Services for Families with Children

Services and activities in this program are intended to strengthen and preserve the health of individuals and families in Rice County. The focus is on support, prevention, and education to promote and maintain a high level of wellness.

Parent/Child Health

Parents and children can benefit from the following services available through Rice County Public Health:

• Home visits to families with newborns
• In-home prenatal visits by a Public Health Nurse
• Prepared childbirth classes for adolescents and their partners
• Postpartum support
• Baby Stop, Baby Talk, and Time for Baby (parent/newborn classes)
• Information on parenting, child development, health concerns, and nutrition
• Infant Follow-Along Program
• Home Visitor Program
• Family Planning Special Project
• Pregnancy testing
• Car seat safety information

Family Home Health Aide Program

This program provides one-to-one support for parents who can benefit from special help with parenting skills through home visits from a Family Home Health Aide. Family Home Health Aides help to strengthen the family unit by working closely with family members on areas such as behavior management, building self-esteem, homemaking skills, and parent-child activities. Please call the Public Health Department for details.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

WIC is a supplemental food and nutrition program for income eligible persons with nutritional need. WIC serves pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants up to one year of age, and children up to five years of age. Call the WIC Office at (507) 332-5906 or come to the Public Health Department for more information or to schedule an appointment. WIC services are offered in Faribault and Northfield.

Further information about the WIC Program in Minnesota can also be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website at: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/wic.html or you can find more information on the Federal WIC program by visiting: www.fns.usda.gov/wic/

Child and Teen Check-Ups (CTC) Outreach

This program connects children enrolled in the Medical Assistance Program with medical and dental service providers and offers information regarding child development, health and safety, and community resources. More information about Child and Teen Check-Ups is available on the Minnesota Department of Health website at: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mch/candtc.html

Family Planning Program

The Rice County Family Planning Program provides education and support regarding family planning, sexuality education and STD counseling. Education on all birth control methods is provided. Income eligible women ages 12-44 (200 % of federal poverty guidelines) can receive birth control methods and doctor visits associated with contraceptive use. A small fee is requested but no one is denied because of inability to pay. Call 507-332-6111 to schedule an appointment. All services are confidential.

Many low-income Minnesota men and women between the ages of 15 and 50 may also be eligible for family planning services through the Minnesota Family Planning Program. For more information about this program go to: www.dhs.state.mn.us/familyplanning

LA PROGRAMA DE PLANIFICACION FAMILIAR DEL CONDADO DE RICE

La Programa De Planificacion Familiar Del Condado De Rice provee educacion y apoyo sobre planificacion familiar, educacion de la sexualidad y el asesoramiento de las enfermedades por la transmision sexual. Educacion sobre todos los metodos de planificacion esta disponible. Mujeres de los edades 12 a 44 y que son de un nivel de sueldo eligible (200% de las pautas de pobreza federales) puedan recibir metodos de planificacion familiar y visitas con un medico asociado con el uso de anticonceptivos. Un costo minimo sera pedido pero nadie sera negado servicios por la incapacidad de pagar. Llame a 507-332-6111 para hacer una cita. Todos los servicios son confidenciales.

Muchos hombres y mujeres de 15 a 50 de Minnesota y que son de bajos recursos tambien puedan ser eligibles por la programa de planificacion familiar por la Minnesota Family Planning Program. Por mas informacion sobre esta programa visita este sitio en el internet: www.dhs.state.mn.us/familyplanning

Public Health