Blood Pressure Screening

Blood pressures are available by appointment at the Health Department office.

Resource: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html

Community Wellness Activities and Education

During the 2002 Community Needs assessment, members of the Pepin County community identified specific concerns related to Obesity/ Physical Inactivity, the need for Adequate and appropriate nutrition, and Tobacco Use and Exposure. Members of the Pepin County Health Department, local schools and the community have come together to form the Pepin County Nutrition Coalition. This coalition is very active throughout the community as they advocate for increased physical activity and improved nutrition through activities and education.

Annually, the coalition sponsors a county wide effort to address physical activity and nutritional concerns.

Resources:
Mayo Medical Center: www.mayo.org
American Dietetic Association: www.eatright.org
American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org

Jail Health

The Pepin County Sheriff’s Department contracts annually with the Pepin County Health Department to provide jail health nursing services. The jail health program goal is to ensure that each inmate has the availability of adequate health care during the time of their incarceration. Adequate health care includes emergency services and treatment for life threatening conditions, assessment of overall physical and mental health status including pre-existing conditions and any recent health concerns or complaints that might require initial follow up and/or ongoing treatment. In keeping with good health practices, it is believed that an inmate released in an improved state of physical and mental well-being is better prepared for a successful transition into society.

Tobacco Prevention

The PCHD facilitates the Wisconsin Wins Program – a reward/citation program to reduce youth access to tobacco. Evidence shows that if tobacco use is postponed, kids are more likely to never use.

Resources:
http://www.wisconsinwins.com/
In another effort to educate kids about the dangers of tobacco use, the Pepin County Health Department works with the local schools to provide an opportunity for teens to educate 4 th to 6 th graders through a variety of sports programs in school and the community. Training is available to others to present this program, Tobacco-Free Sports.

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sports_initiatives_splash.htm

Smoking Cessation

Anyone interested in quitting tobacco is encouraged to call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). When you make a call to the Quit Line, you will talk with someone who knows all about quitting and can help you through it. The Health Department offers support for pregnant women through the First Breath Program and can facilitate the Fax-to-Quit Program.

Resources:
http://www.ctri.wisc.edu/quitline.html
Teens can seek assistance with quitting through N-O-T (Not on Tobacco), a teen stop-smoking program from the America Lung Association. Contact the school nurse or a counselor at the High School for more information.

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=39866

Radon Reduction

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas emitted from the ground. It is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Short term radon tests are available for home testing free of charge. Materials describing testing and follow-up, mitigation, building radon out of new construction, and what to know about radon when purchasing a house are available at the Health Department, by contacting the toll-free radon information number, 888 LOW RADON (888 569-7236), or logging on to the web site www.lowradon.org.

Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP)

WWWP promotes wellness and early detection of breast and cervical cancer through public education and direct contact with enrolled women. The program is available for women 45 to 64 who are uninsured or underinsured, meet specific income guidelines (250% of poverty), and are not eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare. Annually, active and previously enrolled women are reminded of the need for routine screening to find disease early. Mammograms are recommended every two years after the age of 40 and annually after the age of 50. Pelvic exams with Pap smear are recommended every three years after a series of three healthy annual exams. Though no longer a component of the WWWP, routine screening to address risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, domestic violence, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis are recommended.

Resource:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/womenshealth/wwwp/

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Environmental Safety/Screening
The PCHD is responsible for investigation and follow-up of health and human hazard concerns. Education and referrals are provided concerning other environmental hazards.

Lead Testing
All children, ages 1 – 5, are eligible for a blood lead screening at no charge through the PCHD. Elevated blood lead levels are followed up with education and a home inspection including suggestions for environmental changes.

Resource:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/lead/

Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless radioactive gas that enters buildings from the ground. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States; only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. Short term radon tests are available for home testing free of charge. Materials describing testing and follow-up, mitigation, building radon out of new construction, and what to know about radon when purchasing a house are available at the Health Department, by contacting the toll-free radon information number, 888 LOW RADON (888 569-7236), or logging on to the web site www.lowradon.org.

Water Testing
If you are pregnant or have an infant under 1 year, free testing is available at PCHD for fluoride, nitrates, and bacteriology. Free fluoride testing is available for households with children under 16. Bacteriology testing is available at Pepin County Zoning for a fee. For more information, call Pepin County Health Department at (715) 672-5961.

