Early Childhood and Adolescents

Infants should see their medical provider for preventive health care  at least six times during their first year. Children should have an annual health check-up starting at the age of 3 through the age of 20 years. 

Individuals who have Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare insurance are eligible for Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) benefits to provide for preventive health care visits with their medical provider.

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.

St. Louis County Public Health professionals assist with finding medical and dental providers, transportation, and language interpretation. We provide participants with information about available programs, services, and rewards for compliance with health and dental C&TC visits.

Health Care and Dental resources

• Duluth area Medical Providers 
• Range area Medical Providers 
• Duluth area Dental Providers
• Range area Dental Providers
• Transportation
• Blue Plus Wellness Rewards 
• Health Partners Rewards 
• UCare Wellness Rewards 
• DHS Publications/Resources 

Family Home Visiting (FHV) is a method for strengthening families and improving health and well-being. A Public Health Nurses (PHNs) meets with families to provide support and to share resources and skills to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn.

A Public Health Nurse supports the parents/guardian to cultivate and strengthen a nurturing, positive relationship with their baby to assure healthy growth and development. The parent/guardian sets goals for making healthy lifestyle choices and for personal growth.

Home visits may begin early in pregnancy and last through early childhood. The frequency of visits vary per client.

Family Home Visiting programs work toward improvement of:

• Maternal and child health well being
• Prevention of childhood injuries and reduction of emergency department visits
• Prevention of child abuse or maltreatment
• School readiness
• Reduction in crime or domestic violence
• Family economic self-sufficiency
• Coordination and referrals for other community resources and supports.

Affiliated Organizations:

• MDH Maternal Child Health Program
• Healthy Families America
• Nurse Family Partnership
• Superior Babies Program