The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) is Minnesota's ongoing, community-driven public health initiative that provides funding and local staff to support three key areas: active living, healthy eating, and commercial tobacco-free living. Across the state, communities partner with schools, organizations, worksites, and municip...

Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties works hard to help children, adults, and families get the support they need to live safe, healthy, and happy lives. Many people in our community face challenges every day. Our goal is to make sure families never have to go through those challenges alone.   Meet Elijah Elijah* is a 5‑year‑old...

Bed bugs are the uninvited houseguests who don't pay rent, don't clean up after themselves, and think a midnight snack means you. These tiny hitchhikers have a knack for popping up where they're least expected, from cozy bedrooms to five‑star hotels, and once they settle in, they're remarkably tough to evict. Over the past few years our&n...

When most people picture nursing, they think of hospitals, scrubs, and bedside care. But Public Health Nursing is different. While both Public Health Nursing and clinical nursing rely on compassion, strong assessment skills, and a deep commitment to patient wellbeing, the focus, goals, and day‑to‑day realities of the two professions are very differ...

Imagine having someone by your side during your child's first years - someone who listens, encourages you, and helps you understand what your baby needs. That's what home visiting is all about. Healthy Families America™ (HFA) gives parents a trusted supporter who comes right to their home, offering guidance, comfort, and real‑life tools that make p...

Across Minnesota, and especially here in Faribault and Martin Counties, Human Services programs play a critical role in supporting individuals, families, and communities. With increased attention in recent years on fraud and program misuse, it's more important than ever to understand what fraud is, how it differs from other types of program integri...

Client Story: Supporting Independence Through MNCHOICES and CDCS Mary is an 82-year-old woman living in her longtime home in rural Faribault County. She has always valued her independence, and with the help of her family, she managed daily tasks despite living on a limited income. Her children checked in regularly, bringing groceries and helping wi...

Two communities in southern Minnesota are proving that small ideas can spark big change. With support from the Faribault, Martin and Watonwan Counties Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (FMW SHIP), both Fairmont and St. James have launched bike share programs that are already helping residents get outside, stay active, and explore their commu...

This year, Human Services has helped 15 children find their forever homes through the process of adoption! This is one of their stories: Three siblings entered foster care under heartbreaking circumstances. Their mother, struggling with substance abuse, could no longer care for them safely. Their father, battling his own challenges with alcoho...

When we think of lead poisoning, we often imagine it as a problem of the past. But the truth is, lead exposure remains a serious and preventable public health issue—especially for children. Over the past 10–15 years, national blood lead levels have declined, thanks to public health efforts and policy changes. However, childhood lead poisoning conti...

In October 2024, the Wells Area Food Shelf marked a major milestone: it became the first Certified SuperShelf site in Faribault County thanks to the support of the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP)! This transformation was about more than updating shelving and signage, it was about dignity, choice, and creating a space where...

The Stronger Together Coalition is a diverse group of organizations and individuals from Faribault and Martin Counties who partner to address the top issues impacting the health of the residents of the counties. The group is charged with completing a community health assessment and subsequently developing a community health improvement pl...

The South-Central Community Based Initiative (SCCBI) region includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault-Martin, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Rice, Sibley, and Watonwan. The SCCBI's mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with mental health needs, promoting independence and community integration through timely, appr...

Olivia always dreamed of creating a stable home for her children. Attending Getting Ahead helped her take a fresh look at her life. The Getting Ahead program, created by aha! Process is designed to help people facing challenges such as poverty. It's not just about getting by—it's about moving forward and building a better life. Olivia shared, "Duri...

Access to medical care begins with the ability to get there. In rural communities within Faribault and Martin Counties, transportation can be the deciding factor between receiving timely care or going without. That's why Health & Human Services conducted a comprehensive Medical Transportation Assessment to better understand the complexitie...

In 2024, members of Stronger Together Coalition selected the priorities that addressed the needs identified by the community. This includes those with lived experience, those who serve this population, substance use prevention coalitions, and feedback from community members through assessments, focused conversations, and key informant interviews. T...

Heavy rainfall can keep our lawns and gardens well hydrated, but for many homeowners, it also brings an unwelcome guest: moisture intrusion. When water seeps into basements, crawl spaces, or behind walls, it creates the perfect environment for mold growth—a silent but serious threat to both your home and your health. After a storm, water can e...

Did you know? According to U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46% of child car seats are installed incorrectly. Car seat installation can be tricky, and common mistakes include loose installation of the seat and incorrect harness positioning.  Car Seat Technicians to the Rescue!  To ensure ...

The Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver in Minnesota is a Medicaid program designed to help individuals with medical disabilities or chronic illnesses receive care in their homes or communities instead of a hospital setting. This waiver provides various services and supports, such as case management, home health aide services, modifications to ...

Imagine living with the daily challenges of serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. For about 5% of our community, this is a reality. At Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties, we believe no one should face these struggles alone. Our Adult Mental Health case ma...

In early 2024, Carla* had to close her hair salon because of a health issue called rheumatoid arthritis. It made it too painful for her to stand all day and hard to hold her tools. She found work at a school, where she did many different jobs to try to work full-time hours. She was a classroom helper, helped with school lunches, and ...

"Without public assistance I don't know where I would be, but I know I certainly would not be where I am now. I have a full-time job, a home I was able to purchase in 2018, a car that is old but paid off. My child who had complications, medical and mental health issues, is a bright straight A student who wants to be a teacher when she grows up. The...

Life is unpredictable. One moment, a person may feel invincible, and the next, they may find themselves in a situation where medical care is their only hope. Whether it's the sudden onset of illness, a devastating accident, or a chronic condition that requires careful management, access to medical assistance can mean the difference between recovery...

Within Faribault & Martin Counties, 600 senior citizens aged 65+ receive services under a program called Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) or Elderly Waiver. Services provided through MSHO include medical care including coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays and preventative care, personal care assistance to support clients in need wit...

Within Faribault & Martin Counties, 416 individuals receive services under the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. Services provided through the DD waiver include personal care assistance to support clients in need with daily activities like bathing, dressing and meal preparation, employment services to help individuals find and mainta...

Bringing a child into the world is a moment of profound joy and anticipation for families. However, when a child is born with a birth defect, the journey becomes more complex, layered with medical concerns, emotional challenges, and the need for specialized care. Public health nurses play a pivotal role in guiding families through this difficult te...

Everyone deserves somewhere they can feel safe and be themselves. The Clubhouse has been providing that space for individuals in our community since 1997. Since its beginning, the Clubhouse has served over 300 members! Currently, there are 93 members. While most Clubhouse members struggle with severe and persistent mental illnesses, everyone is wel...