HOME HEALTH AGENCY AND HOME MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Public Health

HEALTH PROMOTION PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN IN DAY CARE
PARTNERSHIPS OF RALLS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
GET A NUTRITION LIFT WITH WIC
BIOTERRORISM THREAT/EVENT RESPONSE

Ralls County Health Department conducts High Alert Active Surveillance of various sites in ralls County since initiated by DHSS after September 11th, 2001. Information is collected and sent to DHSS for evaluation and feedback. This enables rapid recognition and prompt response to any suspected bioterrorism event.

Ralls County Health Department is an active participant in disaster and bioterrorism threat/event response planning coordinating with DHSS, SEMA and the LEPC.

In the event of a disaster or suspected bioterroristm there would be needed volunteers to assist in a variety of ways. Planning and preparation for these events will include training of volunteers. If interested, please call Ralls County Health Department. Web resources for interested persons are: www.dhss.state.mo.us/BT_Response/BT_Response.html
www.cdc.gov
www.redcross.org/donate/volunteer

IMMUNIZATIONS

Child and adult immunizations available without an appointment
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
First Monday of every month will stay open until 6 p.m. by appointment only.

Immunizations available include DTAP, HIB, Polio, Hep A & B, MMR, Varicella, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, HPV, Tdap, Rotavirus, Influenza, and TD.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, meningitis, salmonella, rabies and numerous others are reported to our health department. We provide follow up on contacts. Information, referral and some other assistance is available to patients. Ralls County Health Department works with local physicians & DHSS to prevent the spread of communicable disease and other health hazards.

TUBERCULOSIS

Ralls County Health Department provides skin testing and followup of active cases of TB. Free medications for treatment of TB can be obtained through MO DHSS with a doctor's order. A web site for more information about TB is www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/faqs/qa.htm

CLINICS

Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and hemoglobin screenings available without appointment
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
at the Health Department office, 405 West First, New London, Mo.

Free HIV and STD screenings. No appointment necessary.

Lead Screenings - call for appointment.
TB test - no appointment necessary (Not available on Thursdays).

Blood Pressure Clinics:

• Perry Village Housing Activity Room 11 a.m. every Wednesday.
• Ilasco Methodist Church 11:30 a.m. first Wednesday of each month.
• Center Senior Citizens - Chelles 2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.
• Oats Meeting blood pressure clinic - Perry Nutrition Center 1st Monday of every month.

PRENATAL CASE MANAGEMENT

The prenatal case management program is for high-risk pregnancies and offers education and access to other services. A registered nurse serves as case manager. Eligibility is based on risk factors of the pregnancy.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE & HIV/AIDS SCREENING

Confidential screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphillis are offered at the Health Department. Treatment and education programs are available. HIV screening along with pre and post test counseling are also available. Private appointments may be made for the client. This program is completely confidential and free of charge. Online information on HIV/AIDS
www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm
www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/dstdp.ntm/online info for STD

HEALTH EDUCATION

Current information about general health issues is available through our staff health educator, public health nurses, and other staff members.

PREGNANCY TESTING AND TEMPORARY MEDICAID

Pregnancy tests are available during office hours ($5 charge). Temporary Medicaid can be issued at the same time if financial guidelines are met.

LEAD PROGRAM

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is dedicated to eliminating childhood lead poisoning in Ralls County. All children should be screened at one and two years of age. If your child has not been tested by age two, have them tested at least once before the age of six.

Free lead screenings are offered to children up to 6 years of age. Children whose blood lead level is 20 or above received a free environmental assessment of their house, and a home nurse visits children with elevated blood lead levels of 15 or above.

Please call (573) 985-7121 with any questions regarding lead testing or how to safely remove lead paint. Keep your children lead free so they can stay healthy and grow up happy.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SERVICE COORDINATION 20 COUNTIES SERVED

The Missouri Department of Health, through the Bureau of Special Health Care Needs, provides assistance in locating, coordinating, and purchasing rehabilitation and psychological services for individuals who have survived a traumatic brain injury. RSMO defines traumatic brain injury as: A sudden insult or damage to the brain or its covering, not of a degenerative nature. Such insult may result in altered state of consciousness and may result in a decrease of mental, cognitive, behavioral, or physical functioning.

Services include evaluation and assessment of needs: information and education on the cause and effects of traumatic brain injury and preventing secondary conditions; service plan of interventions to meet the individual needs; assistance in locating and accessing services such as medical care, housing, counseling, transportation, rehabilitation, vocational training, cognitive/behavioral training, and regular evaluations and updates of the service plan.

Counties to be served: Adair; Audrain; Chariton; Clark; Knox; Lewis; Lincoln: Linn; Macon; Marion; Monroe; Pike; Putman; Ralls; Randolph: Schuyler; Scotland; Shelby; Sullivan; Warren.

GET A NUTRITION LIFT WITH WIC

WIC is a nutrition education, health promotion and supplemental food program to assist women, infants and children who have nutritional needs.

Who Can Qualify?

