Scott County reports 2024 family home visiting successes and ongoing challenges

Scott County's Board of Commissioners meeting on May 20, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in early childhood services and community health initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents. A key focus was the expansion of home visiting programs, which aim to support families with children from birth to age five. In 2024, the county completed over 2,200 family home visits, with a notable increase in the "Parents as Teachers" model, which now accounts for 36% of visits. This model has shown promising results, with 85% of families reporting daily engagement in reading and storytelling, crucial for language development.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse in the community. The county has implemented a naloxone distribution program, which has seen a rise in access points and a decrease in overdose incidents over the past five years. The community's readiness to address substance abuse issues has improved significantly, moving from a score of 1.5 to 4.6 on the Community Readiness to Change scale, indicating a growing acknowledgment of the problem and a willingness to seek solutions.

Additionally, the county is expanding its Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services to make them more accessible, with new locations opening in local libraries. This initiative aims to reduce barriers for families seeking nutritional support.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue these vital services and to enhance community engagement through focus groups that gather feedback on health priorities. The county is also developing an interactive dashboard to make health data more accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and community involvement in health initiatives.

As Scott County moves forward, these efforts reflect a proactive approach to improving health outcomes and supporting families, demonstrating the county's dedication to fostering a healthier community.