Family Child Health Services

Department Overview


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.

View a Resource List (PDF) for families with young children
View a list of local Prenatal and Newborn Support Groups (PDF)
Listing of Free Activities in the Northfield Area for Families & Children

Parent / Child Health


Parents and children can benefit from the following services available through Rice County Public Health:
  • Baby Stop, Baby Talk, and Time for Baby (parent/newborn classes)
  • Car Seat Safety Information
  • Family Planning Special Project
  • Home Visits to Support Families
  • Infant Follow-Along Program  (online enrollment available)
  • Information on Parenting, Child Development, Health Concerns, and Nutrition
  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Prepared Childbirth Classes for Adolescents and their Partners
  • Postpartum Support
  • STI Testing

Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department

 
Rice County Public Health is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health as a Breastfeeding-Friendly Health Department at the "gold level." The designation was earned in 2017 after completing the ten step framework for agencies seeking to strengthen their ability to promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides the best possible nutrition for baby and mothers often need good information and support to get started and to keep going. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow.
Breastfeeding Logo

Family Home Visiting 


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 Family Child Health Supervisor at 507-332-5916 for more information or to make a referral.

National Kids County Data Book  


The National KIDS COUNT® Data Book released June 2016 by the Annie E Casey Foundation and publicized locally by Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota, ranks Minnesota number one in overall child well-being. However, there is more work to be done to narrow opportunity gaps and eliminate disparities among children of color, American Indian children, and children from low-income families. View the 2016 Minnesota Data Fact Sheet (PDF).