• Women/Teens who are pregnant
• Infants
• Women/Teens who are breastfeeding
• Children up to age 5
• Women/Teens who have had a baby less than six month ago

To be eligible in Missouri, you must:

• Meet nutritional or medical guidelines
• Meet income guidelines

The benefits of WIC include:

• Nutritional education and guidance for you and your children at no cost
• Breastfeeding education and support at no cost
• Nutritious foods to supplement your diet
• Referrals for health care

To determine if you are elegible for services through WIC, please contact our office for an appointment. WIC clinics are held the first and third Monday of each month.

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CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTATION SERVICES

Nurse Consultation for Out-Of Home Child Care Settings

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau's National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-Of-Home Child Care Programs (APHA/AAP) recommends that communities/child care facilities identify health consultants (Nurse Consultants) to provide consultation regarding child care health issues and that all facilities have access to this consultation.

What does a Child Care Nurse Consultant do?

A Child Care Nurse Consultant serves as a source of education, guidance and support to child care facilities, consumers, referral agencies, and state/local licensing agencies concerning child and safety concerns.

Child Care Nurse consultants address a wide range of Child health issues such as:

• Infant Care
• Special Health Care Needs of Children
• Illness and injury prevention/treatment
• Health Promotion
• Nutrition
• Mental Health
• Developmental Progress/problem
• Dental Health

Child Care Nurse Consultants assist individual child care facilities and other agencies in formulating and implementing written policies relating to health and safety.

HEALTH PROMOTION PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN IN DAY CARE

NUTRITION SERIES:

1. Tickle Your Appetite
First in a series of three lesson plans to introduce preschoolers to the five food groups; milk, bread, meat, vegetables and fruits.
2. Platter of Health
Second in a series of three lesson plans to reinforce preschool nutrition education while choosing foods from the five food groups to place on their "platter of health".
3. Nutrition,"Kids Approved Snacks"
Third in the series, A presentation reinforcing healthy snacks for kids while they prepare snacks.

Happy Teeth - Sad Teeth
This lesson shares brushing, flossing and healthy tooth nutrition while singing songs and crafting happy and sad teeth.

Immunizations "The Jeral Lynn Story."
Preschoolers gain knowledge of immunization importance that may alleviate their fears, when receiving required vaccinations.

Head Lice Prevention and Treatment
Children are introduced to why head lice like us and how they spread, and also treatments to lice infestation while sharing a fun video and coloring pages.

Lead Poisoning Prevention
"Sesame Street "characters and "Leadosauras" help kids remember where lead comes from and how to prevent lead poisoning which leads to cognitive and behavioral alterations.

Summer Sun Safety
Slip, slap and slop on those hats, shirts and sunscreen to prevent sunburns and cancer causing rays.

Play It Safe
Bicycle, boating, swimming, camping and car seat safety are introduced and discussed so preschoolers will beware of importance of safety in a variety of activities.

Halloween Safety
Preschoolers are instructed on safety while trick or treating, one of the most fun events in the year for kids.

TRAINING WORKSHOP CURRICULUMS AVAILABLE THROUGH RALLS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

• ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
• CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
• COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
• COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• DENTAL HEALTH
• DEVELOPMENT OF READING AND WRITING SKILLS
• DISCIPLINE
• FOOD SAFETY
• INFANT AND CHILD CPR (AMERICAN RED CROSS ASSOC)
• LEAD POISONING AND SAFETY
• PREPARING SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN WITH HIV
• 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE by Steven Covey
• UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS AND INFECTION CONTROL
• UTILIZING THE HOME ENVIRONMENT IN TEACHING BASIC AND PREACADEMIC SKILLS TO
• CHILDREN UP TO 5 YEARS OF AGE

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WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Worksite Wellness

Offer health screenings to worksites upon request.
Screenings - HT, WT, BP, P. Oximeter, Urine testing, Lab Work (includes cholesterol, blood sugar, hemoglobin, triglycerides, kidney function and more)
Hepatitis A & B vaccine and influenza vaccine is offered.
Charges made for some screenings, and the vaccines, which the office purchases.
Health Education programs provided upon request.

Pace Classes (People with arthritis can exercise)

Classes offered to everyone (not just for people with arthritis conditions or symptoms)
Classes Held:
New London on Tuesday and Friday at 10 AM at the Forget Me Not Senior Citizens Building.
Center on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 PM at the Town Hall.

Ralls County Health Dept. - In-Office Wellness Program

8 or 12 week session.
Requirements are:

• Must exercise 30 minutes a day 4x a week (can be 10-15 minute sessions, if desired)
  
• Must eat 5 servings a day of fruits/vegetables 5 days a week.
  
• Must drink 8 - 8 oz. glasses (64 oz.) of water a day, 5 days a week.
  

At beginning of session, BP, weight and lipid profile will be taken and at end of session for comparison and evaluation.

PARTNERSHIPS OF RALLS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Chart (Community Health Assessment Resource Team)

Chart Wellness Task Force

Members are representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies, hospitals, medical professional community and industry.

