First District announces flu clinics

First District Health Unit will be offering three weeks of flu clinics in Minot in October, starting Monday, Oct. 5.

During the first week, the first 50 people each day will receive a special gift. In addition, everyone who gets a flu shot during the three weeks will be entered into a drawing for a gift card or gift basket.

Both flu and COVID vaccines will be available at the clinic. First District also carries vaccine specific for people 65 and older.

Flu vaccination clinic hours are 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. For the public’s convenience, the clinic will be open until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, October 7, 14, and 21.

Walk-ins are welcome; however, those with appointments will be served first. Appointments can be made online or by calling 852-1376.

Following the Three Big Weeks promotional period, First District will continue to give flu vaccinations on an ongoing basis. Flu and COVID shots are available for everyone 6 months and older. First District offers vaccine services to everyone, regardless of income or insurance.

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First District Health Unit is navigating shifts in federal funding and local tax restrictions while launching new community healthcare services and tackling declining vaccination rates.

The seven-county unit, which welcomed its final county in 1955, has been serving residents since 1892. It is funded primarily by county, state and federal dollars with additional funding coming from consumer fees, donations and contracts. Its core mission encompasses disease prevention, environmental protection, health education, disaster response and ensuring access to care. It serves the counties of Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan and Ward.

Holly Brekhus, the management team’s executive director, works with policy makers, manages grants and budgeting, coordinates programs and oversees strategic plans and matching grant funding in the community.

The unit’s newer initiatives include new nursing services and a new alcohol prevention grant accompanied by an advertising campaign.

Heatthyr Haugeberg, the unit’s director of Nursing said the new nursing services will include rapid strep testing and treatment, suture removal, dressing changes and ear exams and cleaning. The unit also has a new scale for patients and will be relaunching foot care, a program for those who struggle to perform self-care at home. This includes for elderly or those who have limited mobility.

To encourage more patients to get flu immunizations, the health unit will be hosting a Community Appreciation Week.

Brekhus said the unit’s current largest issue facing healthcare and an issue all around the country is declining vaccination rates. She said because the rates of vaccination are going down, the country will see more and more diseases that were already considered eradicated.

Haugeberg advises anyone with questions about vaccinations to speak to their healthcare provider rather researching online, noting that doctors remain the most reliable source.

To improve healthcare in rural parts of the state, First District has a mobile unit, mainly focused on vaccinations.The unit visits schools and worksites so if an individual does not have the time or transportation to reach a vaccination center they can access the care.

The mobile unit also provides harm reduction services to help those with substance abuse disorders, particularly those who use IV injection. The program checks for bloodborne diseases commonly seen with this type of use, educates on the dangers of use and connects participants with recovery resources.

Despite these efforts, First District Health Unit is facing funding challenges due to federal changes and a state tax levy cap put on political subdivisions, capping funding that they can give to the unit.

Youth vaping is another major focus area. First District Health Unit addresses vaping and tobacco use through programs set to educate students, including vaping task forces in schools that educate peers on the dangers of tobacco use.

The health unit also works to educate tobacco retailers on the importance of following the rules set to keep tobacco restricted, such as placing products containing tobacco or nicotine behind the counter or in a secure space and requiring sellers to check the ID of buyes to be sure they are of the legal age to purchase tobacco products.

Brekhus started her healthcare journey in tobacco prevention programs in schools.

Brekhus said the perception of public health and the health unit during the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed, but the health unit’s work has not. She said healthcare providers are constantly working behind the scenes to prevent and treat outbreaks.