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Carter County health staff report low immunizations, steady WIC caseload and expanded oral-health outreach; tobacco scholarship open
Summary
At a Carter County Public Health Board meeting, Public Health Administrator Stephanie summarized immunization and WIC caseloads, an oral-health clinic partnership with Smiles Across Montana, and details of a tobacco-prevention scholarship for county graduates.
Stephanie, the Carter County public health administrator, told the board the county administered five vaccinations this quarter (one influenza and four childhood immunizations) and that year‑to‑date vaccine totals stand at 155 with 84 influenza shots, representing 54% of vaccines administered.
The update covered WIC caseloads, which Stephanie said are at 13 participants as of the meeting, down from 15; she attributed the decline to some participants aging out and others no longer meeting income requirements. Stephanie said the program added one new participant this quarter and continues outreach to maintain enrollment.
On oral health, Stephanie said a recent event served 45 students (including homeschool, public school and walk‑ins). She described an expanded partnership with Smiles Across Montana to offer a countywide adult oral‑health clinic in June. She said dental hygienists will provide on‑site care, consult with a dentist on the team when needed, offer x‑rays and sealants, and help patients identify follow‑up dentists; a scholarship fund and insurance billing may cover care for uninsured patients.
Stephanie asked the board to promote a tobacco‑prevention scholarship available to Carter County graduating seniors. The tobacco program receives approximately $18,000 a year from the state; Stephanie said scholarship awards historically have totaled up to $3,000 in a year depending on applicants. Applications require a short essay on tobacco’s effects and a brief interview; the application deadline was stated as April 30 and application forms are available at the public health office or by email request.
Stephanie also noted continuing outreach plans: off‑site immunization clinics, a water safety day in partnership with Fallon County, participation in the new 4‑H camp (June 10–12) with tobacco education, mammogram screenings via the mammobus, and other spring/summer community health activities.
Board members asked procedural and eligibility clarifying questions; Stephanie confirmed WIC food‑package changes that went into effect January 1 (less milk, more whole grains and fish) have been unpopular with some families. She also clarified that the public health office conducts communicable‑disease investigations by phone and that the department does not investigate child abuse or unsafe homes (those reports are handled by other agencies).
