Public health nurse recognized by Chamber of Commerce

Danette Schmid began her 21-year career with Eddy County Public Health (ECPH), a part of Lake Region District Health Unit, in July 1997. She has served as the county health nurse since that time, helping protect countless residents from infectious disease and administering prevention programs for the community. Youth she vaccinated as babies have now graduated high school, and a few have had children of their own.

Schmid's approach to working with youth is what led to her recognition as the New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce's August Employee of the Month. She was nominated by a parent, Julie Archuletta, who wrote, "Recently, we saw her for our son's back to school vaccinations. He was terrified and very argumentative. She was very patient with him, kind and helpful. When it was over, my son's attitude had completely changed thanks to her. Now he loves talking about how he's protected against diseases."

"It melts my heart to know that meant something for one child," Schmid replied.

Administering vaccines is a big part of Schmid's job. In fact, ECPH was recently recognized for meeting goals set by the North Dakota Department of Health. They received the Adolescent Award, which is given to public providers who have successfully vaccinated more than 90 percent of adolescents in their service area with one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and have vaccinated at least 70 percent with two doses of meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine and two doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

According to the release, Eddy County's rates for the second quarter of 2018 are 98.3 percent for Tdap and MCV4, and 87.9 percent for HPV. The state recently set a goal that all agencies would achieve at least a 60 percent rate for the second dose of HPV, and it's evident that Eddy County is way ahead of the curve. "We didn't wait," Schmid said, when asked what ECPH is doing to achieve such high rates. She said timely and frequent communication has been the key to success. As soon as a local person reaches 16 years old, ECPH sends out a notice via mail to parents notifying them of the need to schedule their second dose of the vaccine. Then they follow-up every six months with another letter or phone call until the vaccines are up to date.

They also do outreach. Throughout the year, ECPH schedules vaccination days at NR-S School. "The school has been a great partner, especially for adolescents," Schmid said. Students are sent home with immunization permission forms so parents can have vaccinations administered at school, with minimal interruption to each student's school day.

The key is prevention of disease. "We don't want them to miss out on positive youth activities and experiences (because they are sick)," Schmid said. "We want them to be protected."

Social media has also been a good tool, according to Schmid. When a phone number is not available for a family, they communicate with the parents privately via social media or post generic messages on their public profile so parents and guardians know it's time to make an appointment.

One administered, all vaccines are entered into the North Dakota Immunization Information System (NDIIS), a database of immunization records accessible by providers across the state. Each person who has gotten pertinent immunizations from ECPH in the past 21 years has a record in the NDIIS.

Prevention of disease and injuries is the focus of public health agencies. To that end, Schmid and Office Assistant Sara Myhre are currently organizing an adult immunization program for the county, as adults also need vaccines such as pneumonia, influenza, shingles and tetanus, each on their own schedule. Adult residents are encouraged to bring their paper immunization records into the office so they can be entered into the NDIIS. ECPH received a grant from the New Rockford Community Foundation in order to get the adult vaccination information updated.

Schmid's office also conducts health screenings, provides senior citizen health services and organizes safety programs such as car seat check-ups and bicycle safety events.

ECPH works in partnership with the New Rockford Lions Club on the Sight 4 Kidz vision screening program. Youth are screened for vision impairments and eye diseases, then referred to area optometric professionals when necessary.

Schmid has dedicated her entire career to health care. She began her journey in the field as a 16-year-old Carrington student taking the EMT class in New Rockford with the Community Ambulance Service. Among her mentors were Marlo Byberg, Sandy O'Connor and Jeff Pfau, all longtime volunteers of the ambulance service. Schmid received her bachelor's degree in registered nursing from Jamestown College (now University of Jamestown). She then worked for the Cavalier County Memorial Hospital in Langdon, spent time working for a home health agency and also has taken shifts for a traveling nurse agency for several years.

Eddy County Public Health has a 98-year history in our community. Miss Mabel Farr became the first county health nurse in October 1920. In the beginning, the office was located in the front room of the courthouse on the second floor, and the Eddy County Red Cross Chapter was a key sponsor. The county agency became part of Lake Region District Health Unit in 1953, and the WIC and Family Planning programs were added in the mid '70s. Schmid succeeded Arlyss Lesmeister, who was the county health nurse from 1971 to 1997.

Have you experienced great customer service at a local business? If so, please consider nominating that person for this award. Nomination cards and forms are available in the table tents and on bulletin boards at local businesses. Forms can also be printed from the organization's webpage, http://www.cityofnewrockford.com/chamber, and nominations are accepted via email to [email protected]. One person receives the award each month.