Mower County Health & Human Services

The next Fatherhood Forum is tomorrow night.

Another weekend comes to an end, so it's time to kick off another great week with a Mower County Mental Health Monday!

Have you visited Credible? It's a free mental health platform available to Mower county residents and their providers! Use this tool independently or with your natural and/or professional supports. Do yourself a favor and check out Credible today.

To begin, let's start with a check in: https://mowercountymn.crediblemind.com/assessments/mental-health-check-in/page1

Mower County is a vibrant place where people from many cultures, traditions, and life experiences come together. Each of us has different concerns when it comes to emergencies—whether it’s flooding, there’s a measles outbreak, severe weather is threatening, or other risks.
Mower County Public Health is launching a short, anonymous survey (Jurisdictional Risk Assessment-JRA) to better understand:

• What emergencies concern you most
• How prepared you feel to handle them

Your voice matters. The more people who participate, the better we can plan and protect our community.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey using this link: https://forms.office.com/g/STVaiY57Eq
or from the QR code in the image you see in this post.

The survey is anonymous, unless you'd like the opportunity to win an emergency backpack for your home and family. There are some demographic questions that you don’t have to answer that will help us to better communicate with our many communities in Mower County. These data will also help us understand how and where risks differ across Mower County.

Together, we can build a safer, stronger Mower County!

Something paws-itively awesome is coming next month! Join us for a fun-filled wellness event focused on helping both people and pets live happier, healthier lives. From valuable resources to community connections, there's something for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike. We can't wait to see you there!

Something special is coming to Austin.

Pets & People Community Care is a free event focused on caring for both people and pets, because if we’re honest, sometimes the furry family members are running the household anyway.

Pet services include:
• Brief physical exams
• Vaccines (distemper & rabies)
• Flea/tick prevention
• Pet Food

Human services include:
• Cholesterol, A1C, blood pressure, and hemoglobin testing
• Vision and hearing services
• Food distribution
• Ask-a-pharmacist services
• Community resources and support

📍 The Hormel Institute - 801 16th Ave NE Austin, MN
📅 Saturday, July 25
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post.

And while you’re here…drop a picture of your pet in the comments because we all know that’s the real reason people open Facebook.

One in five people experiences a mental health condition, yet shame and stigma stop countless individuals from ever seeking help. This Mower County Mental Health Monday, we're shining a light on Overcoming Stigma: exploring what drives it, how it shows up in everyday life, and what we can do to break it down. When stigma is replaced with understanding, people are more likely to seek care, stay connected, and thrive.

To learn more about writing your own story about mental health: https://mowercountymn.crediblemind.com/lists/mental-health-challenges-and-stigma

It’s that time of the year again, and the MN summer is well underway. While it’s a great time to hit the trails, go for a camping trip, or just spend more time outside, it’s important to be prepared for the rising temps too. That’s why Mower County Public Health wants to raise awareness about heat-related illnesses. Extended exposure to high temperatures without cooling off can quickly lead to serious, even life-threatening conditions.

See below the progression of heat illnesses and what steps you should take to stay safe.

Questions? Contact Allison Ward, Community Health Educator for Mower County, at (507) 437-9796. We’re here to help you stay safe all summer long!

Fatherhood Forum has been cancelled for tonight 6/9.

Its time for another Mower County Mental Health Monday!

June is recognized as PTSD Awareness Month, a time to deepen understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and its impact on mental health. PTSD can result from a wide range of traumatic experiences, and each person’s response is different.
To learn more about PTSD and how to help you or someone you care about find a way forward, check out some amazing resources here:

https://mowercountymn.crediblemind.com/lists/facts-about-ptsd-and-how-it-affects-veterans

Reminder - no Fatherhood Forum on June 9th. Thank you.

At Mower County Public Health, we know that the health and safety of your loved ones is a main priority. We can’t always tell the difference between accurate information and rumors. In a world full of headlines, social media posts, and scary stories, it can be difficult to know what information to trust.

Our goal is to provide science-based, medically supported information so you can make informed decisions about your family's health. By understanding the facts, we can work together to reduce fear, stop misinformation, and focus on what truly helps keep our community safe.

What We're Watching Right Now:

Recent news reports have highlighted outbreaks of Ebola and Hantavirus in other parts of the world. While these stories can sound scary, the risk to most Americans remains very low.

Ebola:
There are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the United States. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person. If you have loved ones living in or traveling to the area of the outbreak, know that their return to the US may be delayed or restricted for several days while they are tested.

Hantavirus:
Recent concerns have involved the Andes strain of Hantavirus, which can spread through very close contact with an infected person. The strain found in the United States, called Sin Nombre virus, is different and is typically contracted through exposure to infected rodent droppings or body fluids and not from person-to-person contact.

Health Concerns Closer to Home

Norovirus:
A highly contagious strain of norovirus (sometimes called the "stomach flu" or "vomit virus") is circulating across the United States, with very high levels detected in Minnesota wastewater.

Save yourself a few days of suffering by:
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
• Cleaning commonly touched surfaces
• Staying home when sick

Ticks and Mosquitoes
Summer means more time outdoors—and more bug bites.

Protect yourself by:
• Using EPA-approved insect repellent
• Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas
• Performing thorough tick checks after spending time outside

Summer Heat Safety
High temperatures can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.

Remember to:
• Drink plenty of water
• Take breaks in cool or shaded areas
• Protect your skin from the sun
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Air Quality
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality, especially for young children, older adults, people with asthma, and those with respiratory conditions. Smoke and other allergens can put a damper on your summer fun.

Monitor local air quality:
• AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Austin&state=MN&country=USA
• Minnesota Air Quality Index: https://data.web.health.state.mn.us/air
When air quality is poor, consider limiting outdoor activities and spending more time indoors.

Measles
Measles remains a concern in the United States and is one of the most contagious diseases known. Fortunately, it is highly preventable through vaccination.

The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective:
• One dose is about 93% effective against measles
• Two doses are about 97% effective against measles

Mower County Public Health is Here to Help

We all value the health and safety of our families. Making decisions about their well-being means having trustworthy information. If you have questions about disease outbreaks, vaccines, or other public health concerns, contact Mower County Public Health ([email protected]) or speak with your trusted healthcare provider.

Together, we can build a healthier, safer Mower County through facts, prevention, and informed decision-making.