Carlton County
Public Health has been in
operation since 1920. There has
been considerable growth since
then and we now have a staff of
36 county staff and 6 contract
staff in Public Health. Public
Health provides a variety of
programs and services and is
funded primarily through grants,
waivers, state medical
assistance, insurance
reimbursements, and some local
tax dollars. Public Health is a
service provided to county
residents just like law
enforcement, fire and emergency
services, but we are generally a
more unknown entity.
Registered Public Health Nurses
provide home visits to families
across the age span. Pregnant
women, new parents, and babies
are seen through our prenatal
and Universal Home Visits. High
risk families with young
children and special needs
children can receive services
and support from highly trained
skilled nurses. The elderly
citizens are assisted to remain
in their homes and communities
through case management, home
care, and telehealth services.
We also provide WIC,
immunizations, health education
classes, parenting classes,
infant massage classes, and
lactation consulting. We provide
caregiver support, jail health
services, toenail clinics,
Follow Along Program (tracks
development of infants and
children), environmental health
(radon, lead, public health
nuisances, mold), smoking
prevention and smoking
cessation.
We do follow up on infectious
disease outbreaks and public
health preparedness in the event
of man made, natural, or
biological disasters. We provide
outreach for child and teen
check up’s, preventive dental
services for medical assistance
clients and weekly classes with
high school credits for teen
parents.
We work with many community
partners in our county and
across the region on health
related issues and concerns. The
roles of public health staff
include surveillance, advocacy,
consultation, collaboration,
case finding, health teaching,
coalition building, community
organizing, social marketing,
referral and follow up, provider
education, policy development,
outreach, disease investigation,
case management, screening, and
delegated medical duties. We not
only work with individuals but
also with communities and
populations.
All of the
following services are of no
direct cost to you. Costs are
covered through some insurance
companies, Carlton County Family
& Children Services
Collaborative, and other funding
sources (federal, state, and
local).
Parent & Child Health
Programs
PRENATAL PROGRAM
Home
Visits
A Public Health Nurse will visit
you to offer support,
nutritional counseling, check
your blood pressure and physical
status, and to provide
information on normal signs and
symptoms of pregnancy, labor and
delivery, physical and emotional
changes, breastfeeding, newborn
cares, etc.
Healthy Promise
Earn a $50 savings bond by
receiving an educational
overview of nutrition, pre-term
labor, fetal development,
bonding and attachment issues,
and the effect of toxic
substances on fetal development,
ie alcohol, tobacco, and other
drugs.
Carseat Program
Public Health Nurses provide
education and carseats to
eligible families. Check with
your health insurance plan to
see if eligible.
Home visits are offered to all
parents with newborns whether it
is your first baby, second,
third, or more. On these visits,
a Public Health Nurse will weigh your baby,
assess your baby from head to
toe, and provide information on
a variety of topics including
sleep habits, feeding your baby,
infant cues, playing with your
baby, mom’s body and the changes
you are going through,
immunizations, community
resources, etc.
Seeing Is Believing
A fun way for parents to learn
more about their child’s
development and the strengths of
the parent-child interaction. A
Public Health Nurse videotapes a short segments of
everyday activities and the parent
can see the world from the
infant’s perspective. The video
is a keepsake created for the
family to watch again and again.
Infant Massage
A
two week class for parents and
infants, facilitated by a
certified infant massage
instructor. Learn about the
importance of caring touch and
the benefits of massage
including how to help reduce
baby’s discomfort of gas or
constipation, your baby’s cues,
as well as hands-on experience
each week learning and
practicing the strokes with your
baby. May also be offered on
home visits.
Breastfeeding Support/Lactation
Consultant
All of our nurses can provide
support and information about
breastfeeding to pregnant and
postpartum women on home visits
or through a phone call. All of
our nurses have received
intensive training and are
certified as a lactation
consultant, lactation counselor,
or lactation educator.
Follow Along Program
A
fun and easy way to learn at
home about your child’s health
and development. Provides ideas
about "what to teach" and "at
what age" to teach it. A simple
way to ask questions about how
your child is playing, talking,
growing, moving, and acting.
