February 2021

St. Croix County Public Health Newsletter

St. Croix County Public Health is dedicated to promoting health, preventing disease and injury, and empowering our communities to live healthier lifestyles. In this first edition of the Public Health Newsletter you will find information about:

Information on COVID-19 Vaccines
Mental Health and Addiction
Nutrition During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccines have been a successful public health tool for many years in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus. COVID-19 is a new and contagious disease that can be very serious. Along with wearing a face covering, physical distancing, and washing your hands, COVID-19 vaccines will be an important tool in controlling this pandemic. Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available.

St. Croix County is currently vaccinating Phase 1A and some groups within Phase 1B. Those currently eligible for a vaccine are frontline healthcare workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities, fire and law enforcement, and residents 65 and older.

The Wisconsin State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC) determines the order in which groups of people receive a vaccine. St. Croix County Public Health is moving as fast as vaccine supply will allow and are asking for everyone’s patience. Everyone who wants a vaccine will get a vaccine from their local healthcare provider, pharmacy, or Public Health Department.

Information may have changed since the publication date of this newsletter. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and how to get vaccinated by visiting the St. Croix County website.

Mental Health & Addiction Resources

St. Croix and Pierce County Public Health, area hospitals, clinics, and community partners, conducted a community health needs assessment in 2019 to determine health priorities within our communities for the next two years. This effort, titled “Healthier Together”, identified substance use and mental health concerns as the top two priorities for 2020-2022. As a result, both counties have created a community health improvement plan to address these health concerns.

The full report can be found online at: HealthierTogetherStCroix.org

Addiction and mental health disorders are healthcare concerns. Our health is complex and affected by many factors that can include housing, your environment, employment, access to healthcare, and nutrition just to name a few. Just like any other health condition, mental health and addiction disorders require treatment specific to the needs of the individual. St. Croix County Public Health and Behavioral Health Divisions work together to offer services for adults, children, and families affected by mental health and addiction.

Our goal is to continue offering evidence-based strategies that evolve with the science of
behavioral and public health and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health and addiction. We are working to better integrate behavioral health with other healthcare services and to make these services affordable and accessible to anyone who may benefit from them.

Emergency Services

St. Croix County offers the following emergency services:

Individual and family crisis assessments and interventions
Mental Health crisis consultation
Mobile on-site response to crisis situations to assess risk to self or others
Telephone crisis intervention
Coordination of out-of-home placements

How to get Help

We know it can be hard to find support when you’re struggling. Remember that it’s OK to ask for help and support is available to help you and your loved ones. The Behavioral Health Emergency Services or Crisis Program provides services to individuals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial 911 and ask for the on call Behavioral Health worker.
For Non-Emergency Services please call the Access Line to set up an appointment or get information on resources by dialing (715) 246-8255.

Nutrition During COVID-19

While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent or cure COVID-19, a healthy diet is important for supporting your immune system. One of the best ways to prevent the spread COVID-19 is to spend more time at home. While this is an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it can have an impact on your eating patterns, sleep habits, and physical activity. Eating foods to support your body’s ability to fight infections and other diseases are steps you can take to improve your health.

Vitamins C and D, along with zinc are three such immune system builders, working to keep your body and mind healthy during stressful times. The best way to obtain these nutrients is through food:

Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits, strawberries, red/green peppers, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, and foods/beverages labeled as fortified with Vitamin C.
Vitamin D sources include salmon, tuna, mackerel, and a variety of food/beverages labeled as fortified with Vitamin D including low-fat milk, milk alternatives, cereals, and orange juice.
Zinc can be found in a variety of foods including lean meats, seafood, dried peas/beans, nuts, and labeled zinc fortified breads and cereals.

Getting the right amount of nutritious food like plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is important for good health. If you or your household need help in obtaining nutritious food, you can find additional resources at:

UnitedWayStCroix.org/211
or CALL 211 to speak to a representative (dial 877-947-2211 if you have a non-715 area code)

Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Wear a face covering in public.

Stay home if you are sick

Get tested if you have symptoms or are a close contact.

Stay 6-feet from people who don’t live in your household.

Wash your hands frequently.

Consider getting vaccinated.

Learn more at: SCCWI.GOV/COVID19