Purpose: To promote cardiovascular health by encouraging individuals to include physical activity in daily lifestyle - reducing mortality rate.

The wellness task force works collaboratively by scheduling CHART walks in each of the counties at different times so individuals may attend several, if they choose. Educational information provided, also.

Chart Partnership

Members are representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies, hospitals, medical professional community, industry and schools.

Purpose: Explores innovative opportunities, share ideas and discover creative solutions to health concerns of northeast Mo.

Chart Breast Health Initiative

Members are representatives from hospital, Hannibal Clinic, health departments, health services and agencies.

Purpose: To promote the importance of mammograms and clinical exams, to target and identify women who have never had the exams, and encourage this group to follow the ACS recommendation.
This is accomplished through the committee's collaborative effort of various activities.

Community 2000+

Members are representatives from health department, county services agencies, law enforcement, school, church, juvenile office, interested individuals and Prevention Resource Center.

Purpose: To promote and provide a safe, healthy and drug abuse free county for our youth.

Individuals work collaboratively to provide education information and alternative activities free of drugs.

RSVP Advisory Board - Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Members are representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies, hospitals, medical professional community and industry.

Purpose: Council assists RSVP staff in continuing development of the program by acting as sounding board on basic issues, offering support, assistance and advice concerning significant program decisions and conducts annual evaluation.

Responsible Fatherhood Initiative

Members are representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies.

Purpose: To facilitate growth in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of parents, caregivers and the community; Influence policies to be more supportive of children's and families' need and ability to be successful; Disseminate information about males and fathers involvement and how it impacts all areas of a child's development and future success; To facilitate growth in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of parents, caregivers and the community.

Child Fatality Review Board

Members are representatives of community service agencies and law enforcement.

Purpose: Board meets to discuss and determine if each child fatality is of natural causes or determine if a problem exists. If so, then identify the problem area and make suggestions of ways to alleviate.

Ralls County Cancer Community Council

Board Members are representatives from different townships, local health department, ACS office and interested individuals.

Purpose: To help eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, advocacy, education, service and doing fund raising.

Mark Twain Regional Council Strategic Planning Committee

Members: Representatives of community service agencies, industry and business.
Purpose: Identify needs of community and develop a plan of action to encompass these areas.

NACCHO -National Association of City and County Health Officials

Board Members: Health Department officials from across the United States. Purpose: Work Collaboratively with state and national organizations to identify and develop strategic plan for county, state, and national agencies for betterment of communities.

Marion and Ralls Local Emergency Planning Committee

Members consist of representatives of elected state and local officials, law enforcement, emergency management, fire fighting, first aid, health, local environment and transportation agencies, hospitals, media, community groups and representatives of facilities who handle chemical and hazardous wastes.

Purpose: To identify problem areas, keep reporting forms current, arrange for trainings for emergency personnel, and develop an emergency plan of action for safety of the community.

NECAC Family Planning Advisory Board

Members: Members are representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies, medical professional community, clergy, schools and industry. Purpose: To establish a system of care for families and individuals to assist them in accessing affordable and acceptable reproductive health care.

NECAC Family Planning Education Committee

Members: Members are representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies, medical professional community, clergy, schools and industry.
Purpose: To review all informational and educational materials used in the clinic to assure it is factual, understandable for clients, and pertinent to the need.

American Lung Association of Eastern Mo. Advisory Board

Members: Representatives from northeast Mo. communities, health services and agencies, hospitals, medical professional community and industry.
Purpose: Provide sponsorship of educational offerings, printed materials, teaching aids and management of incentives program for tuberculosis patients.

Parents As Teachers Program Advisory Board

Members: Representatives from staff, school district community, health services and agencies.
Purpose: To receive reports and make suggestions to certified parent educators who make personalized home visits to assist parents with children from birth to three months to lay a strong foundation for their child's future success in school. Also evaluate the program services which are home visits, group meetings, play groups and screenings, along with providing a network of resources.

MoALPHA - Missouri Association of Local Public health

Betty is a charter member of this organization and serves as national liason.

Members: Administrators of local health agencies.
Purpose: Improve public health in Missouri

Douglass Community Head Start Health Advisory Council

Members: Wide cross-section of health professionals in the community as well as parents and staff members. Purpose: Advises in the health program planning, operation and evaluation of the program, provides new ideas for services and education and assists with making provision to facilitate both health services and education.

Mo. Milk Food and Environmental Health Association

Members: Environmental, institutional, and other public health professionals throughout the state, representatives of private industries, Dept. of Natural Resources and milk programs and other interested individuals.
Purpose: Encompasses regulatory, industrial, commercial, institutional, and academic professions concerned with a variety of environmental and public health issues, along with continued education.

Board of Directors of Ralls Co. Building Bridges Committee

Membership: Members are representatives from school, health department, DFS, county service agencies, juvenile office, University Extension and interested individuals

Purpose: Receive reports from school and community connectors who assist and provide direct service to youth considered at risk for abuse/neglect. Evaluate progress of work with parents, youth and school personnel to determine if needs of students are met.

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