weConnect- September 8, 2021

PROTECT

YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH

West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection commonly spread through mosquito bites. The rate of infections is highest in South Dakota and can lead to serious—and potentially fatal—illness. There is no antidote to WNV, prevention is key. SD WNV rates as of Sept. 1:

7 human cases reported (Brown, Davison, Day, Dewey, Douglas, Kingsbury, Lake, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Tripp, Union, Walworth, Yankton) and 1 death.
8 counties with positive mosquito pools (Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Codington, Hand, Hughes, Lincoln, Minnehaha)

Prevent West Nile Infection:

Use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and long pants and shirts when outdoors
Stay indoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Learn more: SD Dept of Health Fact Sheet on WMN;

SD Dept of Health WNV Webpage

Respiratory Syncytial Virus - RSV

High numbers of RSV cases and hospitalizations of children have been reported during the summer, unusual for a virus that typically occurs in the late fall, winter and early spring. RSV is a common respiratory virus and most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. Learn more about how to protect your family.

2021-2022 Flu Season - CDC

Annual flu vaccines administered in September and October are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, and are especially important for those at high risk of life threatening complications. Flu vaccines are now available at clinics and pharmacies across the state and are free with insurance. For those without insurance, seek free flu shot clinics that may be offered in your community, or contact SD Parent Connection for assistance.

COVID-19 Resources

FREE USD LEND DEVELOPMENTAL CLINIC - OPENINGS NOW AVAILABLE

The LEND Developmental Clinic provides an interdisciplinary evaluation to children who are between six months to six years old who may have a developmental concern. The evaluation is offered once a month at the USD Sanford School of Medicine Health Science Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Learn more and access the LEND Clinic application forms

Contact Teresa Byrnes at 800-658-3080 or teresa.byrnes@usd.edu

10-WEEK PARENT CHILD JOURNEY - BEGINS SEPT 27TH

For parents of elementary school aged children looking for strategies to deal with problem behaviors of their children. Parents will learn how to evaluate the source of their child's difficulties and individualize effective management strategies.

Hosted by SD Parent Connection and facilitated by Dr. Jerome Blake, Developmental Pediatrician, sessions will be held on Monday nights via Zoom from 6:30-7:30pm Central Time.

The cost for this training series is $175.00. Fifteen scholarships are available thanks to grant funding from the SD Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Registration opens Sept. 7 and closes Sept. 20. Learn more here. To register, email Dr. Carla Miller or call 800-640-4553.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

ASTra Educational Advocacy Training, Hands & Voices South Dakota

For parents, educators, and professionals who provide support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Held October 1-2, 2021 in Sioux Falls. Information/Registration
Educational Plan Checklist for DHH-Plus Students

Health Care Transition

Take the Quiz! How ready your child is to transition to adult care? Key questions help families prepare for changes that happen between ages 18 and 22, including tips and resources to support caregivers in becoming advocates for their child.
Health Care Transition Toolkit guides families through their youth’s transition from pediatric to adult health care.

NEW Guide: The Circle of Care Guidebook for Caregivers of Children with Rare and/or Serious Illnesses

Intended to help Caregivers navigate through the experiences and challenges of rare and serious medical conditions. The extensive array of topics (nearly 100) underscores the many aspects of life and care that are impacted when caring for a child with a rare disease. Listed are a wide variety of helpful resources and organizations available to support and direct Caregivers.

NEW Guide: Skills and Strategies for Health Care Decision-Making with Children

Being a decision-maker for your own healthcare is important. Learning this skill can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. For some, making healthcare decisions takes more support, practice, and tools. This Guide helps families and healthcare providers support people to learn the skills they need and may be printed or downloaded as a fillable PDF.

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.