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Stay Informed. Stay Healthy.
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April 1, 2026
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 We're Improving our Communications - Welcome!
Spring has arrived with more sunshine, beautiful flowers, and a bright blue sky. To celebrate the season, we’re launching our quarterly newsletter from the Grand Traverse County Health Department!
Look for it in your inbox in July and October of 2026 for trusted health information, prevention tips, updates on local programs, services, and resources. You’ll also find some trivia, fun facts, and healthy recipes.
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 What You Need to Know About Us
The Health Department has been dedicated to providing essential public health services to our community for over 85 years.
Our team works to promote health, prevent disease and outbreaks, coordinate health clinics, protect the environment, and foster partnerships and innovation.
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 Time of Transfer Evaluations
On January 1, 2026, a new Grand Traverse County regulation went into effect requiring certain properties to complete a Time of Transfer evaluation before ownership can be transferred.
If you are planning to sell or transfer a dwelling in Grand Traverse County that is located within 300 feet of surface water and has a well and/or septic system, a Time of Transfer evaluation is required prior to closing. These evaluations are reviewed and approved by the Health Department as part of the transfer process.
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that well and septic systems are functioning properly at the time of sale. This helps protect public health and safeguard our lakes, streams, and groundwater. Completing the required review before transfer provides peace of mind to both buyers and sellers while supporting the long-term protection of our local water resources.
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Clinic Spotlight - Reproductive Health.
It's important to prioritize your sexual and reproductive health. We offer free and low-cost, confidential reproductive and sexual health services. Our compassionate team of nurse practitioners and registered nurses provide:
- Sexually Transmitted Infection testing and treatment
- Vaccinations
- HIV testing
- Birth control
- Free condoms
We welcome everyone with or without insurance.
Learn more about our Reproductive and Sexual Health Clinic.
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Tick Season - Protect Yourself and Your Pets.
With winter weather slowly fading, the warmth of spring is on the horizon. Unfortunately, this also means so are ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Tick season in Michigan begins in the spring and lasts until the cold weather returns in the late fall. Some species of ticks can carry diseases that spread to people and animals after being bitten.
The most common tick-borne disease in Michigan is Lyme disease. The number of confirmed and probable human cases of Lyme disease reported to the GTCHD has been steadily rising for the past six years. Additionally, over half of those cases did not recall a tick bite. This highlights how difficult ticks can be to spot and the importance of thoroughly searching for ticks. People can protect themselves from Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by following these tips:
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Avoid tick-infested areas (Grassy, brushy, and wooded areas)
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Perform tick checks after being outside (For yourself and your pets)
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Public Health Trivia - Mental Health.
Did you know, in the United States, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month?
Check out this article for a daily mental health tip throughout the whole month. Try all 31 or just pick one, your mind will thank you!
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Combine wholesome ingredients to create a complete and nutritious meal! Begin with chicken, then add carrots, onions, and potatoes. Season the mixture, place it in a roasting pan, and bake in the oven.
Click here for the healthy recipe.
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Things to Look Our For:
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Public Beach Monitoring
Wednesday, June 10 - Thursday, September 3
We collaborate with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay to safeguard the well-being of various beaches across the county. Water samples are collected weekly on Wednesdays, then analyzed for E. Coli to ensure the water is safe for people. Results are then posted on Thursdays on our website, social media accounts, and signage at the beach.
Learn More the Public Beach Monitoring Program.
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Baby Tent at the National Cherry Festival
11:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday July 4 - Saturday, July 11 For the past 30 years, the Health Department has offered the Baby Tent during the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. This comfortable and safe space is air-conditioned and located in the Open Space area of the food court. Families can use it to change diapers or breastfeed.
Check out more about the National Cherry Festival.
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