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the organization he now heads up as executive director.
The

 has an office at the Mountaineer Mall, staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. It’s also the home of in-person and online support groups where anyone can gather to discuss (or just listen) as people unpack their feelings, seek advice or tell others what has worked well for them when it comes to mental health.
“You don’t have to be diagnosed with a disorder,” Neptune said, noting that family and caregivers are also welcome.
“We’re here to cover the gap. We know that some West Virginians may not have insurance or they may not be able to seek therapy. This can give them a sense of community and shows that there are peers to talk to where they feel they can open up.”
Everyone who volunteers at DBSA has lived experience with mental health conditions, Neptune said. Someone who drops by the office can get literature, information on meetings and what Neptune calls “mental first aid” if needed.
“If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, we can work with that person and try to get them some immediate help,” he said. “It would be more of a long-term thing, but we can help them on the spot.”


National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

, begins today, but it’s good to know that the DBSA is around for individuals year-round in Monongalia County and beyond.
In fact, some members who have moved away still participate in online groups, Neptune noted.
“They Zoom in from wherever they are located,” he added. “They want to keep that sense of community.”
According to information on NAMI’s website (www.nami.org), 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition annually. “Mental health is something we all experience, manage and need support with,” it states. “No one should have to face these challenges alone.”
Signs that someone should consider seeking help or guidance include excessive worrying or fear; excessive sadness; confusion or problems concentrating; extreme mood changes; irritability and anger; avoiding friends and social activities; changes in sleeping habits and thoughts of suicide, to name a few.
A meeting begins with going over some guidelines to assure attendees that it’s a safe and confidential space, Neptune said.
“If someone wants to talk about their experiences and help someone else, we use ‘I’ language — ‘I have experienced this,’ or ‘I have found that …’ We talk about our own experiences and what works for us.”
And, when someone attends a meeting, they are not required to speak up. “But, over the past 10 to 12 years of being a participant myself, I’ve never had a meeting where someone didn’t share by the end of it.”
Alcohol and drug use also can be a topic of discussion, Neptune said.
“Unfortunately, drugs are being used as a bad coping mechanism for mental illness,” he added. “It does come up. Not always, but it often goes hand in hand.”
The group keeps naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, on hand and the peers have been trained to use it.
The DBSA is a 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 1978. The West Virginia chapter was established in 2005 and it became an official state organization in 2008, Neptune said. The office has been located at Mountaineer Mall on Green Bag Road since 2022.
In addition to literature and support groups, DBSA also conducts mental health first aid workshops. Most services are free but trainings can require a small fee.
Neptune also wants to make sure people know about crisis helplines, including 911, 988 and 211.
“The big point is to help people understand that others are going through something similar,” Neptune said. “There are peers out there who have an understanding of what it’s like to be in their shoes. It’s another way that can help, in addition to medication, therapy, healthy eating and getting good exercise. We encourage people to look at those other avenues too.”

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department. Email MaryWade.Burnside@wv.gov.

Feeling blue or confused? Help is nearby.

In 2026, a child has a variety of fantasy and pop culture worlds to explore when choosing a Halloween costume.
A toy from Toy Story. Spider-Man. K-Pop Demon Hunters. The possibilities are endless.
But what isn’t cool is unsafe costumes.
After all, Halloween should be spooky, not unsafe.
According to the

, costumes should be flame resistant and have bright and reflective features, either built-in or by adding strips of tape. Hats and other elements shouldn’t obscure a child’s view and if make-up is involved (think Elphaba’s green body paint), test it in advance by putting a small amount on the child’s arm.
And wearing decorative contact lenses can cause eye injuries, so definitely avoid those.
Costumes are just one element of staying secure this Halloween. Other considerations include pedestrian safety and avoiding any loot that could be dangerous.
That means watching both ways before crossing the street (and driving slowly during trick-or-treat hours), and also inspecting the goodies in the bright lights of home before they are consumed.
One way to avoid both scenarios is to attend a Trunk-or-Treat event. This year, Monongalia County Health Department hopes that its third Trunk-or-Treat, which will include area businesses in addition to MCHD staffers handing out candy (and maybe some toothbrushes) to costumed kids, will be a bigger and better than last year.
The event will be held this Sunday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. All are invited to join the party outside our main building at 453 Van Voorhis Road in Morgantown, which will our last year holding the event at our old location.
Of course, because we are the health department, we’re also going to advocate for ways to make the eating experience better for children.
One way is to have a nutritious snack before going trick-(or trunk)-or-treating. Obviously, hunger is going to make those fun-sized candy bars and small bags of Skittles an appealing method to power through the difficult activity of knocking on doors or going from car to car, holding out a bag or plastic pumpkin.
Parents who have children with nut or other food allergies are accustomed to reading product labels, but it never hurts to put out a reminder. Also, for those throwing parties or taking treats to a class, consider avoiding peanuts and peanut butter. Jason Nguyen, a nutritionist with MCHD Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) program, also suggests looking into the Teal Pumpkin Project (foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project). Teal plastic pumpkins containing non-food items are placed on a porch or doorstep or used to pass out fun little prizes.
For very young children, make sure to keep choking hazards such as gum, hard candy and small toys from the approved Halloween pile.
Finally, as Monongalia County Health Department is also home to MCHD Dentistry, of course we’re going to remind everyone that sweets are good in moderation and that there are ways to consume sugar to make it safer for your teeth. According to the American Dental Association:
Eating sugary snacks during or right afterward a meal helps mitigate the effects of sugar on your teeth.
Avoid sticky and sour candy as well as gummies that stay in your mouth (and on your teeth) for a long time. Also, sour candies are high in dietary acids that attack the hard, protective coating on the enamel of your teeth.
This is an instance in which, comparatively, chocolate is good for you, especially dark chocolate, which contains less cavity-causing sugar. And sugar-free gum is definitely preferable to the kind filled with sugar.
We hope everyone enjoys Halloween. And feel free to drop by Monongalia County Health Department’s Trunk-or-Treat, starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.


Email Mary Wade Burnside, public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department, at MaryWade.Burnside@wv.gov.

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October WIC Kitchen: Falling for vegetables

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Safe Halloweens can include Trunk-or-Treat, like MCHD’s

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