Resource:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/eh/Water/index.htm

Rabies Control
The PCHD is responsible to follow-up on all animal bites or other exposures. State statutes require the health department to have contact and follow-up with both the victim and the owner of the animal to rule out or identify early the possibility of rabies.

Resource:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/communicable/factsheets/Rabies.htm

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

Communicable Disease Prevention & Identification
All reportable communicable diseases are reported to the Local Public Health Department (influenza and chicken pox are not reportable diseases). The PCHD is responsible for the follow-up, investigation, control, and prevention of any spread among the population.

Resource:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/communicable/index.htm

Rabies Control
The PCHD is responsible to follow-up on all animal bites or other exposures. State statutes require the health department to have contact and follow-up with both the victim and the owner of the animal to rule out or identify early the possibility of rabies.

Resource:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/communicable/factsheets/Rabies.htm

HIV/AIDS Counseling & Testing

Resource:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/aids-hiv/
http://www.arcw.org

Immunization
Immunizations for preventable diseases are a major emphasis for the Pepin County Health Department. Immunization clinics are held every 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays of the month from 2 – 5:00 PM in Durand, and by appointment in Pepin. Appointments may also be scheduled at the Health Department office as needed. The following vaccines are available to children under 18 years of age: DTaP, Tdap, Pediarix, HIB, IPV, MMR, Varicella, Prevnar, Rotavirus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A. Tetanus shots are available to any age. PCHD also offers Hepatitis B and Meningococcal vaccinations to adults for a fee.

Resource:
http://www.immunize.org/index.htm

INFANT/CHILD HEALTH

Childhood Lead Testing
Blood lead testing is available free of charge. It is recommended for all children ages 1 to 5. Lead poisoning can cause developmental problems and other serious problems for children.

Resource:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/lead/

Poisoning Prevention
Call Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Poison Center toll free 7 days a week
1-800-222-1222

Resource:
http://www.wisconsinpoison.org/

Water Testing
If you are pregnant or have an infant under 1 year, free testing is available at PCHD for fluoride, nitrates, and bacteriology. Free fluoride testing is available for households with children under 16. Bacteriology testing is available at Pepin County Zoning for a fee. For more information, call Pepin County Health Department at (715) 672-5961.

Resource:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/eh/Water/index.htm

Immunizations
Immunizations for Preventable Diseases are a major priority for the health department. Preventing illness and disease begins at an early age and continues throughout life.

Immunization clinics are held every 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays of the month from 2 – 5:00 PM in Durand, and on the 1 st Tuesday of the month in Pepin (appointments are required for the Pepin clinic). Appointments may also be scheduled at the Health Department office as needed. The following vaccines are available to children under 18 years of age: DTaP, Tdap, Pediarix, HIB, IPV, MMR, Varicella, Prevnar, Rotavirus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A. Tetanus shots are available to any age. PCHD also offers Hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccinations to adults for a fee.

For more information, use the following link - http://www.immunize.org/index.htm

Maternal Child Health Services
The Prenatal Care Program provides support and education to pregnant women.

Home visits are available for parents of newborns for support and education.

Well-child screenings are provided to children with no insurance, high deductible insurance, or those with Medical Assistance.

Resources:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/DPH_BFCH/MCH/
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/DPH_BFCH/Newborn_Screen/

Oral Health
Fluoride Supplements – Free for children 6 months – 15 years with un-fluoridated water.

Sealant Program – provides free exams and sealants to income eligible Pepin County 2 nd graders. Volunteer dentists, hygienists and assistants provide these services (offered annually through the schools).

Varnish Program – New in 2005, fluoride varnishes are offered to W.I.C. clients up to three times a year to strengthen tooth enamel. Varnishes are applied and are covered by Medical Assistance or the MCH grant.

Resource:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/health/Oral_Health/

Women, Infants, & Children Program (W.I.C.)
W.I.C. is a preventive health and nutrition program for women (pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum), infants, and children under 5 years of age. W.I.C. serves families who are at or below 185% of the federal poverty level or who have a health or nutrition need. The program provides nutritious food, nutrition education, health screening for growth, anemia, lead poisoning, and referrals to other support programs. W.I.C. is funded annually by the United States Department of Agriculture through federal tax dollars.

