Ally Kalkofen, Florence County public health nurse, drops off tick kits to promote active and safe living in the community. She is a recent nursing graduate of Milwaukee School of Engineering.

FLORENCE, Wis. — The Florence County Health Department would like to encourage active and safe living by offering additional tick kits to the community.

The Florence County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) 2020-2025 identified promoting tick education and activities to decrease Lyme cases. When spending time outdoors, be prepared and take a tick bite kit with you as a way to prevent Lyme disease.

A tick bite kit contains alcohol swabs, bandages, insect repellent wipes that contain DEET (i.e., OFF! Deep Woods), tweezers, mini plastic bag (to keep tick after removed for identification), and a small plastic pouch to store supplies and for easy carrying and access.

The Florence County Health Department will have Fight The Bite Tick Removal Kits available in the county for $1 at select locations.

Call the Florence County Health Department at 715-528-4837 for more information or go to their website at www.florencewipublichhealth.com. The Health Department is located in the historic courthouse, at 501 Lake Ave., on the first floor. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

More information on tick bite prevention can also be found by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.