Ashland County public health announces SCIP grant, measles monitoring, flu clinics and overdose-awareness outreach

Ashland County public health staff reported several program updates, including a new Wisconsin Department of Justice State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) grant for hunter safety education, preparations for seasonal flu clinics, a successful state water lab inspection, and regional overdose-awareness outreach.

The board heard that the county was awarded a SCIP grant for the project period Sept. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. Public health staff said the grant will fund educational outreach and that the county plans to contract with the North Wisconsin Rod and Gun Club to offer hunter safety education courses hosted at participating school districts. Staff estimated the contract allowance at “just over $17,000” to cover training materials, supplies, class enrollment and certification costs.

Seasonal vaccinations and disease monitoring

Public health staff said flu clinics are being scheduled for workplaces, schools and public locations; this year’s vaccine prices were stated as $35 for the regular dose and $85 for the high-dose vaccine for people 65 and older. The county completed its state water laboratory inspection with only minor documentation corrective actions underway.

Measles: staff reported there are currently 21 confirmed measles cases in Wisconsin, all located in Oconto County; 62 percent of cases are aged 5–17 and one person has been hospitalized. Public health staff said all confirmed cases were unvaccinated and that the county is sharing information with local school districts and preparing for potential exposures.

International Overdose Awareness Week and harm-reduction outreach

Public health staff described local overdose-awareness activities coordinated by the Chequamegon Bay committee and partners. The county placed three billboards — two on Highway 13 north and south and one on East Highway 2 — and is participating in a radio advertising campaign in partnership with Iron County and Bayfield County. Staff identified community events on Aug. 28 (Bad River harm reduction building, 5–7 p.m.) and Aug. 30 (Red Cliff, 1–4 p.m.) and said drop-in centers and tribal partners will host additional local events.

What was not decided

No board action or formal votes were taken on the public health items; staff asked supervisors to note outreach opportunities and to share event information with constituents.

Ending

Public health staff said official SCIP paperwork is pending; once received, staff will proceed with contracting and class scheduling.