Family Health
Countryside Public Health wants to assure that you have information about resources and education that are available in the community.
- Breastfeeding support: Breastfeeding is the best, most nurturing way of feeding your new baby. There are lactation educators in each Countryside Public Health office listed below if you would like more information. Helpful websites include: www.milkmoms.com, www.breastfeedingonline.com, www.kellymom.com, www.llli.org, (La Leche League International) www.babycenter.com/breastfeeding and www.womenshealth.gov.
- Car Seats: Countryside Public Health has trained car seat technicians at each of our office locations. If you have questions about what size car seat is right for your child, or need help getting a car seat for your child, contact us. We are able to bill insurance or provide car seats at no cost for those in need through a grant program. Additional information can be found at https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats
- Child Care Resources: Helping to connect families to child care resources within their communities. For more information, visit Childcare Aware of Minnesota.
- Child & Teen Checkups: Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) are a benefit for children, birth through 20 years of age, who are eligible for Medicaid. A Child and Teen Checkup is a well-child check that is done at different ages, to help children stay healthy, and to take care of any health concerns or problems early. For more information visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/ctc/families.html
- Emergency Planning: Make an Emergency Plan with your family in the case of severe weather, fires, or other emergencies. For more information, visit our Emergency Planning page.
- Environmental Health: Countryside Public Health radon test kits, water testing information, and information about safe homes & water. For additional information call 1-800-657-3291 and ask to speak with our Environmental Health staff.
- Follow Along Program: Babies and young children grow and learn at their own rate. Let the Follow Along Program help you know if your child is playing, talking, growing, moving, and acting like other children. If you would like to enroll in this free program or have questions, please contact your Countryside Public Health office in your county listed below or go online to enroll at https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/fap/index.html.
- Getting to Know your Baby: Information on Baby Behaviors can help you understand your babies needs. Information on Baby and Child Milestones from the CDC. To download the CDC Milestone Tracker App, click here.
- Help Me Grow: Help Me Grow provides resources for families to understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns. This helps families take the lead in seeking additional support or referring their child for a comprehensive, confidential screening or evaluation at no cost.
- Immunizations: Immunizations protect protect pregnant women, babies and children against infectious disease that can cause serious health problems and may even be life threatening. They begin at birth and are needed throughout life. Immunizations are usually given during routine check-ups at your medical clinic. To see updated immunization recommendations, visit the Minnesota Department of Health. If you have questions about immunizations or getting your immunized, contact your Countryside Public Health office.
- Lead: Learn about risks of exposure to lead during pregnancy and the early years for children.
- Local Resources: Countryside Public Health has a listing of local resources available. Help Me Connect also helps individuals to find services and resources within their local communities.
- Mental Wellbeing: Countryside Public Health has information about mental wellbeing during and after pregnancy and also Mental Health resources for you and your family.
- Minnesota Health Care Program for families: If found eligible, Medical Assistance (MA) or Minnesota Care will cover healthcare costs. Go to www.mnsure.org to apply for healthcare or go to your county Family Services for an application.
- Nurse Home Visiting: Both the Nurse Family Partnership and the Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home Visiting programs have staff that are here to assist with pregancy and new babies, based on program eligibility. Ask a Countryside Public Health nurse if you are interested in this service.
- Nutrition for your Family: Information about Fish consumption during pregnancy. Check out the Minnesota WIC website for Health and Nutrition Tips for you and your family. Learn how to eat healthy at MyPlate.
- Poison Control: Do you have questions about a potentially poisonous substance? Call 1-800-222-1222 or visit MN Poison Control System website.
- Safe to Sleep Program: The Safe to Sleep Program helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep related infant deaths. Also contains information about safe sleep habits for your child. Babies should be on their backs for sleep, but should spend some time on their tummies when awake.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): WIC provides nutritional information, breastfeeding support and vouchers for healthy food to eligible families. If you have any questions about the income guidelines or would like to apply over the phone, please contact us! You may also visit the Minnesota WIC page for additional information.
- Vaping, Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis Use and other substance use: Information about how these chemicals can affect your health and your families health. Information on Quitplan MN.
Please feel free to contact your Countryside Public Health office in your county if you have any questions or would like more information.
Email [email protected] or call 1-800-657-3291 for more information (covers all five county office locations).
Our staff are happy to be a part of your family health or health fair events, contact us for more information!