Fargo Cass Public Health continues to provide essential services across multiple divisions

 

In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney ordered all City of Fargo facilities, including Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH), closed to the public until further notice beginning March 19. Since then, multiple FCPH programs have implemented alternative ways to serve the community.

The Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program (WIC) staff are providing nutrition education and breastfeeding support, in addition to other services, to families via telephone appointments. In just the first half of April, WIC has served over 500 families

The Harm Reduction Division encompasses a number of programs, including the Gladys Ray Shelter (GRS), Mobile Outreach Program (MOP) and the Syringe Services Program (SSP). GRS continues to support those experiencing homelessness in our community and has put in place additional safeguards against COVID-19. Measures include placement of a tent from the State Medical Cache to provide additional space for residents to practice physical distancing and increasing availability of hand sanitizer throughout the shelter. MOP and shelter staff provide support to shelter guests who have been relocated as part of the statewide temporary shelter program. The SSP continues to provide Narcan/naloxone to individuals in need and has adopted a curbside delivery method. As of April 17, the SSP has served nearly 200 participants and provided 108 doses of Narcan or naloxone.

FCPH Family Planning Clinic providers have identified essential clinic services to provide to patients. Those services include Depo-Provera injections, emergency contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and providing a variety of birth control options.

The Public Health Nursing Division provides nursing support to clients in their homes through a combination of in-home and phone visits. Correctional health staff continue to provide care to inmates at the Cass County Jail.

Numerous other FCPH staff are working remotely to provide services and support to the community. Environmental Health practitioners maintain contact with licensed food establishments to make sure FDA requirements are followed and also conduct plan review and pre-operational inspections for new or remodeled facilities that require a license. Health Promotion staff work remote but remain active during the pandemic in areas such as addressing food insecurities, childhood obesity prevention and breastfeeding support for new moms.

Employee Health staff continue to help ensure the health and safety of City of Fargo Employees.

Of note: staff across all FCPH divisions use personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks and N95 respirators, as recommended by the North Dakota Department of Health.