Guiding Good Choices

Posted 2/10/2015 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Guiding Good Choices is a FREE program offered throughout northwestern Wisconsin for adults involved in the care and well-being of children. Parents, family members, and professionals who work with youth will gain tools needed to guide children in positive relationship building and healthy lifestyle choices.

This program is being offered in...

Nekoosa at Alexander Middle School 540 Birch Street, Nekoosa, WI 54457 for a three day event on February 10th, 17th, and 24th (Tuesdays) from 6:00-8:00PM.  *FREE-Including Snacks & Childcare for ages 2 and up*

Wisconsin Rapids at Mead Elementary School 241 17th Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 for a one day event on Saturday, March 14th, 2015 from 8:30am-3:30pm.  *FREE-Including Lunch and Snacks*

Wisconsin Rapids at Mead Elementary School 241 17th Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 for a one day event, in Hmong, on Saturday, March 21st, 2015 from 8:30am-3:30pm.  *FREE-Including Lunch and Snacks*

 Nekoosa February Guiding Good Choices

Healthy People Wood County Mental Health Conference 2014

Posted 2/3/2015 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Below find the presentations for the conference that was held at University of Wisconsin Marshfield/Wood County on October 3rd, 2014.

 Parent Networks – Using Parents as a Powerful Tool to Make Change----- Danielle Luther, MPH Manager – Substance Abuse Prevention Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach
 County Health Rankings: How Does Your County Rank?/Resources for Creating Partnerships to Grow and Support Mental Health Services----- Kristie Rauter, Community Health Planner/Health Promotion Supervisor, Wood County Health Department
 Increasing Your Family Tool Box----- Lisa Kegler, MS, LPC, Therapist, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
 Crisis Response – How the System Works in Wood County----- Katie Czys – Legal Services/Crisis Supervisor – Wood County (MAC, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, Police Officer, AEMT) & Randall Ambrosius – Treatment Services Manager (MSW, LCSW, CSAC), Wood County Human Se
 Ensuring Your Worksite is Mentally Healthy----- Karen Lane, Disability Rights Wisconsin
 Creating Welcoming Spaces for LGBT People in Your Community----- Brian Juchems, Program Director, GSAFE
 Original Program for the Mental Health Conference on October 3rd, 2014
 PTSD: From a Combat Veteran’s Perspective----- Todd Stage, LCSW, Readjustment Counselor, Veterans Association
 The Ethical and Clinical Case for Tobacco Integration----- David "Mac" Macmaster, CSAC, TTS, WiNTiP Managing Consultant & Kristine Hayden, BS Senior Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health Center for Tobacco
 Vulnerable People in a Complicated Society----- Ronald Diamond, M.D.,
 Human Trafficking-Hidden in Plain Sight----- Morgan Young, Immigration and Poverty Attorney, End Abuse WI

Ebola Update: Information for the Public

Posted 10/22/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Wood County Is Prepared to Respond to Ebola

Wood County Health Department, health care providers, and emergency responders in Wood County have plans in place to respond in the event a case of Ebola is suspected in Wood County. An Ebola outbreak continues in West Africa; however, no one has contracted the virus in Wisconsin. We want the public to know and understand the following three points:

1. Ebola is only spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of people who are sick with the virus. It cannot be transmitted through the air. The risk of contracting Ebola in this area remains low, yet local providers are taking steps to promptly identify and respond to a potential case of Ebola.

2. If someone has traveled to West Africa, and they develop a fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising, we ask that they remain home and contact the Wood County Health Department immediately at 715-421-8911 or 715-387-8646. During non-business hours, health department staff can be reached by calling 715-421-8700. Do not contact the health department for someone experiencing a medical emergency - call 9-1-1, and inform them of any recent travel to Africa so that the responders can come with appropriate protective gear.

3. If someone requires medical care with potential Ebola symptoms, FIRST contact the healthcare provider to report the recent travel to West Africa or contact with a person who was sick with Ebola and their symptoms BEFORE going to the doctor’s office or emergency room. Calling first will help staff care for the patient and protect other people.

