Brown County Health Department
The mission of the Brown County Public Health Department is, "To protect and maintain the health of the people in Brown County."
Prevention of disease and promotion of health at the community level have always been our goals.
NEW COVID-19 Vaccines Available
Call us for an appointment: 217-773-2714
We will be administering the new (2023-24 formula) Moderna Covid Vaccine on Friday, November 3rd from 12-4 pm. You must reserve your dose by calling and making an appointment by 4:00 pm on Friday, October 27th. We have a limited supply of this vaccine and without a reservation, we cannot guarantee availability.
The Covid vaccines have been privatized. This means we will need to charge your insurance or Medicare for the cost of the vaccine. Please check with your insurance company prior to your appointment to confirm you have covid vaccine coverage. Primary Medicare (part B, the red, white and blue card) covers the Covid vaccine. PLEASE BRING YOUR INSURANCE OR MEDICARE CARD TO YOUR APPOINTMENT!
Flu Vaccine
Influenza vaccines are available Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
No appointment is necessary.
65+ flu vaccines are available.
Community Health
- Communicable Disease Reporting and Investigation - All communicable and infectious disease cases must be reported to the Health Department. Our Communicable Disease Division is responsible for tracking and follow-up of any outbreaks or unusual cases.
- Animal Bites and Follow-Up - Cat and dog bites and exposure from all other animals are to be reported to the Communicable Disease Division for follow-up and investigation.
- Flu Vaccines - During the months of September, October, and November, we conduct flu clinics throughout Brown County, as well as offering flu shots at the health department. Call for times and locations of flu clinics.
- International Travel Vaccine Information - We provide contact information regarding required immunizations, health requirements, and health hints for those traveling outside the country.
- Infectious Disease Education - Educational materials are available for infectious diseases.
- All Kids - Information about the Illinois All Kids Insurance Program can be obtained on their website.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases - We are able to provide recommendations and referrals for clients who have received a positive STD testing result. Educational material is also available.
- Car Seat Safety Technician - If you are concerned about the safety or installation of your child’s car seat, contact us for a free car seat check-up. We have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
- Lab Services - Brown County Health Department offers cost-effective lab tests and test results. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Brown County Health Department located at 120 East Main Street, Mt. Sterling, Illinois. We offer a full range of lab tests with results usually within 1 -2 days. Our Professional Registered Nurses will personally follow up with all patients. We will provide our clients with test results and/or share results with the physician, as directed. Our lab services require a physician's order. We offer a variety of payment options, including insurance billing. For more information or to make an appointment, call us at 217-773-2714.
- IBCCP - Early detection saves lives. We offer screenings for breast and cervical cancer including pap smears, breast exams, and mammograms at no cost for eligible participants. Eligibility requirements include 35-64 years of age, no health insurance, high deductible or insurance that doesn't pay for screening services, live in Illinois and younger women with symptoms may qualify. For more details, call 217-357-2171.
- West Nile Virus Surveillance - Please see this sheet regarding the need for dead birds to contribute to our WNV surveillance efforts: West Nile Virus
Annual Reports
Quick Links
Environmental Health
Licensed Food Establishment
I want to open a restaurant or retail food establishment.
Here is the documentation and permit application you'll need:
Yearly Food Application:
Temporary Food Stand
I want to operate a temporary food/retail food stand.
Here is the permit application you'll need:
I want to have a bake sale.
See below for guidance on selling baked goods:
Farmers' Market & Cottage Food Operations
What are the requirements for farmers' markets or cottage food operations?
- IDPH Technical Information Bulletin Number 30 — Sanitation Guidelines for Farmers Markets
- Illinois Farmers Market Food Safety: A Guide for Vendors, Market Managers, and Consumers
- IDPH Technical Information Bulletin Number 44 — Cottage Food Operation
- IDPH Technical Information Bulletin Number 44A — Cottage Food Operations Supplemental
- Guidance for Bake Sales
I want to sell meat/poultry or eggs at a farmers' market.
- First, contact the Brown County Health Department at (217) 773-2714.
- Obtain a “Temporary Food Permit” from Brown County Health Department.
- For meat/poultry, you must first obtain a meat & poultry license. Information can be found here from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
- For selling eggs, you must obtain an egg broker’s license. Information can be found here from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Private Sewage Disposal (SEPTIC) Systems Program
I want information on installing and/or maintaining a septic system.
Here is the application and Illinois code information you'll need:
Brown County Septic Application
77 Ill. Admin Part 905 — Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act and Code
Other Septic Information:
Water & Closed Loop (Geothermal) Wells Program
I need information on water or closed-loop wells.
Water Wells
- Permit Application to Construct, Modify or Abandon a Water Well
- Water Well Construction Report
- Installation Report for Water Well Pumps
Closed Loop Wells
- Permit Application to Construct, Modify or Abandon a Geothermal System
- Licensed Water Well Contractor Closed Loop Well Certification Application
- Application for Registration as a State Closed Loop Well Contractor
- Examination Application for State Closed Loop Certification
Codes
- 77 Ill. Admin Part 915 — The Illinois Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor License Code
- 77 Ill. Admin Part 920 — Illinois Water Well Construction Code
- 77 Ill. Admin Part 925 — Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code
- 77 Ill. Admin Part 920 Section 920.120 — Abandoned Wells
Other Water Well & Geothermal Information
Body Art & Tanning Programs
I want to open a tattoo parlor or licensed tanning establishment.
- Information on becoming a licensed body art establishment can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
- Information on becoming a licensed tanning establishment can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
To report an unlicensed body art of tanning facility please contact IDPH at (217) 785-2439 or file a report via email at the applicable address below.
- Unlicensed body art email: [email protected]
- Unlicensed tanning establishment email: [email protected]
Healthy Homes Information
Lead
Prevention tips for protecting yourself and your children can be found at the Center for Disease Control website.
Additional information can be obtained at the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
Radon
What do I do if I think I have Radon in my home?
Test your home with a “do-it-yourself” kit which can be purchased at a hardware store.
Information can be found at:
Mold
What do I do if I have mold in my house?
There are no standards or regulations for mold in the State of Illinois.
Useful links to information on mold are found below:
Mercury
What do I do if I think I have a mercury spill?
Do not allow anyone to play with mercury or substances that you think are mercury. Do not vacuum or shop vac the mercury. Follow the instructions listed in the link below for small spills.
Bed Bugs
Information on bed bugs found here: