The Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) program is Minnesota’s Early and Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program, which is a federal program required in every state to provide comprehensive preventive health care and dental services for children and youth under 21 years old who are enrolled in Medicaid. The goal of EPSDT is to assure that individual children and adolescents get the health care they need when they need it, with a focus on early identification and treatment of health problems. Children and youth under 21 years old and enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare are eligible for C&TC services. Over 600,000--almost half of Minnesota children--are eligible for C&TC in Minnesota.

The C&TC program is based on the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). C&TC includes well child checkups. These checkups are essential for monitoring growth and development, receiving vaccinations, screening for potential concerns, and treating them to prevent bigger problems later. C&TC visits should happen frequently for babies and toddlers and at least annually for children 3 years of age and older. As children grow, the checkups help them take charge of their health, discuss health issues, and maintain healthy behaviors to support lifelong health. C&TC visits are a covered benefit with no cost and meet the health checkup requirements for school, Head Start, WIC, childcare, and camp and sports participation physicals.

Continue reading to learn more about C&TC visits and how Public Health's C&TC staff can help.

On January 6, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released major updates to the childhood immunization schedule, based on recommendations from national advisory groups. 

Carver County Public Health would like to remind partners that our local immunization protocols continue to align fully with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and leading professional medical associations. We remain committed to providing accurate evidence-based information to support the health of children and families in our community. 

We encourage partners to review MDH's Vaccine Recommendations and Access for Minnesotans for the most up-to-date details on recommended immunizations, implementation considerations, and resources to support equitable immunization access. 

Carver County Public Health is proud to join the American Public Health Association (APHA) in celebrating National Public Health Week, taking place April 6-12, 2026. National Public Health Week is observed annually during the first full week of April. It's a time to celebrate the impact of public health and highlight key issues that can strengthen the wellbeing of our nation. 

This year's theme, "Ready. Set. Action!", challenges all of us--individuals, government entities, scientists, and community leaders--to strengthen the systems, science, and partnerships that protect residents' health. As the APHA reminds us: good health doesn't just happen--it's the result of purposeful, coordinated action across sectors to ensure things like clean water, disease prevention, environmental protections, and equitable access to care. 

Carver County Public Health thanks our public health professionals, local partners, and community advocates for showing that coordinated systems, science-backed progress, community leadership, and personal engagement make health happen for every resident.

Earth Day is a reminder that the health of our planet and the health of our communities are closely connected. Climate change leads to hotter days, more flooding, and more air pollution, which can make asthma, heart disease, and stress worse. According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), these problems do not affect everyone equally--people with lower incomes, communities of color, older adults, and children often face the greatest risks from climate-related health impacts. 

The APHA encourages efforts that combine climate action with health equity. For example, improving air quality, creating safer walking and biking options, and reducing pollution all support both healthier people and a healthier planet. By working together, we can protect the environment while building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.