DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Independent School District 196 For Infant Feeding Support Group
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, research shows that breastfeeding offers many health benefits for infants and mothers, as well as potential economic and environmental benefits for communities; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Public Health identified a need for services around lactation and breastfeeding support to residents in Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, lactation support is limited in Dakota County, not only within the community, but also within the health care setting; and
WHEREAS, of the three hospitals that are located within Dakota County, Fairview Ridges Hospital had the largest percentage of births at 48 percent (data from 2018 births) and most hospitals offer outpatient lactation support, but transportation can be a barrier, especially considering that majority of births of Dakota County residents occur outside of the county according to the 2015 Dakota County Community Breastfeeding Assessment; and
WHEREAS, the assessment also identified many clinics refer lactation concerns to one central clinic, which typically was outside of Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the first twelve weeks of an infant’s life are a critical time for infant nutrition, especially breastfeeding; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Public Health and Independent School District 196 (ISD 196) Early Childhood Family Education are partnering to provide a weekly infant feeding support group at the Dakota Valley Learning Center in Apple Valley; and
WHEREAS, the group facilitators include Family Home Visiting nurses, Women, Infants and Children lactation consultants, and an ISD 196 parent educator; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the group is to provide families an opportunity to have access to lactation support, information, and assistance from peers and lactation professionals on a consistent and regular basis at critical points during early infant nutrition with the target audience being families providing human milk to their infants within Dakota County in the target age of newborn to 12 weeks; and
WHEREAS, there is no cost to families, and they can continue to participate after 12 weeks of age if they desire; and
WHEREAS, the group will be open to pregnant individuals looking for lactation information, support, and connection with others in the community; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends executing a joint powers agreement (JPA) with ISD 196 for the parties to agree to their respective responsibilities, effective upon execution of the JPA through June 30, 2024; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorizing approval for an amendment for one year through June 30, 2025, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute a joint powers agreement with Independent School District 196 for an infant feeding support group effective upon execution of the parties through June 30, 2024, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Community Services Director is hereby authorized to amend said joint powers agreement contract term, consistent with County contracting policies, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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