Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health

About

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health provides services including Health Maintenance, Health Services, Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, Nutrition Services, Health Tracks Screenings, Women's Way, Emergency Preparedness, and Environmental Health.

Story

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health's roots can be traced back to September 1, 1936, when City Nursing Service began providing its first year of continuous services. City Nursing Service was under the direct supervision of the Bismarck City Commission and the State Board of Health and was financed through the Board of Education and Social Security Fund.

Two registered nurses were employed, Arma B. Smith and Esther H. Teichmann. Each nurse owned their own bag and received two weeks vacation and two weeks of sick leave. Supplies such as alcohol, cotton, gauze and soap were provided. The nurses office was housed in one of the school buildings. Desks and a typewriter were furnished by the City. All other equipment, including the telephone, filing cabinet, stationery, and stamps were furnished by the Board of Education.

City Nursing Service organized a 12-member Advisory Commission in March of 1937. Representatives from both City and County were members. Its personnel consisted of the Superintendent of City Schools, who was elected chairman, the State's Attorney, the County Superintendent of Schools, one of the County Commissioners, a representative of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Women's Health Council, the City of Health Officers, the Health Commission of the Bismarck City Commission, one of the local dentists, and two females from the rural area who have been active in civic affairs. The Advisory Commission identified the housing situation, the need for year-round garbage collection, the need for regulation on apartments, and the rat peril as urgent community needs.

Emphasis of the first year was placed on maternity, infancy, and preschool supervision, an attempt to assist in every way possible the expectant mother. School and health audits were completed and they attempted to see all reported tuberculosis cases and make contacts at regular intervals.

Following the first year of operation, plans for the upcoming year included:
1. County and City-wide immunization clinics.
2. Preschool conferences to be held early in the fall.
3. Classes in home hygiene and care were contemplated.

• This department started out as City Nursing Service, becoming Bismarck-Burleigh Nursing Service it’s second year of operation, and returning to City Nursing Service until 1984 when City and County Nursing combined.
• The department changed its name from Bismarck-Burleigh Nursing Service to Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health on January 19, 2001.

Department Leadership
• The Director with the longest tenure was Doris Fisher, RN, who worked from July 1970 to July 1998.
• Paula Flanders, RN, served as Director from 1998 to 2012.
• Renae Moch, MBA, FACMPE, began serving as the Director of Public Health on May 16, 2013.

Today, Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health provides services including Health Maintenance, Health Services, Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, Nutrition Services, Health Tracks Screenings, Women's Way, Emergency Preparedness, and Environmental Health.

Mission

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is dedicated to improving the health and safety of our community.

Impressum

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is required by law to maintain the privacy of protected health information and to provide you with notice of its duties and privacy practices. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health must abide by the terms of the notice currently in effect. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health may change the terms of our notice at any time. The new notice will be effective for all protected health information that we maintain at that time. Upon your request, we will provide you
with any revised Notice of Privacy Practices by mail or electronically if you prefer. You can also access our Notice of Privacy Practices via our website (http://www.bismarcknd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24257).

This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we, our Business Associates, and their subcontractors may use and disclose your protected health information to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your protected health information. “Protected Health Information” (PHI) is information about you, including demographic information, that may
identify you and that relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health or condition and related health care services.

Products

Health Maintenance - Registered Nurses provide nursing care and case management in a client's home. Coordination, referrals and follow-up to other assisting agencies occur as needed. Home visits may consist of medication management, physical assessment, patient education, and referrals for appropriate service.

Health Services - Registered Nurses provide various health screenings, assessments, and services such as immunizations, foot care/assessments, TB testing, STD/HIV testing, injections, lactation counseling, car seat safety education, newborn home visits, and prenatal education and assessments.

Tobacco Prevention & Cessation - Public health professionals provide information and resources to quit tobacco use. they can also assist with tobacco-free policies and compliance issues for you or your business.

Nutrition Services - A Licensed Registered Dietitian coordinates the Nutrition Services programs and activities for Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health. Services include healthy lifestyle and nutrition education for individuals and/or groups, Worksite Wellness presentations, and coordination & assistance with implementation of nutrition policies.

Health Tracks Screenings - A Registered Nurse provides free preventative health screenings for Medicaid-eligible clients from newborn to 21 years. Screenings include a physical exam, development & language testing, hearing vision & dental screening, immunizations, fluoride varnish, lab tests/blood lead tests, and assistance with necessary referrals.

Women's Way - A Registered Nurse coordinates this breast and cervical cancer screening program for women meeting age, income, and insurance eligibility guidelines.

Emergency Preparedness - Public health professionals ensure our community is prepared and ready to respond to public health emergencies and disaster situations. Subject matter experts are here to provide information and guidance for you, your family or your workplace, to assist you with your emergency planning efforts. Additional information available upon request.

Environmental Health - Environmental Health Specialists are responsible for permits and inspections for a number of Environmental Health programs. These include food service operations, public/semi-public swimming pools, tanning facilities, tattoo/body art facilities, lodging establishments and special pet licensing. Other program functions include mosquito control and surveillance, indoor air quality, and City of Bismarck public health nuisances.