Family Home Visiting

Home Visits

Cass County Public Health offers home visits by Public Health Nurses to provide counseling, education, support and resources to parents and guardians. Reasons for home visits vary by individual family but all focus on family success. Here are some examples of why you may want a home visit with a Public Health Nurse: Breastfeeding support, parenting support, high-risk pregnancy, first-time parent, parenting with limited resources, children with special health needs or infant weight checks after hospital discharge. 

For more information or to request a home visit, call 218-547-6825.  

MECSH 

Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home-visiting Program (MECSH) is an evidenced based nurse home visiting model.  Nurse home visitors work with you and your family beginning in pregnancy or shortly after your baby's arrival through the transition to parenthood, with continuing support until you celebrate your child’s second birthday. This program celebrates the joys & struggles of parenting and meets you where you are at by providing support to parent effectively despite any difficulty you may be facing in your day-to-day life.

Parents and caregivers enroll in a free, voluntary program that is structured and customized to meet the family's goals. Participation in the program can begin during pregnancy or in the first eight weeks after arriving home with baby. Visits focus on family and child health and well-being, supporting parents to be future oriented and promoting health family and social relationships.  

For more information about MECSH Home Visiting call 218-547-6829. 

Safe Sleep 

Every year, around 3,500 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly while they're sleeping. Most of these tragic deaths are due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022).  Simple tips can dramatically reduce infant's risk of unexpected death.
Share these resources with others to increase the awareness of the ABC's of safe sleep.  

• How to Keep Your Sleeping baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
• Infant Safe Sleep - Know the A-B-C's
• Safe Sleep Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Safe Sleep Information for Caregivers and Families
• Safe Sleep Information for Dads

If you are concerned about having a safe place for your child to sleep or have questions, please contact Cass County Public Health 218-547-6825 to discuss options, including Cradle of Hope.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding Support from a lactation certified Public Health Nurse is available. Please call Cass County Public Health 218-547-6825 if you are looking for additional support in your breastfeeding journey. 

Helpful Resources

Minnesota Department of Health Family Home Visiting
Safe to Sleep
The Period of PURPLE Crying
Cradle of Hope
Breastfeeding Support - La Leche League
Breastfeeding Support - USDA