Community Health Services
The Office of Community Health Services and Public Health Alliance provides public health services to all ages. This includes a network of primary and preventive programs and services that care for, inform and instruct South Dakotans to help them develop and maintain a healthier lifestyle and quality of life.
Professional nursing and nutrition staff in the office work with individuals, families, and communities to make sure they have the best possible health outcomes. The office delivers the following public health services:
Infants & Young Children
- Immunizations
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Food and Nutrition Education Program)
- Growth and development screening and guidance
- Well-child check-ups and screenings
Children & Adolescents
- Immunizations
- Well-child check-ups and screenings
- Education and training on child growth and development, dietary needs and the right foods to eat, physical activity, how to prevent injury and other health topics
- School health screenings and teaching
Pregnant & Postpartum Women
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Food and Nutrition Education Program)
- Education for pregnant women
- Postpartum services
- Baby Care (information, guidance and office services for pregnant women)
- Bright Start Home Visiting (Services in Rapid City and Sioux Falls only)
Adults
General Public Health Services
- Link people to local resources and personal health services
- Provide aid and support to community networks, systems of care and services to the public
- Assist clients to manage their own care and services
- Provide advice and guidance on nutrition and dietary needs
- In-office screening for glucose, blood pressure, vision, hearing and hemoglobin
- Improve the health and wellness of individuals, families and communities through education and screening
- Promote health and prevent disease through activities to prevent and reduce chronic disease and the spread of communicable disease
- Assist communities in reviewing their resources and needs
- Provide employer-based screening and teaching
- Assist in local crisis planning and preparation
- Doctor-ordered office services
- HOTT (Health Occupations Today and Tomorrow curriculum)
