WALKER — Change at both the local and state level was the theme for Cass County Health, Human Services and Veterans Services last year.
Director Brian Bouman, along with Veterans Services Officer Christy Smart, presented the department's annual report to Cass County commissioners on Tuesday, April 2.
One of the highlights of 2023 is that the Minnesota Department of Human Services is undergoing a separation process to create a fully independent Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Last year also saw staff changes, including the retirement of director Michele Piprude and the creation of a public health planner position to oversee progress in the county's response to the opioid crisis.
Smart reported to the board that Cass County received $67,562 in optical, dental, living expenses and relief grants from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs National Guard Assistance Program for Veterans. Currently, veterans can only receive one relief grant of up to $5,000 during their lifetime, but this is being considered to be upgraded to allow veterans to receive a total of $15,000 during their lifetime. Mr. Smart said. This is not a one-time grant.
Smart also said there were 126 rides provided to veterans in 2023, totaling 28,175 miles, which is lower than normal. Smart said the department has lost some drivers during the pandemic because they are getting older and don't want to be in close contact with others. Another reason for the driver shortage is believed to be the inability to physically assist veterans because of their need for mobility, he added.
Cass County processed $143,035,056.49 in medical service bills for people eligible for state and federal medical assistance in 2023.
Other services for eligible persons and average monthly benefits per person in 2023 are as follows:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Individuals, $191.27.
- Minnesota Family Investment Program for low-income families and pregnant women, $380.97.
- A cheerful work program for families looking for work, $125.97.
- child care assistance for low-income families, $378.21;
- General assistance for adults with little or no income and unable to return to work, $154.42.
- $500 in emergency general assistance for low-income people in need of food, shelter, and utilities during the crisis.
- Group housing pays $468.03 for room and board for persons 65 years of age and older, and persons 18 years of age and older who are disabled or visually impaired living in an approved setting.
- Minnesota Supplemental Assistance for Adults Eligible for Federal Supplemental Security Income, $102.29.
Cass collected $2,312,267 in child support in 2023 and paid $2,249,450 to the custodial parent. The majority of her child support payments continue to be collected through income withholding.
Public health—children, youth, and families
In 2023, the Women, Infants, and Children program will continue to be offered virtually through July and transitioned to a hybrid model offering in-person or telephone appointments in August. The program had an average of 552 participants. Participants redeemed a total of $327,725 worth of food assistance benefits from October 2022 to September 2023.
The Follow Along program had 96 new clients, 206 engaged families, and 5 children referred to early intervention services. The program helps parents identify where their child is in their development process and provides ideas about what to teach and at what age.
Bouman said a total of 63 car seats will be distributed during 2023, and the ministry will hold its third annual baby shower event for pregnant women and is currently planning a fourth. He said other counties have contacted him asking how they can start their programs.
Public health — home health, long-term care, prevention
During 2023, Cass County built two additional community gardens. All of these gardens have received grants to support their improvement and expansion.
For the complete Health, Human and Veterans Services Annual Report, visit www.casscountymn.gov.
