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Social services and health care for youth required some of the County Board’s time last week as contracts and planning for some innovative programs came to the commissioners’ attention.

The county has long been subject to a reduced number of dental practices that serve children who have Medical Assistance payment plans.  Chisago County has offered access to Children's Dental Services at the North Branch offices and the Board heard there were 139 residents who received care last year.

The renewal contract for the oral health services was renewed using a designated block grant for public health of approximately $5,000.  The expense is for the county share of costs to transport the medical teams. 

Potential patients alternate monthly between hygienic and restorative procedures. 

The Board was also told Chisago County faces an even greater barrier to oral health availability. 

Data show one in six of the zero to five-year-olds enrolled in MA are getting dental care compared to one in four statewide.

The county health and human services staff, county attorney’s office and district court are also working on developing a  relationship with Boys Town, a long running program based in Nebraska.  A tour of the facility is approved for county staff to gain a better understanding of programming, which takes place later in October. A grant provides the funds for these tour expenses.  Minnesota youth who are removed from their home setting or who commit an unlawful act  find a short supply of treatment beds, and Boys Town is one option the local court is supportive of investigating.

The commissioners were also informed a $187,000 two year grant is expected in a few weeks that will fund start-up of a school-based  health care clinic-type setting in an unidentified area school. The federal government shutdown situation may or may not impact this funding. The county commissioners were promised an update. 

Transport to clinics, scheduling and other hurdles have been pointed to as issues affecting families that do not use clinics regularly, and it is hoped a basic set of youth healthcare needs can be provided for in an easily accessed setting.  

The WIC program here is apparently okay for the near future.  Women, Infants and Children aid supports young families and pregnant women and the funding is solid for a few weeks. 

Health and Human Services Director Robert Benson said  WIC recipients of infant formula supplies could become a concern, and he will monitor the status of the government shutdown.

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