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BLUE EARTH COUNTY
HUMAN SERVICES
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Adoption | Adult Services | Children & Family Services | Community Health |
Development Disabilities | Family Day Care Licensing | Child Care Assistance | Financial Assistance | Food Programs | Health Care Programs | Foster Care | Mental Health Services |
Sexual Violence Resources Page | SHIP | Vulnerable Adult/Adult Protection

Community Health

Teddy Clinic

Blue Earth County Community Health Services promotes the health and well being of the community by applying the public health process for individuals, families, groups, and the general public. For more information about community health services call (507) 304-4222.

Click here to learn more and register for the 2010 Safety Camp.

Child and Teen Checkups – For children, birth to age 21, to promote early detection and treatment of health-related problems.

Communicable Disease Control – Broad preventative nursing aspects which include: giving nursing service where communicable disease exists, assisting with plans for immunization programs, teaching preventative and control measures to families and communities. This also includes responding to epidemics by having clinics to update immunizations, counseling, and information giving in regard to educating the public on communicable disease control.

We are the only agency in the county dealing with tuberculosis epidemiological survey and follow-up. We participate in the care of the client, dealing with medications, counseling, locating contacts, screening via Mantoux testing, and making referrals to physicians for follow-up of positive reactors.


Gun Safety Grant – The goals of Stop Gun Injuries and Deaths are to view firearm injuries and deaths as a public health problem, build upon „grass root¾ efforts across Minnesota, and create informed and data-driven public policy dealing with gun violence.

Health Education Health Education – This program is a resource for health education and information and referral services (i.e., AIDS/ sexually-transmitted diseases, breast self-exam).

Home Health Care – Skilled nursing care provided to the ill and disabled at home for the purposes of restoring health or minimizing the effects of illness and disability under written medical orders from a family physician. Home health aide services include personal cares on a part-time basis under nursing supervision.

Immtrack (A Regional Immunization Registry) – This Joint Powers Agreement Project is between Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties which focuses on protecting the public against vaccine-preventable diseases utilizing a centralized computer system to integrate immunization information from various sources to assist participating health care providers in completion of age-appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.

Follow Along Maternal and Child Health – Public health nurse visitation for the purpose of reinforcement and ongoing teaching of maternal and infant/young child health care for high-risk mothers, infants, and families with young children.

Maternal/Child Health Grant – Components of grant project are:
  1. Work together with a local school district personnel, and other local health providers to reduce barriers preventing high-risk, low-income pregnant women and/or children from accessing services; the linkages among existing service providers; and provide informational and resource material to other providers and the general public.
  2. Provide case management services to high-risk pregnant women and/or children.
  3. Have a staff liaison with the local TAPP (Teenage Parent Program) to provide assessment, physical monitoring, counseling, and educational services to TAPP participants.
  4. A family health nutrition educator to improve the nutritional habits of high-risk, low-income pregnant women and/or children.

Minnesota Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (MBCCCP) Outreach Grant – Outreach efforts are to women, ages 50+, for free mammograms and pap smears.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Assessment/Reassessment – Medical Assistance recipients requiring personal care attendant services need an assessment by the county public health nurse (PHN) in order to access the program. Annual reassessments by the County PHN are required to continue those services. This also includes those recipients receiving PCA services on the MR/RC Waiver. The County PHN is authorized to decide the appropriate level of care, develop a service plan, and recommend the necessary amount of PCA service and RN supervision of PCA services. This is a mandated program in Minnesota.


PIP PIP (Partners in Parenting) – This program is for families of newborns which through interviewing and home visiting by a family support worker assists in strengthening the parent-child relationship up to age 5 of the child, if needed.


Long Term Care Pre-admission Screening/Alternative Care/Elderly Waiver/Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals/Community Alternative Care – Screening services or alternative care services for adults that help prevent or delay the need for nursing home care or individuals under age 65 who are at risk for residing in an acute care hospital. Alternative care services include homemaker assistance, home health aide, respite care, adult day care, adult foster care, and personal care. This is a mandated service in Minnesota.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – Home visits to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome victims for support and education. Facilitation of support group and community education.

