clay county commission

Karen Newman 

Kathy McKay, Clay County Public Health Administrator, met with the Clay County Commission on April 19th to request hiring a replacement for a Clay County Environmental Health position. The commission unanimously approved this request.

McKay explained that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) plans to provide infrastructure funding to the Community Health Board to hire an epidemiology/data employee for a two-year grant-funded position. The Community Health Board includes Clay, Becker, Ottertail, and Wilkin Counties’ Health Departments.  The epidemiologist/data employee will work across the four counties’ Public Health Departments. Duties for this position include infectious disease data analysis, program recommendations, communication efforts and providing resources to address community health needs. There exists potential for further funding from MDH based on the success of the first two years. No county funds are required for this position.

Clay County Public Health currently employs an interested internal candidate who meets the educational background and experience criteria for the grant position. If this individual accepts the grant-funded position, it creates a vacant full-time Clay County Environmental Health position. The County Environmental Health position is funded through Food, Pool, and Lodging licensing fees. It is a permanent position.

McKay asked for and received the county commission’s permission for out-of-state travel.  The Clay County Public Health Department is a partner in The Positive Community Norms Grant with the Dilworth/Glyndon/Felton School District.  The grant began in August 2021 and continues for five years. At the end of five years, the county can apply for program funds for other Clay County public school districts.

The Positive Community Norms prevention framework works to reduce teen alcohol use. Positive Community Norms cultivates lasting cultural transformation by involving students, parents, teachers, and community in understanding, not just what’s concerning, but what’s hopeful. (mn.gov)

Attendance at a July 2022 conference in Florida is a stipulation of the grant.  The conference focuses on substance use/abuse prevention, behavioral health, and mental health. During the conference, attendees with gain leadership development skills, communication strategies and the process needed to integrate prevention resources within the community. Conference funding is provided by the Center for Disease Control and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

McKay explained that the grant will cover the cost of airfare, hotel, rental care, and conference fees which will be about $3000. The Clay County Public Health Department will only covered meal expenses if they exceed the limits of the State Commissioners allotment.