Chippewa County committee approves Health Department annual report and grants to address food insecurity and Hepatitis C

The Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee reviewed and acknowledged the Chippewa County Health Department's 2024 Annual Report, which outlines the department's mission, departmental structure and services delivered during 2024. The committee voted to approve and acknowledge receipt of the report (moved by Commissioner Jim Traynor; supported by Commissioner Damon Lieurance).

Members also approved multiple Health Department funding items. The committee authorized the Healthy Community Zones (HCZ) grant that provides $55,323 for the initial six-month period (April 1, 2025'Sept. 30, 2026) and allows up to $175,825.60 for FY2026. The HCZ funding is intended to create partnerships between local farmers and clients served by WIC and MIHP to teach families gardening, cover coordinator time, buy gardening supplies and provide stipends for farmers; the program addresses food insecurity and nutrition-related obesity concerns in the region. Commissioner Damon Lieurance moved approval; Commissioner Jim Martin supported the motion; the voice vote carried.

The committee also approved a $25,000 grant from the Superior Health Foundation to supplement nursing time in the county Hepatitis C program after a reduced MDHHS award (motion moved by Commissioner Justin Knepper; supported by Commissioner Traynor). Separately, the committee approved Pink Ribbon reimbursement request #25-03 for $897.79 (mover: Commissioner Jim Martin; supporter: Commissioner Traynor).

All motions were carried by voice vote. The HCZ grant includes program elements (coordinator time, supplies, stipends) and multi-period funding; implementation details and spending oversight were not detailed in committee minutes and were expected to be handled by Health Department staff and grant coordinators.