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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| Child Support Services

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.

Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) – Provides outreach to promote preventative screening services for ages 0-21.  The goal of the program is to promote early detection and treatment of health related problems.  Related/Informational websites: Minnesota Department of Education

Communicable Disease Control – Includes broad prevention measures which include providing and coordinating services where communicable disease exists, assisting with plans for immunization programs, teaching preventative and control measures to families and the community.  Services related to tuberculosis epidemiological survey, refugee and perinatal health services and follow up are also provided.  Disease control also includes responding to epidemics by ensuring clinics are providing immunizations and educating clinics regarding information provided to the public on communicable disease control.  Related/Informational wesbiste:  MInnesota Department of Health


Health Education Health Education – Includes providing consultation and education to individuals and groups to improve individual, group, and population health.  Related/Informational websites:  Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Asthma Coalition, and Healthy Brains for Children


Immtrack (A Regional Immunization Registry) – This Joint Powers Agreement Project includes Blue Earth, Brown, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties and focuses on protecting the public against vaccine preventable diseases.  The program utilizes a centralized computer system to integrate immunization information from various sources to assist participating health care providers with providing immunizations to citizens of the participating counties.  Related/Informational websites: Minnesota Immunization Information Connection

Follow Along
Maternal Child Health (MCH) Services – Includes public health nurse visitation and case management 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.  Other components include working with local school district personnel and other local health care providers to reduce barriers preventing high-risk, low income pregnant women and/or clidren from accessing services witch includes providing informational and resource material to other providers and the general public.  A staff liaison works with the local TAPP (Teenage Parent Program) to provide assessment services, health counseling, and educational services to TAPP participants.  Related/Informational websites:  Minnesota Department of Health


 


Personal Care Assistant Program (PCA) – A program for Medical Assistance recipients designed to assist and support persons with disabilities, living independently in the community. This includes the elderly and others with special health care needs. PCA services are provided in the recipient's home or in the community when normal life activities take him/her outside the home.  An assessment by county staff is needed to determine eligibility to access the program.  Related/Informational websites:  Department of Human Services


PIP First Steps Home Visiting - A partnership with the Mankato Area United Way that provides support to families with children prenatally to 3 years of age with home visits focusing on education, health and resources to strengthen the parent-child relationship.  Also provides refferal information to families to other community support programs.  Related/Informational websites:  Mankato Area United Way and Minnesota Department of Health


Long Term Care Long Term Care Services – Includes a variety of services designed to help people make decisions about long-term care needs.  This service helps people stay in their homes and receive long-term care services.  Long-term care consultants help people and their families choose services and supports that reflect their needs and preferences.  Related/Informational websites:  Department of Human Services

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – Provides home visits to families who have experienced the death of a child due to SIDs.  Related/Informational websites: Minnesota Department of Health and Sudden Infant Death Organization

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 in the lower level of the Government Center at 410 S. 5th 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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