Resource:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/

CYSHCN
As a Western Region contact for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, the Pepin County Health Department can provide consultation and referrals for parents, linking them to area resources.

Resource:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/DPH_BFCH/cshcn/index.HTM

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

School Health Services
Durand and Pepin School Districts contract with PCHD to provide school nurse services. They regularly screen for vision, hearing, scoliosis, and provide pre-school and kindergarten entrance screenings. Parent/Nurse conferences are held as needed. Screenings are also offered to the Pepin County Parochial and Amish Schools.

Resources:
Durand-http://www.durand.k12.wi.us/
Pepin- http://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/sst/nwps/pepin_high.html

PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS

What does public health do during an emergency?
Just as public health was there when you needed immunizations for your children, state and local public health agencies are working for you today to prepare for emergencies including bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks and other public health threats and emergencies.  Public Health Preparedness means planning and putting in place programs to respond quickly and effectively to threats endangering the health of the public.  

The Public Health Role in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response  and recovery includes: 

• Identify community resources applicable to the physical, social, and psychosocial effects of a disaster.
• identify groups most at risk from disasters (i.e., children, older adults, homeless, chronically ill, homebound, physically or mentally disabled).
• provide disaster education both in advance of (i.e., what to expect in a disaster) and after (i.e., how to deal with the effects) event.
• take responsibility for the health of a community following a disaster.
• use such resources as assessment, epidemiology, and data analysis to make and implement recommendations for limiting morbidity and mortality following disaster.
• cooperate and collaborate with other partners to ensure that primary health, public health, and mental health issues are adequately addressed in disaster planning.
• prevent disease by providing health advisories on injury prevention, food and water safety, and vector control.
• assure that health services continue post impact, including acute, continuity of care, primary care and emergency care.
• communicate with government officials about the public health effects of potential disasters and provide expert assistance during and after disasters.
• develop and advocate public policies designed to reduce the public health impact of potential disasters.
• collaborate with other health and human service professionals to rigorously evaluate intervention outcome.

Public Health Management of Disasters: The Practice Guide (Landesman, 2001 )

Pepin County is a member of the Western Region Partnership for Public Health

(WRPPHP) Consortium #2. WRPPHP has twelve member agencies from local Health Departments and tribes in western Wisconsin.

• Resources:
  WESTERN REGION PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
• American Red Cross Website
• National Association of City and County Health Officials
• Wisconsin Emergency Management
• Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
• World Health Organization
• Federal Emergency Management
• US Department of Homeland Security
• CDC Website

FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Family Planning & Early Identification of Pregnancy
Goal of reproductive health is to provide affordable services and to inform individuals how to:

• Protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy
• Space pregnancies two or more years apart
• Protect yourself against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

Confidentiality
All inquiries and services are confidential, regardless of age.

Birth Control Options
Natural family planning and contraceptive methods are discussed on a one-on-one basis.

Counseling
Available onsite or referred to off site clinic for further follow-up needs. Discuss various hormonal and non-hormonal methods birth control, how to obtain and/or how to use the different methods, and how to arrange follow-up care.

Education
All clients will receive situation specific information as appropriate. A PH nurse is available by appointment for small or large group presentations or discussions as appropriate.

Referrals
Free Clinic of Greater Menomonie Area at Red Cedar Clinic
* Does not offer reproductive health services
2211 Stout Road
Menomonie, WI 54751
(No appointments – walk-ins only on Tuesdays 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Chippewa Valley Free Clinic
421 Graham Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 839-8477

Pregnancy testing
Offered onsite at PCHD. Relative to the outcome, various referrals are made to private physicians, W.I.C., Healthy Start, and/or Prenatal Care Coordination as appropriate.

Testing for STI/HIV/AIDS, counseling, and referrals available – Call for information or an appointment at (715) 672-5961.

HIV/AIDS/STI

Testing, counseling, and referrals available. Call for information or an appointment at (715) 672-5961

Resources

• For information about the Family Planning Waiver and to sign up for the program - https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/
• Google Search: contraceptives or family planning
• HPV information on condition and vaccination http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm
• Are you depressed? http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001201-d001300/d001247/d001247.html
• Violence – need help? http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/violence/index.htm
• STI information http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/stdsgen.htm
• Breast Cancer resource page http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastcancer/