Public Health Neighbor

About the Program

Recognizing that there are many older adults and those with disabilities who do not have a daily contact, Nicollet County Public Health has launched Your Public Health Neighbor: A Telephone Reassurance Program. This program is designed to enhance the safety and security of Nicollet County older adults and those with disabilities who are living alone. Others that would benefit from this program are those who have had surgery and are discharged home without anyone to check on them regularly.

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How it Works

Individuals participating in this program will have a telephone contact with a public health staff member each morning 5 days a week except during holidays.

Depending on individual circumstances, persons requesting this service may either call into the public health office between 8 - 10 a.m. or request that a public health staff member call the individual at a pre-arranged time between 8 -10 a.m. If a telephone contact is not made by 10 a.m., a contact person designated by the participant is called and asked to go to the participant's home to verify their well-being and safety with a direct voice-to-voice or face-to-face contact and report back to public health.

If the participant's safety cannot be verified, law enforcement is called to do a welfare check. There is no charge for this service. To enroll please contact the Public Health Office at 507-934-

.

Benefit to Participating in the Program

  • A friendly voice contact each weekday excluding holidays
  • Continuing to live at home with dignity
  • An enhanced sense of personal safety and security
  • An earlier intervention than would possibly occur if there was not a telephone reassurance program
  • Having family members assured that appropriate and prompt action will be taken if a daily telephone contact is not made.

Holiday Exceptions

Holidays that a participant will not be receiving a call:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Fourth of July
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Mission Statement

To promote the safety and security of older adults or adults with disabilities who live alone and are at risk of sudden illness, falls, accidents, and social isolation.