diff --git a/rcvis/settings.py b/rcvis/settings.py
index 8c9ae643..224df2f9 100644
--- a/rcvis/settings.py
+++ b/rcvis/settings.py
@@ -328,3 +328,6 @@
     # Otherwise tests will use a live database and not clear after each test
     # Also ensure logging is output on remote
     django_on_heroku.settings(locals(), staticfiles=False, secret_key=False, logging=False)
+
+    # Avoid 500s caused by dead connections
+    DATABASES["default"]["CONN_HEALTH_CHECKS"] = True