Public Health Delivers Vital Services for All

FILLMORE COUNTY — Public health is more than vaccine clinics and educational programs — for Fillmore County Public Health, it’s about improving every resident’s health.

“There is a preconception that public health only helps with shots and low-income populations,” says Brenda Pohlman, Fillmore County Public Health Educator. But while some benefits are income-based, most services help every resident.

From getting kids outside to education on elder nutrition, Pohlman helps manage a wide array of services benefitting every need in Fillmore County.

Public health is for everyone

National Public Health Week, April 6-12, 2026, is organized by the American Public Health Association. This week is dedicated to celebrating public health initiatives and public health workers and how they help to improve lives, longevity and safety in our communities. (See below for community public health events through April and May.)

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guides county public health services through their Foundational Public Health Responsibilities guide. Fillmore County Public Health completes tasks in each of the eight capabilities, such as emergency preparedness for natural disasters or disease outbreaks.

(Graphic provided by Minnesota Department of Health)

Because each Minnesota county is demographically different, the equity capability varies. Each county designs specific programs around the needs of its residents based on the MDH guidelines. County health officials focus on equity around health outcomes for older adults and those with less income — that includes programs such as lead testing in homes and rental property requests for mold or pest assistance.

Every five years, they complete a community health needs assessment through community conversations and focus groups. The most recent assessment, completed in 2025, had two big findings or priorities: access to care (specifically dental and vision) and access to food and nutrition, reducing food scarcity.

The data from the assessment also found: many people are willing to volunteer to support public health, such as during natural disasters; a lot of people have never tested for radon; and there is a high rate of falls across all age groups. Through this assessment, Fillmore County Public Health is able to prioritize its work.

Pohlman explained, “Falls are connected to brain health and the potential for dementia, which is an indicator of chronic health issues in our community.”

Public Health partnered with Mabel-Canton youth to incorporate use of tricycles during recess. (Photo submitted by Fillmore County Public Health)

Community input builds programming

Sometimes residents come to Public Health with an idea. Two years ago, a coalition called Age Friendly Fillmore County was created.

Marge Fuller spearheaded a group of local residents from the communities of Wykoff, Chatfield, Lanesboro, Mabel and the townships of Pilot Mound, Arendahl, and Carrollton. Together they wanted to tackle different initiatives based on aging and memory care in Fillmore County.

The group came to Public Health with this idea and from there a partnership was formed where focus groups and pop-up programs were offered and community priorities were identified.

“Each community chose an actionable item they wanted to execute,” according to Pohlman, “like the people of Harmony visiting nursing homes to celebrate birthdays each month.” Support from county health officials has helped this community group move its idea along.

Jessica Erickson, Fillmore County Public Health director of nursing, leads a staff of 21 members in providing a wide range of services. A team of five focuses on family services, including implementing the Women’s, Infant, and Children’s (WIC) program which provides customizable food benefits and education for families.

This team also visits families in-home to provide parenting education, complete infant weight checks and more. If local schools do not have their own school nurse, the family services team will also provide hearing and vision screenings for students.

Public Health team member (Katherine Holger) working with the Bluff County ATV Club to address ATV safety. (Photo submitted by Fillmore County Public Health)

Pohlman is one of two Public Health Educators in Fillmore County, responsible for spearheading educational programming and services involving a multitude of topics, including well water testing, radon testing, pedestrian safety, and tobacco and cannabis education, as well as arranging clinics for dental services, podiatry services or other needs.

Other public health workers manage the Department of Human Services’ waiver services programs which help people with disabilities maintain independence in their home. They work with Fillmore County Social Services to determine eligibility, and then public health workers check on these clients at home or at assisted living facilities to see if they need help attending medical appointments or have any other health needs.

Fillmore County has a lot to celebrate during this year’s National Public Health Week — and beyond. The department’s passion and commitment to serve all county residents improves the overall well-being in this corner of the world.

Be sure to thank a public health worker and reach out to them if you need assistance or have a good idea to improve public health.