Child & Adolescent Health

 
 

Healthy children are more likely to grow up to be healthy adults. St. Louis County Public Health works with families and community organizations to strengthen and expand relationships that promote health and nutrition outcomes in children. Regular checkups give parents and health care providers an opportunity to check children’s growth and development, identify any concerns, and treat them early to prevent bigger problems later in life. St. Louis County Public Health can assist with finding medical and dental providers, interpreter services, and transportation to and from appointments

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a federally funded, special supplemental nutrition program for income-eligible women, infants, and children. This program was designed to help improve the health and nutritional status of pregnant people, breastfeeding/chest feeding and postpartum mothers, infants, and children by providing education on making healthy food choices. Additionally, it also provides benefits for participants to purchase healthy foods at the grocery store, such as milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and wholesome cereals. The WIC Programs also provides breastfeeding education and support as well as connections to resources in the community.  

 

Eligibility Criteria and Application 

The WIC program is designed to serve certain categories of women, infants, and children. If you, or a family member, are currently participating in any of the following programs, you are automatically eligible for the WIC Program.  

  • Medical Assistance 

  • SNAP (food stamps) 

  • MN Family Investment Program (MFIP) 

  • Energy Assistance Program (EAP) 

  • Reduced or Free School Lunch 

  • Head Start 

  • Medical Assistance- TEFRA 

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

 

Am I Eligible for WIC? - MN Dept. of Health (state.mn.us) 

 

Application: Click the link below to get started on your WIC application or call one of our WIC offices for more information.

MN WIC Application

 

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) Program

Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) is Minnesota’s comprehensive child health program for newborns up to age 21 who are eligible for Medicaid. C&TC benefits include a complete physical exam, immunizations, hearing and vision checks, lab tests, growth measurements, developmental screening, dental varnishing application, and anticipatory guidance about physical and mental health needs. For more information on the C&TC Program, click HERE.  

 

For a list of participating C&TC providers in St. Louis County, click the links below.  

 

Medical Care

Dental Care

 

To learn about catch-up immunization opportunities through St. Louis County Public Health, click HERE.  

Follow Along Program

Babies and young children grow and learn at their own rate. However, some children may need help to grow up healthy and learn skills such as sitting, walking, or talking. Minnesota’s Follow Along Program can help you track your child’s development and let you know if your child is playing, talking, growing, moving, and behaving like other children the same age. To learn more about the Follow Along Program, including enrolling, click HERE.  

 

If you have concerns about a child’s development, discuss them with your child’s primary health care provider. Additionally, you or your child’s provider can make a referral to Minnesota’s early intervention system, Help Me Grow. Click HERE to learn more.  

Asthma Home Visiting

St. Louis County Public Health offers free asthma home visits for children and adults with poorly controlled asthma, living in southern St. Louis County. Through this program, our nurses can: 

  • Conduct a home assessment for asthma triggers. 

  • Provide asthma self-management education.  

  • Offer care-coordination and support.  

  • Provide one-on-one instruction on how to use asthma medications and the importance of following an individualized asthma action plan.  

If this sounds like something you, a family member, or a patient of yours would benefit from, complete the form below and one of our nurses will reach out to you. 

Asthma Home Visiting Referral Form

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Support

St. Louis County Public Health has specially trained Certified Lactation Consultants to provide education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals. WIC participants have an opportunity to connect with a Peer Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Counselor, a WIC parent who lives in the community and has personal experience with lactation. They are available to give support via phone, text, or in-office visits to assist parents in meeting goals for feeding their babies. Call the WIC office to learn more.   

Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis Program

The Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis program at the Minnesota Department of Health gathers data about selected birth defects diagnosed in the first year of life. St. Louis County Public Health, in partnership with Minnesota Department of health, can partner a public health nurse with the parent/guardian and other professionals involved in the care of the child to identify needs and develop a care coordination plan. Click HERE to learn more.  

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

Some degree of hearing loss is the most common health condition present at birth. Delays to hearing screenings and early intervention services can affect a child’s quality of life. The aim of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program through the Minnesota Department of Health is to improve healthcare access and the quality of services for children who are deaf or are hard of hearing. Through the EHDI program, our staff work to ensure all newborns have access to hearing screening. Our staff can also help children and families connect with educational, social, and community resources. Click HERE to learn more.  

Other Minnesota Healthcare Programs

The Minnesota Department of Human Services offers programs that provide health insurance to qualifying Minnesota residents. Covered health services may differ by health care program and health plan enrollment. Income, assets, and other criteria as set by the state apply. Click HERE to visit our Economic Services and Supports page to learn more and apply online.  

Resources

Contact

Public Health
Duluth
218-725-5210

Ely
218-365-8200

Hibbing
218-262-6000

Virginia
218-471-7600


Women Infants & Children (WIC)
SLC South
218-725-5211

SLC North
218-471-7604

 

C&TC Program

Sarah Lehrke, 218-725-5275 lehrkes@stlouiscountymn.gov

Asthma Program

Kelly Bruels, 218-725-5212 bruelsk@stlouiscountymn.gov