FAQ
For women, children and young families:
How do I get a free or low cost immunization?
People of all ages can be protected from disease by getting vaccinated. Vaccinations are one of the best weapons we have against a number of serious diseases.
How do I get help with breastfeeding?
The breastfeeding support center promotes and supports a commitment to mother’s milk for baby for the first four weeks and longer. Our Breastfeeding Support Team includes Public Health Nurses, Registered Nurses, and WIC Dietitians with specified lactation training.
How do I get a nurse visit after my baby is born?
Horizon Public Health offers a variety of home visiting programs at no cost to all families. A Registered Nurse can complete home visiting services prenatally, postpartum, or for ongoing parenting support. The nurses provide education, support, information, and referrals to community resources as needed. Ongoing home visiting can be offered to families with children up to the age of five. The Family Home Visiting programs are a great way to follow up on breastfeeding questions and other infant care questions that arise. Our nurses also address questions about pregnancy, baby/child development, home safety, injury prevention, and nutrition.
How do I qualify for WIC (Women, Infants and Children)?
The WIC program is a Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.
How do I make sure my child’s development is on track?
The Follow Along Program (FAP) is a great way to learn if your child is talking, moving, playing and developing on track for his/her age. The Follow Along Program is for all parents of children birth to 5 years of age and is offered to all families at no cost to you.
How do I get education on car seats or get my car seat checked?
Child Passenger Safety Specialists can answer questions regarding child safety seats and check your car seats. At a check, seats are evaluated for defects, recall listings, suitability for the age of the child, and fit with the safety belt system in the vehicle. These services is available at no charge.
For the elderly and the disabled individuals that may need services:
How do I request hospice or palliative care services?
Hospice care is a family-centered team approach that includes a medical director, the patient’s physician, nurses, social worker, counselor, chaplain, home health aides, trained volunteers, speech, occupational and physical therapies, music and massage therapy. Because each patient’s needs are unique, the hospice team works with patients and their families to develop a personalized plan for their care.
Hospice services are available to patients who have a terminal illness and have a limited life expectancy. Hospice of Douglas County provides care and comfort to patients that have many different illnesses. Some of these include heart disease, dementia, cancer, pulmonary disease as well as many others.
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. Palliative Care focuses on relieving distressing symptoms and achieving the best possible quality of life for individuals and families. It can be offered simultaneously with life prolonging curative therapies for individuals living with serious disease.
See the Hospice of Douglas County website for more information.
How do I request an assessment for in-home services or to move to a facility?
Horizon Public Health offers a comprehensive needs assessment, called a MN Choices, to all interested individuals, without regard to income. The assessment provides information to persons so they can learn more about what services are available in their area. The assessment normally takes place in the individual’s home with a Public Health Nurse or Social Worker.
How do I find a local home care agency?
How do I request mental health services?
How do I get an emergency call button/pendant?
For licenses, plan reviews, and complaints:
How do I get a license?
Horizon Public Health is responsible for issuing licenses to and inspecting a variety of establishments in Douglas and Pope Counties including: Food & beverage establishments, lodging facilities (including private/vacation home rentals), mobile home parks, recreational camping areas, public pools and youth camps.
See our Licensing and Consultation page for more information.
How do I report an unsanitary condition?
For locating fresh produce:
How do I find a Farmer’s Market?
For making a payment:
How do I make a payment?
Click here for links to our online payment forms.
For voter registration:
How do I register to vote?
For more information on voter registration, please select the county of your choice or the Secretary of State.