Latest news with #HealthyFamiliesAmerica
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
County's Healthy Families program accredited
Jun. 4—A partnership with Freeborn and Rice counties, under the name of Healthy Families Southeast Minnesota, was recently awarded accreditation with Healthy Families America. In a presentation to the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Public Health Director Sue Yost said county staff have been working on the accreditation for many years and noted the county began a program similar to the Healthy Families program in 1998 with the dream of someday becoming accredited. With the help of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Legislature, which awarded funding to help this accreditation be possible, they found out at the end of May the program achieved its goal. Yost said initially nine counties were working together on the goal, but the other seven counties decided to pursue a different program, while Freeborn and Faribault counties decided to continue with this one. She said they had to meet 150 different standards, had a site visit by the national Healthy Families America in November and performed well during the accreditation process, ultimately being approved on the first try. "I'm very proud of our team that they've accomplished this," she said, noting the program staff have had very little turnover since they created the county's program in 1998. Since 2018, the combined programs have completed over 13,000 home visits. Staff working through the program conduct intensive home visits starting prenatally and working with children through age 3 and their families — and sometimes with children through age 5 until they enter kindergarten. She said they provide support, help families connect with resources and make sure they're getting their proper health care. The board recognized a handful of staff members in the program in attendance at the meeting. In other action, the board: —Approved a contract for election services with the Glenville school district for a special election on Aug. 12. —Approved a resolution appointing Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom to a Citizens Advisory Task Force regarding the proposed Midwater Energy Storage project near Glenville. —Decommitted $1 million from the county's Highway Department. Administrator Melanie Aeschliman said the decommitment is because the department had several low bids that came back for the department's latest projects. While she said it was great there was an opportunity to have extra room in the department's budget, when there is a surplus, it should be brought back to the county's general fund and then the board should look at all departments to offset any budget needs. Aeschliman said even with the decommitment of the funds, the Highway Department was able to move forward with three additional projects that it had not originally planned to do this year. The board voted in a separate resolution to commit $500,000 of that funding toward health insurance. The county has previously committed $1.8 million in preparation for a potential transition to self-insurance. The county's insurance advisor has recommended maintaining a reserve of $2.3 million to ensure financial stability under a self-insured health plan, the resolution stated. —Heard an update about the county's search for a new assessor. Board Chairman Brad Edwin said an assessor candidate has accepted a tentative agreement. The name of the individual has not yet been announced. The county has been without a full-time assessor since mid-October. Edwin noted later in the meeting during the time the board approved claims that the county had spent over $15,000 with DDA Human Resources Inc. for two search rounds for an assessor, but that process did not turn up anyone for the county. The individual the county has an agreement with came through other means.
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Prevent Child Abuse America Launches Groundbreaking Public Service Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse Before It Happens
CHICAGO, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prevent Child Abuse America, a leading advocate for child well-being, is proud to announce the launch of a new public service campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting proactive solutions to prevent child abuse before it ever begins. 'Kids Say… Not A Bad Parent Problem', the new campaign seeks to break the harmful stigma that child abuse is solely a result of 'bad parenting' and instead highlights the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to family crises. At least 1 in 7 children in the United States experience abuse or neglect each year. However, child abuse is preventable. The new public service announcement (PSA) set to air on TV and Radio across the U.S. underscores that by strengthening families through access to resources, supportive services, and community programs, we can create safer, healthier environments where children can thrive. 'Every child deserves the opportunity to live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future,' said Melissa Merrick, PhD, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. 'Our campaign is about shifting the conversation from blame to prevention. By investing in families and providing the right support systems, we can help prevent child abuse before it happens.' The campaign features a series of :15, :20, :30, and :60-second television PSAs that encourage individuals, organizations, and policymakers to take action. Viewers will learn how they can support families by advocating for evidence-based programs, donating to prevention initiatives, and connecting families to local resources. PCAA's signature home visiting program, Healthy Families America, has been proven to reduce child abuse and intimate partner violence while improving long-term health and educational outcomes. The PSA campaign aligns with their vision of a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and supported by strong families and communities. To learn more visit Preview the PSAs here PLEASE, join us in making a difference — because every child deserves a safe and healthy future. About Prevent Child Abuse America Prevent Child Abuse America is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Our mission is to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children by fostering an ecosystem of support that empowers and strengthens families. This ecosystem is designed to prevent child abuse before it starts, ensuring that all children and families can lead purposeful, happy lives filled with hope for the future. 215-510-9153
