Many thanks to those of you who were able to attend a special training on access and functional needs last Thursday! 

I'll share the evaluations soon, but the feedback was very positive. Laurie Kalland (Minnesota State Services for the Blind), Kim Moccia (Minnesota STAR Program), Margot Imdieke-Cross (Minnesota State Council on Disability), and Marie Koehler (Minnesota Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services) provided great information on emergency planning for individuals who experience disability. 

Did you know that anyone can "try out" an assistive device without commitment by connecting with Minnesota's STAR program?  

Learn more by clicking here. 

Emergency planning for individuals who experience disability: sign up for our subcommittee now

I know a few of you have already connected with me to express your interest in supporting a distinct subgroup that would support emergency planning for individuals with disabilities. This is my last call for volunteers. The Disability Advocacy Sub Committee will work together to assess our existing point of dispensing (mass prophylaxis) plans for accessibility issues. 

I know, that sounds like a big job. But we'll break the work down into smaller incremental projects and have a chance to delve deeper into public health emergency planning here in Ramsey County. 

If you are interested in participating, please email me or click the link above to sign up. 

Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses in Children and Adolescents

Dakota County MRC invites you to attend a training on mental health! This workshop will focus specifically on how educators and parents can work together as allies to support young people. Early intervention and treatment is essential for success.

May 9, 2017 - 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Location: First Floor Conference Room 106 Dakota County Western Service Center Apple Valley, MN

To register, click here:

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DTZNC7B

Stay in touch. 

As always - it is a pleasure to work with you. 

Laura Andersen, MRC Coordinator

laura.andersen@co.ramsey.mn.us. 

A Letter from our Director

In early April, I had the honor of presenting the 2017 Ramsey County Public Health Awards to three community groups working to improve health in our community. As April comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude to individual volunteers like you who are also committed to advancing health in Ramsey County.

It's very fitting that April is the month where we celebrate both National Public Health Week and National Volunteer Week. I can't imagine how our department could achieve its mission without the more than 600 volunteers who contribute their time and talents each year to help us protect and improve the health of people and the environments in Ramsey County.

Thank you for your volunteer service with Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health. Your contribution and commitment to supporting public health in our community are deeply appreciated. As a public health volunteer, you are among hundreds that help in a variety of capacities, in program areas across our department including Child and Teen Checkups, Medical Reserve Corps, Clinical Services, Fix-lt Clinics, SOS Sexual Offense Services, or through service on advisory groups, committees and action teams.

The support and expertise you have provided to our department over the past year have been invaluable. On behalf of county residents who receive public health services, and our staff, thank you for caring and volunteering with us. 

Warmest Regards,

Anne Barry, Director

Public Health in the news

 I'm sure many of you have read about the swath of new measles cases we are seeing in the Metro. The last time I checked, 20 individuals have been diagnosed with measles in Hennepin County. This is a great time to make sure you and your family are up to date on your immunizations. As an MRC volunteer, I hope you are also sharing credible health information with your friends and families. 

If you have questions about how and when to get vaccinated, check out the Minnesota Department of Health's handy guides for families and providers - available in multiple languages here: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/schedules.html

In addition, you may have heard about multi-drug tuberculosis (MDR TB) right here in Ramsey County.  Our public health department is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with MDR TB, and to provide additional health services to community members who may have been exposed. For more information or resources, email me directly. 

Autism workshop for health professionals

“I don't seek healthcare I could really use, even though I have insurance, because I know that seeking non-emergent health care will probably ultimately do more harm than good,” autistic mother of two in the Twin Cities.

The Health Professions Autism Network invites you to their kick-off event on May 23 between 8 AM and 10 AM!  Sponsored by Autism Society of Minnesota, this event will help participants: 

1. Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan.

2. Identify challenges in the health care setting for individuals with ASD and their families.

3. Strategize methods to provide patient-centered care in the attendee’s own health setting. 

Presenters include Laurie “Chet” Tschetter, Education Program Manager and Lucas Scott, Education Specialist, Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM). 

To learn more or register, click here:  https://tinyurl.com/AutismHealthCare 

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