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We've heard quite a bit over the past month or so about measles here in the Twin Cities - it's a disease that spreads easily and can impact all of us.
What can you do? The best thing you can do is make sure that you and your loved ones have been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Ask your doctor if you need MMR - it is a safe and effective vaccine.
Measles symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually spreads from the head to the rest of the body. If you see those symptoms, call your doctor. Tell them about your symptoms so they can give you the best information about where to go. Stay home and avoid having visitors if you are sick.
MDH recommends that all Minnesota children 12 months and older without an MMR get one now. In addition, adults born in 1957 or later without an MMR (or measles) should also get the vaccine.
All children in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Crow Wing Counties should get their second dose of MMR vaccine as soon as possible, but at least 28 days before the first dose. For more information, visit MDH's measles page at: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/measles.
Partner resources, including translated factsheets and flyers, are available here: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/measles/outbreakmats.
This past Wednesday our state Health Commissioner filed a request for $5 million to address infectious disease outbreaks. Currently, Minnesota has no emergency fund for disease control and prevention activities.
Community health work is labor intensive, and we will continue to request support from our volunteers to help us reach residents who need to be a part of these important health conversations. If you are speak Somali or Hmong and are a current volunteer, we want to hear from you! Email Laura today.
Did you know? MDH's Center for Health Equity has a great newsletter for partner agencies to share health programs that support our diverse communities (HIV testing, wellness clinics, and more). You can subscribe and learn more here: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/che/calendar/events.html
Carver County MRC hosting Gray Matters: this coming Thursday, May 18th, from 5:30-7:00 pm, Carver County is hosting a training on depression in older adults. For more information click here.
Minnesota Department of Health, in conjunction with the National Center for PTSD, is hosting Skills for Psychological Recovery on June 7 and 8 at HealthEast St. Joseph Hospital (St. Paul). You are eligible for this free, two-day course if you have completed Psychological First Aid (PFA) training. To register or learn more click here.
Speaking of Psychological First Aid, we are hosting a live class with Jonathan Bundt on June 5 (especially relevant for those of you who would like to take the training mentioned above!). To register or learn more, click here.
I have rescheduled our Point of Dispensing (POD) 101 training for Thursday, July 13! Existing registrants are already aware - I'm incorporating some new training material from our updated anthrax protocol to share with you all. To register, click here.
I wish all the moms out there a very happy Mother's Day - hope you get out and enjoy this sunny weather we are having here in St. Paul!
Take care,
Laura Andersen, MRC Coordinator
laura.andersen@co.ramsey.mn.us
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