Though this summer may feel different than summers past, one thing remains constant: The need for blood donations to help save lives. The American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood to restock the shelves for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country have stepped up to help … [Read more...]
Houston County WIC continues to provide support
Houston County WIC continues to provide nutrition education and benefits, however all WIC appointments will take place over the phone. If your economic situation or job status has changed, check the Minnesota WIC website for eligibility information. At Houston County, the health and well-being of our clients, colleagues and community are our top priority. Given the evolving … [Read more...]
Red Cross now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies
Beginning June 15 and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood … [Read more...]
Goal exceeded by 12 at Harmony blood drive
Thank you to all the donors who contributed to the success of the bloodmobile held in Harmony on March 31, 2020. Despite the circumstances involved with the COVID-19 pandemic, we exceeded our goal of 48 by collecting 60 units of blood. There were 59 donors presenting, with two first-time donors. In addition to exceeding our goal, the following milestones were reached by local … [Read more...]
Emergency ambulance services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
The earliest way of summoning emergency services was by ringing a bell, either mounted atop the station or in the belfry of a local church. Now we expect the wail of an approaching ambulance siren whenever there is a medical emergency. For some the noise is startling, and for others it is the sound of safety – a reminder that there are professionals protecting the community. … [Read more...]
Facing COVID-19
“Early last week, I received a call from my daughter, who is a physical therapist at a local hospital, telling me they were running low on face masks. My other daughter, also a physical therapist in home health, also mentioned they were very low on masks. Then shortly after that conversation, Pastor Dan (Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn.) shared a post on the church … [Read more...]
Impact of pandemic
It’s like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Starting March 17, mandated by Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota’s school-aged children were sent home with the possibility they may return to school on Monday, March 30, 2020. Rumors have circulated that students will finish their school year at home with online learning. As of March 19, 2020, at least 92,000 public and private schools … [Read more...]
Red Cross urges healthy individuals to give blood amid coronavirus concerns Low donor turnout could hurt U.S. blood supply
The American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages as concerns about the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, rise in the U.S. Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation’s ability to maintain its blood supply. As the number of … [Read more...]
NAMI Southeast Minnesota and Zumbro Valley Medical Society bring safeTALK for agriculture communities to southeast Minnesota Suicide prevention training for agricultural communities
“Suicide rates for farmers are five times higher than the national average [and even] double the rate for military veterans.” NAMI SE MN and Zumbro Valley Medical Society are sponsoring safeTALK training workshops for the agricultural communities. People will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention … [Read more...]
Coronavirus update from Fillmore County Public Health
March 3, 2020 – Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses common in both humans and many different species of animals. The current Coronavirus disease is called COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is believed to be spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes and by being in close contact of people with the illness. Coronavirus symptoms include: fever, cough, … [Read more...]