YOUNG PARENTS PROGRAM
Home
Visits
A
series of home visits by a
Public Health for
pregnant and parenting families,
21 years old and younger. Visits
cover health and safety in the
home, child growth and
development, etc.
Young Parent Class
Weekly classes for pregnant
teens and teen parents through
approximately age 22 including
dads, partners, and children.
Classes include nutritious
family style meals, parent child
together time, and child care.
Interesting guest speakers and
topics, supportive environment,
fun projects and activities.
Facilitated by a Public Health
Nurse and an Early Childhood
Family Education Educator.
*For more
information on any of the Parent
and Child Health Programs that
Carlton County Public Health and
Human Services offers please
Contact a Public Health Nurse at
218-879-4511 or 1-888-818-4511.
Look At Me Grow! project intends
to reach out and support
families of very young children,
residing in the 12 school
districts of Barnum, Carlton,
Cloquet, Cromwell, Esko,
Hermantown, Lake Superior ISD,
McGregor, Moose Lake, Proctor,
Willow River, and Wrenshall.
Support activities might
include, but are not limited to,
welcoming families to local
parenting classes and parenting
events and linking families, who
have concerns, to community,
state and regional specialists.
This
program is a supplemental
nutrition program for women,
infants and children. The
program is designed to improve
the health and nutritional
status of expectant mothers,
newborns and your children by
providing some food essentials
such as milk, juice, formula,
cereal and nutrition education.
We invest in our children by
encouraging them to grow up
healthy and to understand the
importance of making good
decisions throughout their
lives. Our variety of youth
education programs strive to
teach responsibility and
consequences relating to drugs,
alcohol, sexual behavior and
tobacco use.
Child and Teen
Checkups (C&TC) is a service
that is provided FREE of cost to
anyone under the age of 21 years
old who has a health plan
through Medical Assistance (MA)
or MinnesotaCare. Child and Teen
Checkups can be used for any
well-child exam, sports, school,
camp, WIC, Headstart, or daycare
physical exam. Child and Teen
Checkups also include
immunizations, hearing and
vision checks, and laboratory
tests (urine, lead, and
hemoglobin). Children who are
eligible for Child and Teen
Checkups can also see a dentist
for yearly dental checkups.
Carlton County Public Health
encourages anyone eligible for
this program to receive regular
Child and Teen Checkups from
their physician.
If you have questions or need
assistance scheduling an
appointment with your physician
or child’s physician, call
Carlton County Public Health.
Carlton County Public Health and Human Services offers immunizations to adults
at our Public Health office every second and fourth Monday of the month.
Immunizations for children are offered the second and fourth Tuesday of the
month. You may be eligible for Free or Low Cost Immunizations.
Contact Carlton County Public Health at 218-879-4511 or 1-888-818-4511 if you
would like more information on immunizations or would like to make an
appointment.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It
can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases can lead to death. Your best
defense against the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Key Facts About Seasonal Flu and Seasonal Flu Vaccine.
Flu Season can range from November to as late as May.
The Single Best Way to Prevent the Flu is to Get a Flu Vaccination Each Year.
There are 2 types of vaccines:
The nasal spray flu vaccine (sometimes called LAIV –live attenuated influenza
vaccine) – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the
flu, that is sprayed into the nose. Vaccination Information Sheet Intranasal Influenza Vaccine
Following are some important tips to prevent the spread of flu virus whether it
is the seasonal flu or the Novel H1N1 strain.
● Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow where fabric can trap germs
● Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after you cough or sneeze
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick
● Stay home from work, school, and social events if you have the flu
● Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth – germs are likely to spread this way
What Seasonal Influenza and Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) Symptoms ARE:
●
Fever (usually high)
●
Runny or stuffy nose
●
Headache
●
Muscle aches
●
Extreme tiredness
●
Stomach symptoms such as nausea
●
Dry cough vomiting, and diarrhea, can also occur
●
Sore throat but are more common in children than adults.
●
Some individuals have reported diarrhea and vomiting with the Novel H1N1 flu.
