January Health Check Resources in Barry-Eaton District – Start 2026 Strong

Barry County Michigan Health

Kicking off the new year with a focus on health is a smart move for Barry County residents, and the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is making it easier than ever with a range of free and low-cost resources available right here in our community. As of January 2026, BEDHD is emphasizing preventive care, maternal health, and community wellness, aligning with their mission to serve the 64,000 residents of Barry County through accessible programs. Whether you're a new parent, a senior, or just looking to maintain your well-being during the winter months, these offerings provide practical support without the hassle of long travels or high costs.

One highlight this month is the launch of BEDHD's free monthly Breastfeeding/Infant Feeding Classes, starting Monday, January 5, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. in the Main Conference Room at their Barry County office (located at 330 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI 49058). These classes are designed for new and expecting parents, covering essential skills like latching techniques, common challenges, and nutrition tips. Led by certified lactation consultants, the sessions offer a supportive environment to ask questions and connect with other families. Classes continue the first Monday of each month, and for Eaton County residents, they begin in February on Thursdays. Registration is simple via their website at barryeatonhealth.org, where you can also find handouts and virtual options if in-person isn't feasible. This program is particularly timely as winter can bring added stress for newborns, and BEDHD reports high attendance in past sessions, helping dozens of families annually.

For broader health checks, BEDHD's clinics provide sliding-scale services for primary care, vaccinations, and dental needs. Their Hastings location offers walk-in blood pressure screenings every Tuesday, a quick way to monitor heart health amid Michigan's cold weather, which can exacerbate issues like hypertension. If you're eligible for programs like MI Coordinated Health, enrollment opened January 1, 2026, integrating medical and long-term care—contact BEDHD at (269) 945-9516 for details. Mental health resources are also ramped up, with confidential counseling through Community Mental Health partners. The Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force is hosting Narcan training sessions mid-January (exact date January 15, 2026, at 6 p.m.), teaching overdose prevention and providing free kits. This is crucial in a rural area like ours, where access to emergency services can be delayed by snow.

Seniors and caregivers can tap into the Area Agency on Aging for wellness calls and home safety assessments, focusing on fall prevention and heating safety—vital as Barry's median age is 42, with many older residents in townships like Thornapple or Yankee Springs. BEDHD's Board of Health meeting on January 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Hastings will discuss these initiatives, and agendas are available online at barryeatonhealth.org/board-health. Public attendance is encouraged, offering a chance to voice community needs.

Additionally, MSU Extension's Pesticide Safety Webinar on January 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (online) provides free continuing education for agribusiness workers, a key sector employing thousands in Barry. Register at canr.msu.edu/barry—it's a proactive step for those in our farming communities.

Starting 2026 strong means leveraging these resources to build healthier habits. BEDHD's Instagram (@barryeatonhealth) shares daily tips on social determinants like economic stability, reminding us that health is holistic. For a full list of contacts, appointments, and more, check our Health & Safety directory on Barry County Connects. Subscribing to our updates ensures you get reminders—your health is worth the investment!