[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165706,"mediaKeyId","5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7","parentId",5418015,"title","Board approves bylaw change to modernize public‑meeting notice options while complying with ND open‑meetings law","audioSeconds",157,"startMs",3877000,"endMs",4034000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7&start=3877&end=4034","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7/thumbnail_3877000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165706/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Board-approves-bylaw-change-to-modernize-publicmeeting-notice-options-while-complying-with-ND-openmeetings-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165706-5c99fd05c39a21d03510eea498f4747d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095979&Signature=Ylfi~9MlQyCoEV4fi8v-MSaK9SGnkF461g88kF~-wXhZzzdshonjHIcF1~DT3GKHN6qHKzRPCI0QkKnLFkItHpI1ywo4ObHNWFwR0O4LdSm1FwhqYFazC2A5zJUxEjfC2PcCem6ZIsZW2RNC3YDHLGmOp4HlbILXz6OMahtKtCu9P-rmOZ58HJSEKNvwMM~kpxLxT2iEazpkMY0zaZ5Zb2DUMxN6NdH92aaH7vN0DacEhGxWtefOACATqlaK5biB8JxiDknEumiczoVaJU-XHhPCfKSLqlaBLzQwejLWCQdYvx2yjbecUC9Ujc8hKCFo5GKSmjBu60mdF8Y--H30tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fargo, ND","date","2025-07-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Fargo Cass Public Health Board of Health voted on July 12 to amend its bylaws to modernize public‑meeting notice methods while retaining compliance with state open‑meetings law.

Chair John Strand introduced a suggested bylaw change to remove a specific requirement to publish notice in the Fargo Forum (a paid newspaper) and instead provide: notice via the city’s media contact list, postings to the city website and the Fargo Cass Public Health Facebook and X accounts. Nancy (legal counsel) recommended adding explicit language to the proposed change indicating that notices will be given “in accordance with North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44‑04,” the state open‑meetings statute.

A board member moved the amendment; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The chair confirmed the motion passed.

Why this matters: the change allows the board to use digital channels and the city’s media list for meeting notice while maintaining statutory compliance; legal counsel advised keeping statutory language so the bylaw reflects current requirements.

Implementation: staff will update the bylaw text to include the statute reference and will continue routine notice practices via the city’s channels. The change passed at the July meeting; no additional conditions or rollbacks were attached.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fargo City Board of Health - 07.11.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Fargo Cass Public Health Board amended its bylaws to allow public notice via the city's media contact list, website and social accounts, with the amendment explicitly to remain in compliance with North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44‑04 (open‑meetings law).","taxTitle","Fargo , Cass County, North Dakota","taxId",2742,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165710,"Fargo Cass Public Health narrows CHIP priorities to health/wellness, healthy foods and childcare after stakeholder survey",0,3837000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7&start=3837&end=3837","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7/thumbnail_3837000.jpg","/articles/6165710/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-Cass-Public-Health-narrows-CHIP-priorities-to-healthwellness-healthy-foods-and-childcare-after-stakeholder-survey","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165710-722374e958a2582c0920e12c83b9a2dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095979&Signature=CzOnnawtnuhC5MnDtU4vVRCbE0IgFr4QdspqvQyCJCcPIgiuX2fe2lCq47OH2EBJWpx8XMmSNtPZfxoFih8orNHmPx9u7hRAgxrKF-lljQa7szFg8E1J3IOfdQWU58H83AnVOG5GhyiCXxnz6fI~RBKGCAF2xIwT1a6ijOZn-v2JyjT1RnYeWU~CggDicABNYfGlADR4VgyvPwnDQEcKuAYgWWTB0zrI9Blhksu82zMbf-1ahFMf6ESjwxVDVNOzaUU6xjdIyYZkiETN~q-J~grKAhSFoAfdvP7pL8UadJ8Epci8HxCnYlobi3CiM-NB764hcACsjlUJs2MiVC4cCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fargo Cass Public Health reported on July 12 that its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) process identified health and wellness, access to healthy foods and childcare as priority areas for the 2025–2028 cycle.

Maggie Riddle (intern) and Jen (department staff) presented the CHNA methodology and results. The county‑focused survey (Cass County) analyzed 1,199 responses (67% stakeholders, 33% paid panel). Respondent demographics skewed toward white, higher income and homeowners: presenters said respondents were about 91% white, 65% homeowners, 59% reporting household income of $75,000 or more, 40% with a bachelor’s degree or higher and 57% married; presenters noted these demographics limit representativeness and highlighted the need for more inclusive primary‑data collection.

Riddle explained methods: the survey used cross‑tabulated questions based on a population health framework and Likert scales (1–5) with qualitative comment opportunities. The department will combine the CHNA and CHIP into a single report and use the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework for future cycles.

