Supporting families behind the scenes
One of the 10 Essential Health Services provided by public health is to investigate, diagnose and address health problems and hazards affecting the population.
Bloomington Public Health helps fulfill this service through its surveillance work. The process begins when a care provider or school conducts a screening program. For example, hospitals screen newborns for hearing loss and possible birth defects, and schools conduct early childhood screening to identify any health or developmental concerns.
Data from screening is sent to the Minnesota Department of Health, which notifies our staff when follow up is needed related to several health issues: elevated blood lead levels, hearing loss, birth defects in newborns, and Hepatitis B infections in pregnant people.
Laura Ernst, Public Health Nurse, follows up with families of children with hearing loss and families with newborns experiencing birth defects. Laura’s outreach ensures that families are connected to the resources they need, both medically (do they have insurance, are they able to get to their appointments, etc.) and holistically (do they need help with child care, food assistance, etc.).
“We’re able to connect families to resources who are going through a stressful or hard time,” said Laura. “We’re an extra support for community members by offering this guidance when times are challenging.”
Some of the most common birth defects Laura follows up on include Down syndrome, heart defects, hearing loss and cleft palates. She also researches some of the less common conditions to ensure she is knowledgeable when speaking with families.
Anticipating a family’s future needs is also part of Laura’s job. In one case, a mother was going to stop working due to the care needs of her child. This meant that the family was going to experience a loss in income. In case they qualified for assistance in the future, Laura gave them information about local WIC services.
Community members are thankful when they hear from Public Health. “People appreciate us reaching out, even if they don’t need something,” said Laura. “They are happy to know that someone is following up with them.”
Meet Esther
Esther Mwangi joined the Public Health Division in February 2022 as the Public Health Specialist – SHIP Program Coordinator, and is a member of the Population Health and Planning team. Learn more about Esther below!
What does our mission, engaging the community in promoting, protecting and improving the health of all, mean to you?
Engaging the community means changing the narrative to foster policy, systems and environmental changes to better serve the community by actively involving those most affected by health inequalities to define and drive solutions.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I get to learn from the community and my colleagues most days. This learning is what inspires me in my work.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I enjoy traveling locally and internationally. I travel more internationally than locally. If I could travel anywhere, I’d like to go to Italy because of the beautiful place and people.
Favorite morning beverage: coffee, tea, or something else?
Loose leaf English Breakfast tea
Meet Fanny
Fanny Jimbo Llapa joined the Public Health Division one year ago, in January 2022 – Happy Anniversary! Fanny serves as a Community Health Worker in the Community Health Services area. Read on to learn more about Fanny!
What does our mission mean to you?
Our mission means we listen to our community, we honor their feedback, and follow through with action.
What was your first project in your current role?
My first project was the flu shot clinic at Southgate Apartments. Although we only vaccinated 5 people, it was a good start to many more on-site opportunities and programming.
What do you love most about your job?
Connecting with families and collaborating with teammates in different program areas.
Favorite morning beverage: coffee, tea, or something else?
Any decaffeinated tea
What is one fun fact that not a lot of people know about you?
I used to be a doll hair stylist for American Girl company.
Public Health Shout Outs!
We received the following “Kudos” on Public Health’s new Kudos Board. Keep ‘em coming!
Rose, DPC team and Admin. staff,
You did it! What a flu season it was! Considering you have half new staff and half seasoned staff in DP&C (supervisor and manager included), you all rolled out this whole new format/process to pilot a new approach with a "can do" attitude. I'd call it a success and learning opportunity. Thanks so much for stepping up. You really made a difference.
-Molly
As always, use the City’s “Kudoz” board when you’d like to give a shout out to someone across the full City organization.
The purpose of Public Health Highlights is to increase staff’s pride in working for the Division through inspiring stories and to build connection among staff by highlighting individual staff members.
Do you have a story idea for this newsletter? Email Colleen for consideration.
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