What Influenza (either seasonal or H1N1 flu) is NOT:
●
NOT ”stomach flu” or gastroenteritis
●
NOT treatable with antibiotics
●
NOT a food-borne illness
Taking Care of Yourself and Loved Ones During Flu Season. How Should Influenza
(either seasonal or H1N1 flu) be Treated?
●
Rest
●
Drink plenty of liquids
●
Avoid using tobacco or alcohol
● Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu
NEVER give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms –
particularly fever – without speaking to your doctor first.
●
Talk to your doctor about the possibility of anti-viral drugs
Who
Should Get Vaccinated? (Seasonal Flu)
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get
vaccinated. Certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they
are at high risk of having serious flu-related complication or because they live
with or care for high risk persons.
-Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
-Pregnant women
-People 50 years of age and older
-People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
-People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
-People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu,
including:
-Health care workers
-Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
-Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
Who
Should NOT be Vaccinated? (Seasonal Flu)
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a
physician.
These include:
-People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
-People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
-People who developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
-Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
-People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated)
Contact your health-care provider if you have questions regarding influenza or
the influenza vaccine.
Watch for more information to come regarding flu clinics in Carlton County.
Toes ‘R Us is a
toenail trimming service
provided to individuals who may
have a difficult time caring for
their toenails due to poor
eyesight, flexibility, diabetes,
Coumadin therapy, or disability.
Clinics are held every Monday
and Tuesday
from 12:00 to 3:30, at the Carlton
County Public Health office. For
a fee of $20.00 (Carlton County
Public Health can bill Medical
Assistance) you can have your
toenails trimmed by a
professional nurse in a private
environment. Also included is
toenail filing and a brief foot
massage with lotion. We ask that
you please soak your feet prior
to coming in for your
appointment.
If you are homebound and
otherwise unable to leave your
home, we may be able to provide
this service in your home for an
additional fee.
This service is not intended to
take the place of a podiatrist.
If you have specific conditions
that you are concerned about see
your doctor.
New appointments always welcome.
Call Carlton County Public
Health at 218-879-4511 or
1-888-818-4511 for more
information or to schedule an
appointment .
Community Health Educators at
Carlton County Public Health
provide a variety of educational
opportunities to schools, the
community, and worksites on a
variety of health topics. Health
educators participate in local
and regional health fairs for
both the general public and
private worksites. They also
take requests for a variety of
presentations to be done
throughout the communities in
Carlton County. Other programs
health educators have an active
role in are tobacco diversion
classes taught to teens, a
variety of family events, radon
education and testing in the
home, DWI classes, Active Living
by Design which is working to
make our communities more
active, and emergency
preparedness.
Medical Alerts
Whether it
is an epidemic notification by
the CDC (Center for Disease
Control) or a medical alert
issued by the MN Department of
Health, Carlton County Public
Health is the liaison for
providing information and
recommendations to the general
public.
Inspections
It may be
a suspicion of unsanitary
conditions or a concern about a
rodent problem. In all cases,
Carlton County Public Health in
cooperation with an appropriate
physician, investigates these
situations.
Local Health
Concerns
We answer
questions and concerns about
head lice, dog bites and
communicable diseases.
Carlton County Public Health
develops programs and offers
information in response to the
needs identified by the
community.
Health Fairs
Public
Health provides information to
the public on a variety of
topics by participating in local
& regional health fairs.
Wellness Programs
Public
Health offers educational
opportunities and presentations
on a variety of topics to
schools, community groups and
work sites.
Carlton County
Public Health and Human
Service’s Community Health
Education department believes in
enhancing the overall holistic
well-being of the members in our
county. Watch this page for
useful tips, recipes, and links
for good health.
Cloquet Area Recreation Center
1102 Olympic Drive
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-5400
Esko Fitness Center
2 E. Highway 61
Esko, MN 55733
218-879-7223
Four Seasons Sports Complex
1568 Hwy 210
Carlton, MN 55718
Pinehurst Park/Pool
Hwy 33 S
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-2754
Riverside Arena
Arrowhead Lane
Moose Lake, MN 55767
218-485-4010
Scanlon Community Center
2801 Dewey Ave
Cloquet, MN 55720
Health screenings
Public
Health offers a variety of
screenings including Blood
Pressure, Blood Sugar and
Cholesterol. In addition, Public
Health holds general vaccination
clinics throughout the year as
well as flu vaccine clinics in
the fall.