For more information, call the Wood County Health Department or visit www.cdc.gov/ebola.

Stepping On- Upcoming Community Fall Prevention Program

Posted 10/7/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin, in partnership with the Wood County Health Department, will be offering a community fall prevention program in Wisconsin Rapids. Stepping On is an evidence-based, multi-factorial workshop designed for community dwelling older adults. The workshop meets for 2 hours, one day per week, for 7 weeks. The program begins Tuesday, October 14th from 1:30-3:30 PM and will meet every Tuesday until November 25th.

Participants learn:
•Strength and balance exercises and how to implement them into their daily routine
•Ways to improve the safety in their home
•Safe and proper footwear
•Proper medication management
•The role vision plays in keeping their balance
•Ways to stay safe when out and about in the community
•And most of all, participants learn from one another

Who can best benefit from the Stepping On workshop?
•Older adults (60+) who live in their own home or independent apartment
•Able to walk without the help of another person
•Do not use a walker, scooter or wheelchair most of the time indoors
•Cognitively intact

*A contribution of $10 is suggested, but not required.

 Stepping On Flyer-Fall 2014

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: October 19-25, 2014

Posted 10/6/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Lead Free Kids for a Healthy Future

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet approximately half a million U.S. children have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends public health actions be initiated. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, is committed to eliminating this burden to public health.

 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week website

Infant Massage Classes Now Being Offered

Posted 9/18/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Come and learn infant massage. Classes being offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday October 13, 14, 15th from 11:00am-Noon.

$15.00 for all three sessions. Scholarships are available.

Benefits of Infant Massage
 Promotes bonding and attachment
 Stimulates brain Development
 Helps baby sleep better
 Improves digestion and blood circulation
 Reduces incidence of SIDS
 And many more...

To Register, fill out a registration form or call (715) 421-8911.

 Infant Massage Flyer
 Registration Form

Training Available: The ABC's of Behavior in Early Childhood

Posted 9/18/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Understand what children are communicating
through their behaviors and how to effectively work through those challenging moments.

FREE OF CHARGE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Tuesday, November 11
MSTC Auditorium, Wisconsin Rapids
6:30-8:30pm

-OR-
Tuesday, November 18
Streitel Conference Center, Marshfield
6:30-8:30pm

To register please contact Childcaring by phone
at 715-423-4114 or 800-628-8534 or by email at: info@childcaring.org

 The ABC's of Behavior in Early Childhood Flyer

Child Passenger Safety Advocates Recognized

Posted 9/11/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Green Bay, WI - The 40th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety was held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, WI August 27 & 28, 2014. Three Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Advocates were recognized during the awards luncheon.

Each year Wisconsin Information Network for Safety recognizes an outstanding CPS Technician, CPS Instructor and CPS Program of the year that have been nominated by their peers/co-workers. The awards are in honor of Beth Kindschi of Monroe, WI who is a lead instructor and pioneer in the field of child passenger safety in Wisconsin and on a national level.

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the number one cause of death and fatalities of children. Child Passenger Safety advocates promote the safe transportation of children by using child restraints and educating parent/caregivers on using car seats and boosters correctly.

CPS Technician of the year: Mary Waters, EMT/First Responder River Falls Ambulance Services has been a NHTSA certified Child Passenger Safety technician for 11 years. She was instrumental in developing the car seat safety program in West Central Regional Trauma Advisory Council and serves as an expert to many technicians who follow her lead.

CPS Instructor of the year: Patti Dickey (retired) Executive Director of Stevens Point Child Safety Center has been involved in Child Passenger safety for 32 years. She became a NHTSA CPS instructor in 2003 and provided over 500 car seat checks annually through the Portage County Child Passenger Safety Program and provided other safety initiatives.

CPS Program of the year: Safe Kids Wood County is a small coalition with programs and initiatives led by coalition members. Wood County developed one of the first diversion programs in the state of Wisconsin, which is collaboration with law enforcement of Wood County. Ticketed caregivers can attend a car seat checkup for education in lieu of paying a fine.

Each recipient was presented with a plaque at the luncheon.

