August is National Breastfeeding Month, but support for breastfeeding families is available year-round in Steele County.

This August, Steele County Public Health debuted an outdoor breastfeeding tent—sponsored by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP)—at the Steele County Free Fair. In past years, we’ve provided an indoor breastfeeding space inside the Community Center, but this year families had two private options to feed their child, pump, change diapers, or simply cool down. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with families feeling supported and grateful.

Beyond the fair, the breastfeeding tent has also been available at community events such as Owatonna’s Downtown Thursdays and GEM Days. Our goal is to continue offering this private space at community events moving forward. Of course, mothers are always welcome to breastfeed wherever they feel most comfortable.

In addition to the tent, Steele County offers several ongoing breastfeeding support programs:

• Amazing Newborn Clinic – Free service every Tuesday, 10:30 am–12:00 pm at Owatonna Community Education (122 McKinley St, Owatonna). Families can ask questions, check baby’s weight, and receive parenting support from a public health nurse.
• Baby Café – Free service every Thursday, 11:30 am–1:30 pm at Owatonna Hospital (2250 NW 26th St, Owatonna). Families receive support from a lactation consultant, along with weight checks and guidance.
• WIC Breastfeeding Support – Nutrition and breastfeeding support for pregnant and breastfeeding women through Steele County Public Health.
• General Breastfeeding Support – Our lactation specialists are available to provide personalized support and guidance.

For more information, listen to this month’s Health Talk with Amanda Prestegard, lactation consultant at Steele County Public Health, as she highlights the breastfeeding services available in our community.

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month—a time to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Vaccines protect against serious diseases and help keep our community healthy.

With a new school year approaching, now is the perfect time for families to catch up on routine immunizations. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect children, classmates, teachers, and family members from preventable illnesses. Many schools and childcare programs also require certain immunizations for enrollment.

Immunizations aren’t just for kids—adolescents, adults, and older adults also benefit from staying current on their vaccines. Protection from some vaccines can wear off over time, and new vaccines may be recommended depending on age, health conditions, and lifestyle.

If you’re unsure what vaccines you or your child may need, talk with your healthcare provider or check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Recommended Vaccines by Age by clicking the button below.

Steele County Public Health offers a variety of vaccines to families that qualify, please visit our website to learn more about the qualifications and sign up for an appointment by clicking the button above and going to Disease Prevention & Immunizations.

On July 15th, Steele County Public Health’s Family Health team hosted its very first Family Fun Day at Manthey Park in Owatonna. The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., was designed to introduce families to the many programs and supports offered by our Family Health team—all in a fun and interactive way.

Families received a “passport” upon arrival and visited each program table at their own pace. Every table offered an engaging activity along with information about available services:

• Women, Infants & Children (WIC): Photo booth and healthy snacks.
• Family Home Visiting: “Diggin’ for Dinos” sensory bin.
• Child & Teen Checkups: Vaccine superhero masks and a healthy vs. unhealthy behaviors activity.
• Emergency Preparedness: Education and preparedness kits for families.
• Car Seat Program: Spin wheel game, “Spot the Incorrect” challenge, and Q&A on car seat safety.
• YOLO (Youth Oriented Leadership Organization): Rock painting activity.
• Amazing Newborn Clinic: Offered on-site in the park.
• Follow Along Program (event sponsor): Bracelet making and bubbles station.

Family Fun Day was a great success, and our Family Health team looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come—strengthening connections with Steele County families.

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual reminder for everyone that preparing for disasters and emergencies can keep you and your loved ones safe.

Steele County faces a range of risks including major power outages, infectious disease outbreaks, and extreme weather events like blizzards, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent these hazards, being prepared for them can save lives.

Here in Steele County, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program and Steele County Emergency Management work side by side to keep the community safe before, during, and after emergencies.

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness helps protect the health of the community by preventing the spread of disease, distributing vaccines or medications, and supporting local medical facilities like nursing homes and hospitals.
• Emergency Management helps promote safety and protect infrastructure by coordinating evacuations, setting up emergency shelters, mobilizing volunteers, and restoring utilities.

For example, during a flood, Emergency Management may work with first responders and volunteers to rescue stranded residents, clear debris from roads, and staff shelters. Meanwhile, Public Health Emergency Preparedness may ensure medical support in shelters, provide mental health resources for individuals, and share health-specific guidance on flood cleanup and drinking water safety.

However, emergency preparedness isn’t just up to these programs—it starts with every business, family, and individual. Here are three steps you can start now:

1. Sign-up for emergency alerts to stay informed - Rice and Steele County - Citizen Alerts - Sign In
2. Make a plan for your household that considers specific dietary, medical, age-specific, and pet-related needs for sheltering and evacuation – Make A Plan | Ready.gov
3. Build emergency kits to keep in your home, car, and workplace – Build A Kit | Ready.gov

Preparedness saves lives! This September, consider taking a few small steps to get ready, and know that Steele County Public Health and Emergency Management are here to support you along the way!

Contact Steele County Public Health at 507-444-7650 or Emergency Management at 507-444-7500.

Steele County Public Health

Healthy People in Healthy Communities

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