Stakeholder meeting polling (May 16) asked participants to select three areas that Fargo Cass Public Health could most impact; the top three were childcare, access to healthy foods and health and wellness. Open responses cited cost and access as recurring barriers for housing, food and childcare. The board chose health and wellness as the shared CHIP goal to guide work groups over the 2025–28 cycle; work groups will develop program strategies and measurement plans for specific initiatives.

Limitations and next steps: presenters stressed that primary‑data collection under‑represents underserved populations and said the department will develop culturally competent outreach and evaluation plans. The department will present a drafted CHIP and evaluation metrics to the board in October and invited board members to join work groups.

","Fargo Cass Public Health presented results of its 2025 community health needs assessment: a survey of 1,199 responses and stakeholder meetings identified health and wellness, access to healthy foods and childcare as priorities for the 2025–28 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165713,"Fargo Cass Public Health outlines planned fluoride‑varnish program to reach disadvantaged populations",1078,703000,1781000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7&start=703&end=1781","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7/thumbnail_703000.jpg","/articles/6165713/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-Cass-Public-Health-outlines-planned-fluoridevarnish-program-to-reach-disadvantaged-populations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165713-b159833c030277d8a4881da5d35ab3b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095979&Signature=XBiel2G5gsevPl-LILXmbv2Q5~4uAx~PSr74LUhnR-MODtcZrTXk6lvcY9~dI30M-5BXYE9XabC-53sP48WCNHa5D~7TU0Rzhrc5MD-NzdfkuJKXIkK5xK2NmUywraw3SJdOisnj114YWgsgBlWkvagW2y4sfKUTA1g2cfLJAq-haQo2jIGjzk8cK1dQmO0u~pLYoAiGFCt1kVQKk57zTudtZnYPKMiazeTPMAU5Q23T93xLn-DTIpBWkZnD4KspYySjiPQfwv~t-nTaMiXW8vW9SqbPAyiPAR6quOS0yP4HIENECTxyEFCdOonWOs414nn1MU8s6vI-tT7L930Xjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fargo Cass Public Health presented a proposed fluoride‑varnish oral‑health program on July 12 designed to expand preventive dental care for disadvantaged populations in Cass County.

Larry Annison, director of Health Protection and Promotion, said the agency supports student practicum projects and introduced Jacob Schroeder, a master’s of public health student from North Dakota State University who is developing a fluoride‑varnish program, associated procedures and a sliding‑fee approach for uninsured patients.

Schroeder described the intervention as “a quick, safe and effective method to improve oral health,” noting that North Dakota Medicaid covers fluoride varnish. He said staff plan to offer varnish during existing clinic visits so patients receive prevention at the point of contact and to provide educational pamphlets; if patients decline, staff will not administer fluoride.

Schroeder presented state and county context: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 0.7 milligrams per liter of fluoride in drinking water. He said North Dakota ranks among the top states for water fluoridation, with 21 of 53 counties having all public water systems fluoridated; Cass County has 31 public water systems, 26 of which are fluoridated and which serve about 99% of the county’s population, with an average fluoride level of roughly 0.65 mg/L.

He reviewed national and state evidence on varnish effectiveness, citing systematic reviews showing 25%–45% reductions in dental cavities with topical varnish use and noting safety reviews; Schroeder also acknowledged research discussing fluoride exposure thresholds (National Toxicology Program analysis) and explained that the recommended drinking‑water level (0.7 mg/L) is well below levels associated with adverse findings in those studies.

Board members asked practical questions: how the varnish would be described to children, how the mobile unit could reach rural and homeless populations, and whether partnerships with shelters and community agencies would be pursued. Schroeder and Annison said the program is in an early policy and procedure phase; they plan outreach to shelters and partner agencies and to integrate varnish services with Fargo Cass Public Health’s planned “wellness on wheels” van to reach rural residents.

Why this matters: oral health disparities disproportionately affect disadvantaged and rural populations; the program aims to increase preventive care access, especially for children and people with limited dental access.

Next steps: staff will finalize procedure and policy guidance for LPNs/RNs, pursue outreach and partnerships, and consider sliding‑fee implementation; no formal board vote was taken at this meeting.

