In honor of National Nutrition Month®, we are highlighting Steele County Public Health's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, a valuable resource that provides families with the support they need during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the critical early years of a child’s life. Good nutrition is the foundation for a healthy life, and it starts early! 

WIC helps families establish lifelong healthy habits by offering nutritious foods, personalized nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. From birth to age five, children learn how to fuel their growing bodies with essential nutrients. Eating a variety of healthy foods at a young age helps build strong bones, supports brain development, and boosts the immune system—ensuring kids are ready to learn, play, and thrive.

WIC provides healthy, wholesome foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, protein-rich foods, and iron-fortified cereals—helping families make nutritious choices while staying within their budget. Plus, WIC helps parents and caregivers understand how to create balanced meals, read food labels, and develop positive eating habits that last a lifetime.

WIC is more than just food—it’s a community of support. Fathers, grandparents, adoptive and foster parents, and other guardians can apply for WIC on behalf of eligible infants and children. 

If you have questions about WIC or want to see if you or your child qualifies, contact us at (507) 444-7660 or apply today using the button below.

We're excited to announce the launch of our new mobile unit! This new addition allows us to bring immunization clinics directly to you, making it easier than ever to access essential vaccines. Whether it's at school, work, or a community event, our mobile unit is on the move to meet your needs. No need to travel far—we'll bring the care right to you!

March is Social Work Month—a time to recognize the dedication and impact of social workers in our communities. Every day, social workers advocate, support, and empower individuals and families, helping them navigate life’s challenges. At Steele County Public Health, we are proud to have two licensed social workers on our Long-Term Care Team. They provide care coordination and case management for adults aged 65 and older, ensuring they receive the services, resources, and support they need to maintain their health, independence, and overall well-being. Join us in celebrating and thanking social workers for their invaluable contributions! Thank Whitney (left) and Carey (right) for all the work that you do for Steele County!

Mold Safety

With the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures ahead, it’s important to be aware of how seasonal changes can impact your home environment. As snow melts quickly and April showers approach, moisture levels in and around your home will rise, increasing the risk of mold growth.

Mold is most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and areas affected by leaking roofs, pipes, flooding, pooling water at the foundation, and condensation on windows or exterior walls. Prolonged exposure to mold can impact anyone’s health, with symptoms including coughing, runny nose, wheezing, and sore throat.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) does not recommend testing for mold because any indoor mold growth is a concern, regardless of type. To reduce mold risk, ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks promptly, and remove any standing water near your home’s foundation. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website or contact them at (651) 201-4601 or health.indoorair@state.mn.us.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

After months of keeping our homes enclosed during winter, it’s also important to be aware of carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in your home without warning. CO can come from fuel-burning appliances such as clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, motor vehicles left running in garages, grills and wood stoves.

Since symptoms of CO exposure—such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea—are similar to the flu, CO can be difficult to detect. That’s why installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is essential.

Minnesota law (MN Statute 299F.50) requires that every home have at least one operational CO alarm within 10 feet of every room legally used for sleeping. CO alarms should meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standards, and homeowners should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and replacement.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website or contact them at (651) 201-4601 or health.indoorair@state.mn.us.

Tune into this month's Health Talk on mold and carbon monoxide safety with Daniel Tranter from the Indoor Air Quality Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health by clicking the button below.

Steele County Public Health

Healthy People in Healthy Communities

(507) 444-7650 • SCPHN@SteeleCountyMN.gov