The Beaufort County Health Department is reaching out to the public this week with a series of events in recognition of National Public Health Week.

Starting with a informational session Monday for mothers to be that covered everything from breastfeeding to car seat safety, the week’s remaining events will tackle subjects like emergency preparedness and healthier food choices.

According to Beaufort County Health Director James Madson, these events are the health department’s way of reaching out to the community.

“These are things we do all the time, but a lot of people don’t what Public Health is a lot of time,” Madson said.

Madson said that he and other health department officials picked from a list of suggested event topics for those they thought would be most beneficial for Beaufort County residents. For example, “Preparing an Emergency Kit” to be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today Walmart will offer ways to be proactive in certain situations.

“It would be mostly for hurricanes in this situation — could be for when electricity goes out for long periods of time,” Madson said.

Information about pandemics, as experienced with the flu season a few years ago, and vector-born diseases as spread by mosquitos and ticks, will be available. Environmental Health officials will also be on hand to discuss issues like well water and where septic tanks should be located, according to Madson.

On Thursday, from 10 a.m. to noon, “Taste the Rainbow” will be held at two different locations: Department of Social Services on West Fifth Street and the Health Department at Highland Drive. Madson said the event will focus on options and how healthy foods, especially fruits, can make great substitutes for less healthy foods.

“It’s just looking at foods to eat that are good for you — foods other than Skittles and candy,” Madson said.

Other services and information offered daily by the Health Department include clinical appointments for maternal care, breast cancer screening, STDs, communicable diseases, family planning, and the WIC (Women, Infants and Children), a nutritional program for pregnant women, and children ages 0 to 5 years old.

Madson said the public is always welcome to stop by the Beaufort County Health Department during office hours for more information or submit questions through the department’s website.

The Beaufort County Heath Department is located at 1436 Highland Drive, Washington, 252-946-1902. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.