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Public health report: immunizations down, communicable disease monitoring, Narcan and vending‑machine outreach highlighted
Summary
Public health staff presented the 2024 annual report noting declines in routine immunizations, an increase in certain communicable diseases, expanded Narcan distribution, temporary RISE grant gains and subsequent funding uncertainty, and a new partnership for beach monitoring labs.
Public health staff presented an overview of the department’s 2024 annual report and highlighted several program areas: declining routine immunization rates, notable communicable‑disease activity, expanded harm‑reduction supplies and vending‑machine distribution, and funding uncertainty for some grants.
Staff said the department completed a community health needs assessment with Bayfield and Iron counties and received over 1,000 survey responses — the largest response in recent cycles — and that the resulting community health improvement plan prioritizes awareness and sustained collaboration on mental health resources and other community needs.
On communicable diseases, staff reported 686 investigations in 2024 with Lyme disease, hepatitis C (28 investigations), chlamydia (27 cases), multiple E. coli variants (17), and a notable increase in pertussis (13 confirmed cases). Public health also administered and coordinated many TB skin tests tied to active investigations.
The department noted a downward trend in influenza and other immunization rates and described a RISE (Routine Immunizations through Community Engagement) grant that temporarily lifted some outreach and produced modest improvements; however, RISE funding was later reduced in early 2025 and activities were paused pending confirmation of future funds.
Harm‑reduction activity expanded: public health and partners increased Narcan distribution and installed vending machines stocked with condoms and harm‑reduction supplies; staff reported a notable increase in Narcan kits distributed between 2023 and 2024. The department also won a grant for drug‑checking technologies and will supply fentanyl and xylazine test strips for distribution through vending machines and partner programs.
Staff announced the county has subcontracted beach monitoring lab work to Bayfield County public health after Northland College’s Burke Center said it would not continue lab services; Bayfield County will run the labs for the beach monitoring program this season.
Public health staff flagged grant and preparedness funding uncertainty: several federal and state grant contracts (including public health emergency preparedness) had not been finalized at the time of the meeting, creating concern about near‑term funding for preparedness activities.
No formal committee action was taken; this was the department’s annual report to the committee.
