Families | Dodge County, WI

For Babies

Cribs for Kids

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS) is one of the leading causes of death among infants in the Wisconsin and the United States. Therefore, Dodge County Public Health seeks to reduce the risk of SUIDS by promoting Safe Sleep practices. One way we provide for safe sleep environments for Dodge County infants is through our Cribs for Kids ® program. Through this program, we provide families who are income eligible for the Women, Infants, and Children program with cribs at no cost (donations accepted) and safe sleep education to help protect infants from SUIDS.

To inquire about Cribs for Kids program or safe sleep practices, call 920-386-3670

Safe Sleep Practices:

Alone
Back
Crib

RESOURCES:

Infant Home Visits

Any family with an infant child will receive health care coordination services that focus on primary health exams, immunizations, and developmental screenings according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The guidelines used for homevisits through this program are the American Academy of Pediatrics' Bright Futures program (Click link for more information).

Along with health care coordination we will work with families to make sure they have a medical home and primary care provider as well as assisting them in accessing needed resources.

Please call 920-386-3670 for services or more information.

RESOURCES:

Prenatal Care Coordination

Public Health will work with any pregnant woman to provide prenatal/postpartum education to assure a healthy birth outcome.

This program inclused education regarding:

Obtaining a Medical Home and primary care provider
Beginning medical care as well as PNCC education by 12 weeks gestation
Education about the effects of tobacco use during pregnancy on the unborn baby and referrals to appropriate smoking cessation programs with the goal of decreasing or stopping tobacco use
Alcohol and drug use: dangers and strategies to stop
Screening for pre/postpartum depression using a standardized screen tool and referrals for additional services as needed
Initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for at least one month postpartum
Safe infant sleep practices
Contraceptive options prior to delivery
Beginnings Pregnancy Guides. Beginnings Guides are Evidence based and designed to complement counseling during office and home visits for prenatal-parent education and family support. The Guides are both teaching and learning materials for promoting health literacy, reflective function, and other essential life skills for parents.

RESOURCES:

For Kids

Dental Fluoride Varnishing

The Dodge County Public Health Unit tries to address some of the immediate oral health needs of county residents through Dental Fluoride Varnishing for children. Because some of our communities do not have adequate access to dental care and/or fluoridated water, we provide supplementary fluoride painted directly on to the teeth. This can be applied up to four times a year. Children come in for a quick, simple procedure that includes drying the teeth and applying the fluoride. This fluoride will help protect the child’s teeth from decay and cavities.

If problems are found during this procedure, a referral will be made to the family's dental provider or assistance will be offered to help find a dental healthcare provider.

For more information on fluoride varnishing, or to schedule an appointment, please call (920)386-3670.

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Lead Exposure Screening

Dodge Co. Public Health offers lead screening services for all children one year of age up to and including 6 years of age to assess the level of lead in their bodies. Children under six years of age can easily be poisoned by dust or paint chips containing lead. After initial screening, Public Health will take necessary action to help families eliminate lead exposure.

Lead Poisoning Facts

Lead is a heavy metal that occurs naturally but can cause neurological and physical disabilities when present in high levels in the body. Lead poisoning is especially dangerous to children under 6 years of age. While there are signs and symptoms of lead poisoning, children may look completely healthy and yet have elevated lead levels. Testing your child’s lead level is the only way to find out if it is elevated. This is important because there are treatments available for children whose lead levels are high.

Signs/Symptoms of lead poisoning may include:

Irritability
Loss of appetite
Sluggishness and fatigue
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Constipation
Learning difficulties

Vision Screening

Hearing Screening

For Teens

Immunization Program

In an effort to promote wellness and prevent disease, the Dodge County Public Health Unit offers immunizations to infants, children and adults in Dodge County. Working to achieve their goal of increasing immunization rates and decreasing disease incidences for Dodge County we have formed an immunization coalition with the city of Watertown, and other public/private partners including physicians, clinics, pharmacists, and school nurses.

We will be offer immunizations BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, please call 920-386-3670 to make an appointment. Seasonally, Public Health supports immunization clinics in Dodge County, visit the Public Health Facebook page to see any upcoming clinics.

Individuals who are uninsured, under-insured (those who have insurance but coverage does not include vaccinations or only covers selected vaccines or have a vaccination cap) and those with a current Forward/BadgerCare Plus card, may be immunized through Dodge County with a current immunization record. If your child is on Forward Health you must present the card at time of vaccination. If you have any questions, please call your physician/health care provider or Dodge County Public Health Unit at 920-386-3670.

A current immunization record MUST accompany anyone coming for shots. Children under the age of 18 must present with a parent/legal guardian to receive immunizations. You can find your immunization record online at the Wisconsin immunization registry.

Local travel clinics are located at International Travel Physicians Plus Madison 608-287-2449; University Wisconsin HC (Travel) 608-263-7500 and Waukesha County 262-896-8430.

RESOURCES:

Wisconsin PATCH

For Parents

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Public Health will work with any pregnant woman to provide prenatal/postpartum education to assure a healthy birth outcome.

This program includes education regarding:

Obtaining a Medical Home and primary care provider
Beginning medical care as well as PNCC education by 12 weeks gestation
Education about the effects of tobacco use during pregnancy on the unborn baby and referrals to appropriate smoking cessation programs with the goal of decreasing or stopping tobacco use
Alcohol and drug use: dangers and strategies to stop
Screening for pre/postpartum depression using a standardized screen tool and referrals for additional services as needed
Initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for at least one month postpartum
Safe infant sleep practices
Contraceptive options prior to delivery
Beginnings Pregnancy Guides. Beginnings Guides are Evidence based and designed to complement counseling during office and home visits for prenatal-parent education and family support. The Guides are both teaching and learning materials for promoting health literacy, reflective function, and other essential life skills for parents.

RESOURCES:

Dodge County Child Passenger Safety Program

Dodge County Public Health has Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to make sure your child is riding safely in vehicles. We can provide free car seat checks as well as free car seats. Public Health has a supply of infant and combination seats as well as boosters available to eligible families.

Call 920-386-3670 for more information or complete the form below.

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