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September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, an important time to reflect on how ready we are for unexpected disasters. This year’s theme, “Start A Conversation,” emphasizes the importance of talking with your loved ones about emergency preparedness and addressing the unique needs of every household.
Emergencies can strike without warning, and being prepared is more than just having a plan—it's ensuring your plan fits everyone, including older adults, individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs, young children, and even pets. From preparing specialized emergency kits to creating evacuation routes and communication plans, small actions can make all the difference in times of crisis.
To help get started, consider these tips:
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Know Your Risks: Be informed about potential hazards in your area and click here to sign up for local emergency alerts.
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Create a Family Plan: Ensure each family member knows where to go and what to do in an emergency.
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Prepare Specialized Kits: Tailor emergency kits to specific needs, such as medical equipment for older adults or supplies for pets.
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Practice Regularly: Review and rehearse your plan so everyone is familiar with their role.
Now is the time to begin the conversation, build a plan, and practice it often. For more resources, visit Ready.gov or click to view the 12 Ways to Prepare Checklist.
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Get Your Flu Shots!
SCPH's Drive-Thru Flu & COVID-19 Clinics start next week!
Stay protected this flu season! During the month of October, Steele County Public Health will be bringing our mobile unit all over the county for our annual community Drive-Thru Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinics. Read below for more information:
MEDFORD: Tuesday, October 1, 12:30 - 3:30 PM, Medford Funeral Home
ELLENDALE: Wednesday, October 2, 12:30 - 3:30 PM, Ellendale Fire Department
OWATONNA: Thursday, October 3, 12:00 - 6:00 PM, Steele County Public Health
BLOOMING PRAIRIE: Friday, October 4, 12:30 - 3:30 PM, Blooming Prairie City Hall
OWATONNA: Wednesday, October 16, 12:00 - 5:00 PM, Steele County Public Health
MEDFORD: Wednesday, October 23, 3:30 - 6:30 PM, South Country Health Alliance
We accept Medicare, South Country Health Alliance, Blue Plus, Medical Assistance, BCBS, Health Partners, Humana, UCare, or cash/check. Please call (507) 444-7650 with questions!
Click the buttons below to pre-register for an appointment on our website or watch our latest HealthTalk episode on vaccinations:
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Steele County Public Health has been serving the residents of Steele County by providing home health care since 1948. At that time, Steele County was the first county in Minnesota to offer home nursing care supervised by a county agency. Steele County Public Health received Medicare certification as a home health care agency in 1966.Steele County Public Health is one of five remaining counties in Minnesota that provide home health care services!
In 2023, Steele County Public Health Nursing Services received a HHCAHPS Honors Award, which recognizes home health agencies that are dedicated to providing a high quality of care in a patient-centric approach.
Our home care team includes skilled nurses, home health aides, homemakers, & a physical therapist who provide the following services:
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Skilled Nurses - medical assessments, health education, wound care, nutrition counseling, medication injection, clinical monitoring, and more!
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Home Health Aides & Homemakers - help with bathing, personal care, laundry, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and other support services!
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Physical Therapist - in-home rehabilitation and exercise programs for all age groups
To learn more about our home care services or to sign-up for our monthly Home Care Flyer at this link: https://www.steelecountymn.gov/public_health/home_health.php.
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The History Partners Memory Café is held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 10:00-11:15am, at the Steele County History Center located at 1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna.
The History Partners Memory Café is an in-person program focused on awareness of dementia and connecting family, friends, and neighbors to supportive services through meaningful social activities such as storytelling, music, games, crafts, and Steele County Historical Society museum collections. This in-person program is designed for persons living with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, along with their caregiver.
Each session of the History Partners Memory Café consists of a meaningful program; a cognitive game or activity; a special activity such as a craft, game, or music; lunch and socialization; and identification of resources for caregivers.
To RSVP or for more information, call MaryAnne Higgins at (507) 451-1420.
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Since 1998, Healthy Seniors of Steele County has provided support and services which help seniors in need who are 65 and older live healthy, safe, and independent in their own homes, to prolong the length of spending down into Medical Assistance and to divert nursing home placements.
Healthy Seniors of Steele County provides a variety of support services for seniors which you can learn more about below:
Caregiver Support
Recognizing the challenges caregivers face, this program offers resources such as free in-home assessments, senior and caregiver advocacy, and assistance with chores and groceries. Volunteers also provide medical escorts and help with stress-reducing activities, ensuring that both seniors and their caregivers receive the support they need.
Respite Care for Seniors
For caregivers who need time to take care of their own needs, respite care services are available. Volunteers sit with seniors, allowing caregivers to run errands or attend appointments while having peace of mind.
Senior Companion (Friendly Visits)
To combat isolation and loneliness, Healthy Seniors pairs volunteers with seniors for regular visits. These companions provide friendship, assist with social activities, and even help with medical escorts or library book deliveries.
Fall Prevention Assessments
In-home exercises and safety assessments are also a cornerstone of the program, helping seniors maintain strength and prevent falls, a leading cause of injury among older adults. This improves their quality of life and allows seniors to remain living independently.
Needs Assessments & Referrals
For seniors needing additional support, Healthy Seniors conducts individualized needs assessments. These evaluations help connect seniors to affordable resources for medical issues, transportation, personal care, and other services to maintain independence at home.
Volunteers are at the heart of Healthy Seniors' mission. Whether assisting seniors directly or supporting the organization through fundraising or board service, volunteers ensure that Steele County seniors can continue living healthy, safe, and independent lives.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Healthy Seniors at (507) 774-7648, visit https://www.HealthySeniorsMN.org/, or click the button below to view the brochure.
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Rank Your Top 5 Health Priorities!
Help Steele County Public Health define our community’s top health priorities by choosing the 5 issues you believe are most important for us to address by clicking the button below! This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of health and wellness in our community. Your input will directly influence the programs and services we prioritize, ensuring they meet the needs and concerns of those we serve.
Please complete this survey only once to ensure that everyone's voice is heard equally. This is the same survey that was at our booth at the Steele County Free Fair.
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Steele County Public Health (SCPH) is dedicated to preventing disease, promoting wellness, and protecting the health of Steele County residents through a variety of services such as family health programs, immunization clinics, and home health care. SCPH also provides resources for radon and water testing, health education, and emergency preparedness to realize its vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities. |
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