Community health nurse reports increased pregnancy referrals, school immunizations and postpartum screenings

Courtney, the county’s community health nurse, presented third‑quarter figures (July–September) to the commission on Oct. 21, reporting increases in pregnancy referrals, substantial school immunization activity and continued postpartum screening services.

Courtney said the pregnancy‑care program received 30 referrals in quarter 3, of which 15 were accepted, and staff completed 50 pregnancy case‑management appointments. She reported 18 new mothers enrolled in the program and 17 deliveries during the period. “We completed a total of 36 postpartum depression screenings,” she said, describing when and how the screenings are administered (at first appointment, postpartum visits and as needed during pregnancy).

The health office provided nine pack‑and‑play bassinets to families and 17 car seats. Immunizations are “in full swing,” Courtney said; the department ran two immunization clinics — one at Florence’s open house and one at the intermediate school — and returned for a second day at the intermediate school after a large turnout. At that school they vaccinated 59 students for a total of 116 vaccinations.

Courtney also summarized outreach such as career‑exploration “scrub camps” for middle and high school students, attendance at centralized service meetings, and local staffing arrangements: she is covering Grant, Jewel and Coddington counties until Kaya returns from maternity leave and resumes responsibility for Grant County.

Why this matters: the metrics show increased utilization of maternal and school health services, and the department is tracking vaccination activity and equipment distribution for families in need.

No formal action was taken; the report was informational.