Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public Health secures contracts and staffing to expand mental‑health case management, AmeriCorps and outreach campaigns
Summary
The board approved a UCare targeted case management contract for mental health, authorized up to two AmeriCorps Recovery Corps members, approved a Townsquare Media outreach contract and accepted an SDSU intern contract; staff introduced a new public health nurse and shared a traffic safety coalition commendation.
Public Health Director Jacqueline and staff brought several consent and contract items to the board and introduced new staff.
UCare targeted case management: The board approved a contract with UCare to provide targeted case management for mental health. Public Health Manager Nikki said reimbursement is client based; payments would be about $902 per month for adult clients and $925 per month for children served under the contract. The board approved the contract amendment and authorized signatures from designated commissioners.
AmeriCorps Recovery Corps: The board authorized applying for up to two AmeriCorps Recovery Corps members (site fee $3,000 per member) to continue capacity that had previously been provided by AmeriCorps Public Health Corps. Members would serve as project coordinators and assist with prevention, treatment and recovery supports; workforce infrastructure grant funds may be used to cover the site fee.
Townsquare Media campaign: The board approved a media contract (approximately $1,986 included in the child & teen checkups budget) to run a regional shared campaign across several counties over the summer with banner and video ads promoting child and teen health topics; staff reported higher than typical click‑through rates in initial runs.
SDSU / Saint Cloud State intern: The board approved a student internship contract to allow a Saint Cloud State University community health student to lead community education tied to AED placements as part of a county economic partnership project.
New hire and recognition: The board welcomed new public health nurse Kaden Curtis, who will work in family home visiting, child and teen checkups and WIC programs. Jacqueline shared an email of thanks from the Stearns‑Benton TZD coalition commending public health staff for support of prom challenge and Safety Town events.
Why it matters: the approvals expand county public‑health capacity for mental health case management, prevention/outreach, and workforce development. The Townsquare campaign and AmeriCorps members are expected to increase public awareness and program capacity.
Outcome: board voted to approve the listed contracts, staff hires and AmeriCorps application authority; staff will return with any required interagency agreements and amendments.
