Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Newsletter

Alliance NewstRIBBON

Pet Supplies Plus

Congratulations to Pet Supplies Plus on your ribbon cutting, celebrating your Grand Opening! They are located at 2916 5th Ave South and offer all your pet favorites at prices you’ll love. Thank you, Pet Supplies Plus, for your investment in our community!

tRIBBON

The Green Dragon Bookshop

Congratulations to The Green Dragon Bookshop on your ribbon cutting! The Green Dragon Bookshop is located at 9 N 11th St in Historic Downtown Fort Dodge. They curate books and trinkets focused on science and fantasy fiction for all ages and can order any book currently in print. Thank you, The Green Dragon Bookshop, for your investment in our community!

County Connect Webster

Webster County Public Health’s Programs Benefit the Community

IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM

The Immunization Program provides access to immunization services for children aged 2 months – 18 years, as well as provides on-going immunization education to the public and health care professionals.

The Webster County Health Department offers childhood immunizations and the seasonal flu vaccine, and accepts most insurance or offers rates for vaccines based on income. Child Health Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis Treatment (EPSDT) Program

Every child ages 0-20 is in the EPSDT program as long as they are on Title 19, with a goal of ensuring all children are getting into their doctor for their well-child checkups – including dentists, eye doctors, and hearing tests. The program also helps with locating services for children. Parents or guardians will receive a letter a month prior to each upcoming well-child appointment, reminding them.

CHILD HEALTH HOME VISITATION PROGRAM

No referral necessary for this program. A public health nurse will visit families in their home and complete a skilled nursing assessment. The child involved could be a premature infant or a child with health concerns. The nurse can continue to visit until there are no more health concerns, if needed.

CHILD HEALTH LEAD TESTING

Public Health conducts lead testing on children with a blood test. Lead poisoning is preventable, and remains a significant health concern for young children. Elevated levels can harm a child’s central nervous system and are associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. The Iowa Department of Public Health recently updated its screening tool and testing guidelines, and now recommend that all children get a blood lead test at 1 year and 2 years of age.

MATERNAL HEALTH PROGRAM

This prenatal program provides information and education to pregnant women on topics such as having a healthy pregnancy and preparing for the birth of their baby. This program is available to all expecting mothers. While enrolled in the Maternal Health Program, participants receive education on what to expect while pregnant, healthy living choices, and prenatal and postnatal maternal care. A registered dietician will provide information on nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding education. A Family Development Specialist is also involved, assisting with social needs and participants are offered dental screenings and oral care instructions, as well as receiving a topical fluoride varnish. A nursing visit is provided after delivery.

HAWK-i

Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawk-i), federally known as Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health coverage to children and families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private coverage.

Hawk-i is low cost/no cost health insurance for children. They offer two plans - a medical & dental plan and also a dental only plan. The cost per month is based on the family size and income. There are many services that Hawk-i covers such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, wellchild check-ups, vaccines/shots, emergencies, surgery, dental care, vision exams, hearing services, mental health & substance abuse care, chiropractic care & speech therapy. To qualify for Hawk-i your child must: • Be under the age of 19 • Be uninsured • Not be on title 19 • Be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted resident alien • Meet the income guidelines

FIRST 5

Iowa’s 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative builds partnerships between physician practices and public service providers to enhance high quality well-childcare. 1st Five promotes the use of developmental tools that support healthy mental development for young children during the first five years. 1st Five is a program that supports primary care providers in performing developmental surveillance and screening in children ages 0-5 years. When a concern is identified, the providers may refer the child to 1st Five for care coordination and connection to local resources.

When developmental concerns are not identified, then it is less likely families will get linked to community-based intervention services. 1st Five provides the necessary links to up-to-date community-based resources that match the needs of the family and child.

IOWA NUTRITION NETWORK SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM

The Iowa Nutrition Network School Grant Program (INNSGP) awards funding to a variety of agencies to provide nutrition education in schools in low-income areas. Eligible schools must have 55% (rural areas) and 60% (urban areas) or more of the students participate in free and reduced-price meals.

The INNSGP is often referred to as Pick a better snack. Pick a better snack is an evidence-based program to encourage children and families with low incomes to eat more fruits and vegetables and live active lifestyles. Through monthly nutrition lessons in the classroom, K-3 grade students learn about and taste different fruits and vegetables in a positive environment. Students are equipped with information and materials to share with their families.

WIC

WIC enables parents to properly feed their children during the critical early years of growth and development therefore assuring normal growth, reducing levels of anemia, increasing immunization rates, improving access to regular health care and improving diets. The WIC program serves children from birth – 5 years old, pregnant women and women who have given birth in the last 6 months.

I-SMILE

I-Smile is a statewide program that connects children and families with dental, medical, and community resources to ensure a lifetime of health and wellness.

I-Smile offers dental screenings and preventive fluoride varnish to children and pregnant women enrolled in the WIC and Maternal Health programs, as well as pre-schools. Webster County Health Department staff follows up with families after these screenings to be sure they are aware of immediate dental needs. They also assist with setting appointments and helping clients overcome language and transportation barriers.

I-SMILE AT SCHOOL

I-Smile at School provides dental screenings, dental sealants, fluoride varnish, and oral health education for elementary and middle school students.

This dental program takes place during the school day, but students miss very little class time. By providing dental services in a school setting, Webster County Public Health are better able to reach children with important preventive care. In the end, they will experience fewer cavities, which helps them concentrate on learning instead of mouth pain. I-Smile Silver

The I-Smile™ Silver project is focused on Iowans age 60 and older, including those who are residents of nursing facilities, clients of the Medicaid Elderly Waiver program and those who receive home and community based services.