Radon
Radon home test
kits are available from Carlton
County Public Health on a first
come first serve basis for $2.
Radon is the second leading
cause of lung cancer; please
advocate for your family’s
health by testing your home for
radon. If you do test your home
for radon, this must be
disclosed in the sale of your
home. Please stop by Carlton
County Public Health at 30 Tenth
St. N. in Cloquet to buy your
test today. You can also call
218-879-4511 or 1-888-818-4511 and have one mailed
to you.
If you or someone you love needs
help to remain in their home or
you would like more information
about Long Term Care and Elderly
Services Programs call
218-879-4511 or 1-888-818-4511.
Carlton County Long Term Care
staff works with seniors and
their families in cooperation
with physicians, home care
providers, and health plans to
help seniors find the resources
they need to continue living in
their homes and stay connected
to their families and
communities for as long as
possible. The Long Term Care
staff administers programs such
as Long Term Care
Consultation(LTCC), Elderly
Waiver(EW), Alternative Care(AC),
Home Care Program, Minnesota
Senior Health Options (MSHO),
Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
Program, and the Caregiver
Connections Program.
Some of the services available
through these programs may
include:
● visits by a skilled nurse
● visits by a home health
aide
● homemaker services
● companion visits
● personal care assistant
● foster care
● assisted living
as well as:
● home delivered meals
● supplies and equipment
● home modifications
The Elderly
Waiver program also helps cover
the cost of assisted living and
foster care.
Long Term Care
Consultation Services (LTCC)
include a variety of services
designed to help individuals and
families make decisions about
long-term care. Carlton County
consultants (usually a Public
Health Nurse) help seniors and
their families choose services
that reflect their needs and
preferences.
If you are 65 and
older and examining your options
in long-term care, the
Alternative Care (AC) program
may be able to help you pay for
some services. You must meet
certain income and asset
requirements, and you must
choose to receive community
services instead of moving to a
nursing home, foster care, or
assisted living.
The Elderly
Waiver (EW) program funds home
and community-based services for
people age 65 and older who are
eligible for Medical
Assistance(MA) and require the
level of medical care provided
in a nursing home, but choose to
reside in the community, such as
in their own home and receive
services. The Minnesota
Department of Human Services
(DHS) operates the EW program
under a federal waiver to
Minnesota’s Medicaid State Plan.
Counties administer the program.
Community
Based Services offer individuals
choices that allow them to stay
in their homes and out of
nursing care facilities or other
costly institutions. These
choices are available through
waiver programs that provide
skilled nursing, homemaking,
home health aid, companion,
lifeline and transportation
services.
Our professional staff works
with seniors and their families,
in cooperation with their
physicians, to coordinate
services and provide the care
necessary to help individuals
remain in their homes and
maintain an optimum quality of
life.
If you or someone you love needs
help to stay at home, call us.
We are here to help seniors and
their families.
Minnesota Senior Health
Options
Minneota Senior
Health Options (MSHO) combines
the health care and support
services that normally are
offered by Medical Assistance
(MA) and Medicare (separate
programs) into one seamless
package to make it easier for
people to get these services.
If you or someone you love needs
help to remain in their home or
you would like more information
about any of Carlton
County Public Health & Human
Services Long Term Care and
Elderly Services Programs call
218-879-4511 or 1-888-818-4511
The Senior LinkAge Line® (800) 333-2433
The Senior
LinkAge Line® is also the point
of contact for RxConnect, a new
clearinghouse devoted to helping
people of all ages sort through
the options they have to lower
their prescription drug costs.
Arrowhead Area Agency on
Aging
(800) 232-0707 or (218) 722-5545
Office of Ombudsman for Older
Minnesotans
(800) 657-3591 (TDD/TTY
please call 711) or (651)
431-2555
Carlton County
Public Health & Human Services
is about strengthening families,
protecting our children and our
seniors, offering hope to those
in crisis and making our
community a stronger, safer &
healthier place for all of us to
live.