Tobacco-Free Communities For Children (TFCC) Grant – The purpose of the TFCC Grant Program is to reduce the number of Minnesota children who use tobacco by (1) providing support and technical assistance to local communities to implement community strategies to prevent children and youths from using tobacco products and (2) providing public information and education to counteract pro-tobacco messages currently targeted to children.

 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What is WIC?

WIC is a nutritional program that helps families eat well and stay healthy.  The program provides support and help with breastfeeding, one-on-one counseling about nutrition, nutrition education, vouchers to buy healthy foods and helps with referrals to other health and social services.

Who is WIC For?

  • Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently had a baby (one year after your baby is born if breastfeeding, six months after if not breastfeeding).
  • Infants from birth to one year of age
  • Children from one year of age to their fifth birthday

What is the Process for Determining WIC Eligibility?

  • WIC Applicants may qualify by bringing proof of gross income that is at or below these amounts:
Household Size

Annual Income

*Please note higher incomes may still qualify under certain conditions.

1
 19,240

2

 25,900
3
 32,560
4
 39,220
5
 45,880
6
 52,540
7
 59,200
8
 65,860
9
 72,520
10
 79,180
  • Families with incomes higher than the incomes listed above may still qualify for WIC if a family member is enrolled in one or more of the following programs: Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Care, MFIP, Food Stamps, Fuel Assistance, Head Start, Free/Reduced Price School Lunch, SSI.  Applicants on TEFRA will still qualify for WIC.

What Foods are Provided on WIC?

  • Whole Grains provide fiber, vitamins and minerals.  You can choose whole grain bread, whole grain tortillas, brown rice or oatmeal.
  • WIC cereals provide iron for healthy blood and many WIC cereals are whole grain and high in fiber as well as other vitamins and minerals.
  • Eggs, dry or canned beans and peanut butter provide protein to buid and repair body cells (beans are also high in fiber and have some iron).  You can choose between dry or canned beans or peanut butter.
  • Milk provides protein, calcium and vitamin D which are important for growth, especially bone growth.
  • WIC also provides vitamin C rich fruit or vegetable juice.
  • WIC recommends trying fresh fruits and vegetables.  Any fresh fruit or vegetable (except white potatoes) is allowed.  Vouchers can also be used to get canned or frozen fruits and vegetables.WIC can substitute soy beverage or tofu for some of your milk depending on the situation.
  • Infant food fruits, vegetables and meats (for breastfed infants) provide vitamins, minerals, new tastes and textures.

 

Breastfeeding is Best:

  • It is the healthiest way to feed your baby.  Breast milk has the exact nutrition baby needs.  It protects baby from infections, illnesses and also helps eye and brain development.
  • Iron-fortified infant formula is available from WIC for infants who are not breast-fed.

 

What Happens at a WIC Appointment:

  • We check to see if mom and/or child are eligible for WIC.
  • Mom and/or child have their weight, height and hemoglobin measured (just a quick finger stick).
  • WIC health professionals educate mom about good nutrition and healthy family eating.
  • If eligible, WIC vouchers will be issued.
  • Mom is informed of next voucher pickup where she will learn more about good nutrition for the family.

What WIC Expects of You:

  • Keep scheduled appointments - Call the WIC office if you need to cancel your appointment or reschedule.
  • Common courtesy - Treat WIC and store staff with respect and courtesy.
  • Honesty- Always provide accurate information to the WIC staff.  If you hide facts or get WIC benefits, you may be taken off the program.

Always use WIC Vouchers Correctly:

  • Shop at WIC-approved stores.  The WIC office will provide you with a list.
  • Buy only the foods listed on the voucher and food list.
  • Use vouchers between the dates listed on each voucher.
  • Do not return WIC foods for cash or credit, sell vouchers or WIC foods, or use vouchers that you reported lost or stolen.
  • Report stolen vouchers to the WIC Program and police.

How Do I Find a WIC Clinic?

  • To find the nearest WIC clinic in Minnesota, call      1-800-942-4030.
  • The WIC clinic for Blue Earth County is located at 512 E. Mulberry Street in Mankato.  Signs are posted outside the entrance.  The office phone number is (507) 304-4163.
  • For more information regarding WIC visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.
 

WIC Informational Brochure

Related Links:

Minnesota Department of Health

 


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