Food Safety Class

Posted 8/20/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

A food safety education class is being offered on the first week day of each month in Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield. Interested persons must contact the Wood County Health Department prior to the class 715-421-8911.

Distinguished Public Health Employee

Posted 7/31/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

Congratulations to Amanda Melinski, Wood County's Distinguished Public Health Employee!

We recognize Amanda for her positive attitude, dependability, and outstanding work performance. Amanda has exceptional people skills and always displays a high standard of customer service, going above and beyond to seek out answers and resources for her clients. Her dedication, initiative and positive attitude radiates throughout the department.

The quality of work she produces is outstanding. Over the past two years, she has taken on many new tasks, welcoming new challenges and learning opportunities. She has embraced change and completed training in many areas, making her a strong asset to the teams she is a part of. As an exceptional team worker, Amanda is always willing to help others and do so with a smile. Doing all of the work she does takes extraordinary flexibility and time management skills.

We thank Amanda for her hard work and dedication as she strives to fulfill the mission and goals of the department. It is with great pride and honor that we commend Amanda for her accomplishments.

Spray Manure Irrigation

Posted 7/31/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

At the July 28, 2014 Health and Human Services Committee meeting at the Wood County Annex and Health Center in Marshfield, Nancy Eggleston, Environmental Health Supervisor gave a presentation on spray manure irrigation. The intent of the presentation was to provide Committee members with information about this agricultural practice-- what spray manure irrigation looks like, advantages and disadvantages, risk reduction methods, regulations, public concerns, and the State and local Health Department roles. To view this presentation, please see the link provided.

 Spray Manure Irrigation Presentation

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK • APRIL 7–13, 2014

Posted 4/7/2014 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

National Public Health Week 2014: Overview

Since 1995, communities from across the country have participated in National Public Health Week. Every April, we come together to celebrate public health and renew our commitment to promoting a healthier nation using a unique theme to center the conversation. NPHW 2014 will focus on ways to guide the community through the evolving public health system with the theme: “Public Health: Start Here.”

As we invite communities to join NPHW 2014, let’s work to help them understand how public health affects their lives and offer guidance on how to navigate the changing system. Whether it’s through research, data collection, health education, policy change or direct services, public health lays the foundation and creates the conditions
that put healthy choices within reach. Let’s help our communities figure out where to start and how to access the variety of options made possible by public health.

A recent change that will impact the public health system is the enactment of certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Taking two U.S. health systems — public health and health care — and bringing them into each other’s world, the ACA envisions more collaboration between the health workforces to save lives and money. The ACA signals a shift in our nation’s health system from one that focuses on treatment of the sick to one that is committed to proactively keeping people and communities healthy and safe. Included in the historic law are comprehensive prevention provisions consistent with those called for by APHA in its health reform agenda and supported by other leading experts in population health.

National Public Health Week 2014 will fall at a critical time in the ACA process — just after the first Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period ends on March 31, 2014. This will be an important opportunity to rally stakeholders and members of our communities together around the value of public health. We need you to participate, and to remind your communities that public health professionals can help them navigate these changing times.

Community Health Improvement Planning Process

Posted 5/4/2012 by krauter@co.wood.wi.us

The Wood County Health Department, in partnership with Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital and Riverview Medical Center, is in the process of completing a Community Health Improvement Plan.

This process includes examining local county health data, identify local priority health areas, and identify community assets and resources.

Once our local priorities have been selected, community members will be asked to join implementation teams to assist in developing goals and objectives around these identified local health priority areas.

They will identify and develop evidenced-based strategies for the local health priorities, promote and implement these strategies, and evaluate the success of the strategies. Resources will be identified to mobilize the community to improve the health of Wood County residents.

We would like you to identify the Health Focus Areas that should be the priorities for the community for the next few years.

Considering the information (data) available on the Wood County Health Department website, the typed discussion points made by the Community Assessment Team, as well as your personal experience and insight, please complete the following survey.

 Wood County Health Assessment Introductory Comment Results
 Health Focus Discussion, April 18th, 2012
 Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital Community Needs Data
 Wood County Health Focus Data 2012

 Wood County Community Health Survey