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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Local public health districts across North Dakota and the nation will be celebrating National Public Health Week April 7-14. The theme this year is “Start Here,” which emphasizes how many services and how much information is available from your local public health unit.

“Public health departments often operate behind the scenes, but the services they provide benefit virtually every citizen,” said Theresa Will, R.N., director of City-County Health District in Valley City.

Most people in Barnes County associate City-County Health District with a handful of activities they are familiar with such as immunizations, cholesterol screenings, school health or, possibly, nursing visits through home care. But there are many other services available through the public health office. Here are just a few:
·    Nursing services: Anyone, regardless of income level, may visit City-County Health Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to be assessed for such things as blood pressure, blood sugar, vitamin B12 and hormone injections, TB testing and monitoring, medication box set-up, skin assessments, foot and fingernail care, tobacco cessation, newborn home visits, work site wellness and more. Immunizations are given to infants, children, adolescents and adults throughout the week during regular nursing hours.

There is a charge for some services such as foot and fingernail care, however, most services are on a suggested donation basis, and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Public health home care visits for RN and home health aide services are available on a sliding fee scale. In addition, for those who qualify, certified home care is offered to those needing skilled nursing, home care aides, physical, speech or occupational therapy, and/or coordination of services.
·    Emergency preparedness is a critical program associated with public health. In the event of a natural disaster, such as a flood, City-County Health staff would be on hand to help with evacuation, relocation, and emergency medical services. If there were a pandemic situation, such as the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009, public health would likely be involved with immunizing a large portion of the population in Barnes County. Public health staff regularly participate in emergency preparedness training to stay current for any emergent event. 
·    Environmental health services are available, with an environmental health practitioner being contracted through Central Valley Health District in Jamestown. Free radon test kits are offered to homeowners and landlords. Sewer/septic permits must be purchased at City-County Health District for projects within Barnes County. Information is available for many environmental issues such as mold, asbestos, radon, lead and pesticides.
·    Car seats are available to low-income families for a minimal fee. Information is also available on the type of car seat needed for certain ages, heights and/or weights.
·    Pregnancy testing/Plan B is offered through City-County Health. Fee is generally based on income, though no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Family planning services are offered here through Central Valley Health District of Jamestown. Clients must make appointments by calling 701-252-8130, and are seen by a nurse practitioner.
·    Three grant-funded programs are offered locally including tobacco cessation and prevention, WIC (Women, Infants and Children), and traffic safety (formerly Safe Communities).
·    Work site Wellness services may be arranged by area employers for their staff. These services may include blood pressure and/or blood sugar checks, physical fitness through Wor ksite Recess, nutritional information, and tobacco cessation. Healthy workers are more productive and utilize less sick leave.
·    Community wellness screenings and flu immunizations are offered seasonally. Flu immunization clinics are offered in the fall at several Barnes County sites.

City-County Health District will officially observe Public Health Week April 14-17 in conjunction with County Government Week at the Barnes County Courthouse. The public is encouraged to visit the courthouse, talk with staff members, and enjoy numerous displays about your local government at work. Please join us Tuesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free walking tacos in the rotunda, and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for free floats on second floor. Three drawings will be held for $25 in Chamber bucks, and one for a free total lipid profile.

For more information about any public health issue or home care services, please contact City-County Health District at 845-8518.