Maternal, child, and family health focuses on moms, kids, caregivers, and families. It includes support for new parents and programs to help kids grow up strong. Public health makes sure families have the resources they need to be healthy at every stage of life.

Healthy families are the foundation of a healthy community. When moms and children get the care they need, they are more likely to thrive. This means healthier babies, better learning in school, and fewer problems later in life. Supporting families helps everyone do better.

Public health also works to keep families safe. This means teaching caregivers about car seat safety, safe sleep for babies, and how to prevent injuries at home. It also includes helping families stay away from things that can harm their health, like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

Supporting families is a team effort. Public health partners with schools, clinics, and community groups to improve family health. When we all work together, we can make sure every family has what they need to live happy and healthy lives!

Kandiyohi County Public Health

Family wellbeing is important. Public health staffers from Kandiyohi County want to make sure that every family has a chance to get the help they need.

At the Willmar Moms Vendor Fair, Public Health nurses helped moms find resources to keep their family happy and safe. It can be hard to care for a child, so other local programs provided support alongside Kandiyohi County, such as Willmar Community Education. Events like this create a welcoming space for moms to learn about their child’s growth. They can ask questions, share their own stories, and learn how to support their child's development.

By connecting moms with local resources, public health can help all families grow up to be happy, healthy and safe.

Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Members of Faribault and Martin County public health wanted to highlight just how important it is to keep children in the community safe.

Matching shirts were worn to help promote awareness at Martin County West, one of many schools that are part of this event. Team members work to connect with students and school staff to help spread important messages about child safety. While this event happens in April, we know that to keep the children in our community safe there needs to be on-going care, attention and teamwork throughout the whole year. This event was a perfect chance to highlight existing programs and support that are available year-round.

Brown County Public Health

Every year, Brown County Public Health stops by the Springfield and Sleepy Eye pools to offer fun summer activities for families.

With pools and splash pads, community members always have access to a place to cool down and learn how to stay safe in the summer heat. Children get the chance to learn about safe swimming like wearing life vests, listening to lifeguards, and staying in assigned swimming areas. Hot summer days are fun but can also be harmful if you don't stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Lessons on hydration help children understand how to replace the fluids they lose during activity through sweating. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy snacks helps replenish these fluids and keep energy high, protecting you from the inside out. SPF and bug spray are always provided to keep visitors protected from harmful sun rays and itchy bug bites that can spoil the fun.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to join their kids, but don't have to. This reflects the high level of trust between Public Health and their community, making sure everyone has the chance to soak up and relax in the summer sun.

Blue Earth County Public Health

Nicollet County Public Health

A Simple Test. A Safer Future for Your Kids. Blue Earth and Nicollet County Public Health have teamed up with the MN Dept. of Health and Mankato Area Public Schools to bring Healthy Kids Minnesota to our community. This program checks preschool children for more than 65 harmful chemicals — such as pesticides, metals, and plastics. The tests use a simple urine sample taken at Early Childhood Screening appointments.

Why does this matter? Young children are very easily hurt by chemicals in the environment since their bodies and brains are still growing. When families get their child tested, they get their results and simple tips to reduce exposure. Families also get $40 for their time.

When we know what chemicals our kids are around, we can take steps to make our homes, schools, and neighborhoods safer and healthier for every child.