Beltrami County Public Health Doubles Perinatal Home Visits

Bemidji, MN – On August 17th, 2023 Beltrami County Health and Human Services participated in a roundtable discussion at Sanford Health with US Senator Tina Smith. The roundtable discussion concentrated on maternal health. Beltrami County shared their success in enhancing the lives of families through a Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program grant. The grant supports the Family First Collaborative between Sanford Health, Beltrami County Public Health, Red Lake and Cass Lake Indian Health Service.

Beltrami County Public Health's goal was to complete 75 home visits in 2023 under the grant. Not only did they meet this goal, they doubled their home visits. Being a member of this collaborative has decreased barriers for home visiting staff, often experienced because of grant or curriculum requirements. The RMOMS program supports addressing health disparities to promote equitable health care for the perinatal population in Beltrami County.

In addition to perinatal, mental, physical and home need assessments and education, the grant allows the Family Health Clinic staff to provide bottles, books, wipes, diapers, strollers, tummy time matts, breastfeeding supplies and in-home breastfeeding support by one of the registered dieticians. Beltrami County Public Health Director Amy Bowles said, "These are significant accomplishments, and I am proud of the work of our staff. Doubling the number of home visits have improved the parenting experience for many families in Beltrami County."