","Fargo Cass Public Health staff described a proposed fluoride varnish program to provide topical fluoride to vulnerable populations, noting Medicaid coverage for varnishes, sliding fees for uninsured patients, and plans to deploy the service via clinic visits and a mobile 'wellness on wheels' van.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165718,"State epidemiologist: Cass County measles outbreak concluded; North Dakota reports 35 cases year‑to‑date",181,498000,679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7&start=498&end=679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7/thumbnail_498000.jpg","/articles/6165718/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/State-epidemiologist-Cass-County-measles-outbreak-concluded-North-Dakota-reports-35-cases-yeartodate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165718-9686bc39c70e35264648834ef4b4bcf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095979&Signature=NQGxv6kFpj7IvxUU7Nb~WSYayobZRHCA8t9NHmEbkP-lscjHtW-g3pGNYxLJhbt7DC7KMfhy1huVbsarIK3H0Uzn1RjXqzw9mgdapzF8Yb~C5r54sWKLIOKILeXOL3MUcN9GejXBA~dbQWXFWFbQoHgFDYlbXQ9VO1qc874iaNeD-D4BFfDMw7wfIMcc0BGdTXg-dVYleQzXRssqMG-b39qaBVo4BLQIb8eR9oxLSGHjaP0VF6amzBUC3AlOB8v5-tTdszeRMqUWVM0A4gyQ0bbHPRhhrLGYsWPuyDy9WbmaXgs9F~23NjiotiEiWsQpjGfj~uu~kswN2VcIM8QJBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public‑health officials told the Fargo Cass Public Health Board of Health on July 12 that Cass County’s local measles activity has ended after passing two incubation periods, while the state continues to investigate other cases.

Brett Nissmeyer, epidemiologist with the state of North Dakota, told the board that North Dakota has recorded 35 measles cases year‑to‑date: 17 in Williams County, 10 in Grand Forks County, 7 in Cass County and 1 in Burke County. He said Cass County had passed the 42‑day (two incubation periods) threshold on July 4, indicating the local instance there was over.

Nissmeyer told the board that a new case reported in Williams County appeared to be travel‑related and “not associated with the current … what currently was going on in North Dakota,” based on the state’s investigation.

Fargo Cass Public Health staff described local response measures. Jen (department staff) and Brett said the department hosted two MMR vaccination clinics during the active period in Cass County and administered 46 MMR doses at those clinics; additional walk‑in immunizations continued through regular clinic hours. The department coordinated with Essentia, Clay County Family Healthcare and Sanford to arrange testing locations because public‑health units were not permitted to perform measles testing on site.

Board members asked about situation across the river in Minnesota. Nissmeyer said Minnesota had reported five cases year‑to‑date and that several were near the end of their incubation periods; he noted cases in the Twin Cities and a small cluster linked to a public event.

Why this matters: measles is highly contagious; local vaccination and testing coordination reduce transmission risk and support targeted response.

Discussion and follow‑up: board members asked questions about regional status and thanked staff; no emergency measures or new board actions were taken at the meeting.

","State and local public‑health officials told the Fargo Cass Public Health board that Cass County has passed a 42‑day period without new measles cases, while North Dakota reports 35 cases year‑to‑date; Fargo Cass Public Health hosted vaccination clinics and coordinated testing pathways with local hospitals.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165723,"Fargo Cass Public Health reports regional launch and promotion of Credible Mind mental‑health platform",76,355000,431000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7&start=355&end=431","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418015-b311fdc4da590391b1cb89c839092ef7/thumbnail_355000.jpg","/articles/6165723/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-Cass-Public-Health-reports-regional-launch-and-promotion-of-Credible-Mind-mentalhealth-platform","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165723-395a7b203f9d413edabf68aff8d2949a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095979&Signature=UAVBFLOoqB9zHXbeTEIu1TMRb2haNZAyzPCJqDdlM5uMd54tzXgdpHRCcHBI34WcjHEXDBctk0lKR3i2as85ov1vmfYoCs09T58WaDf2VDwPHcwlJp8j374l45J3xywhplJInsTlgeZ0MiEHBQrVk8R360Z4NCValsbeeyGVyd7by4f3RG2oQo2TruUkEbueyiEO3QD7eO1~~zvpfm7xpOCIHmq4Amt0FJX1Q96WwqTSClKpDfTKq22b3EycBy5od8OGRdXb3LWbhyEQdsoc0IrVJ4DmLkMuBHz9wdH5dKZwblThbT1zF8ue8GCEwYzZfIOpdVIO2tfRGOlFEOH-~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fargo Cass Public Health updated its Board of Health on July 12 about Credible Mind, an online mental‑health and well‑being platform that launched as a regional resource on May 14.

The platform was created as a single access point for mental‑health resources across participating counties and is being promoted through social media and community presentations, Holly Scott, public information officer for Fargo Cass Public Health, told the board.

Scott said the regional rollout includes Cass, Traill, Ransom, Sargent, Richland and Steele counties and reported “about 958 users accessing the platform right now.” She said staff continue social media promotion and community outreach, including a presentation to North Dakota Parole and Probation that reached a previously unreached audience.

Board members asked questions but raised no objections. Chair John Strand thanked staff and moved the meeting forward.

Why this matters: the platform is intended to centralize mental‑health resources across multiple counties, making it easier for residents and local providers to find services and referral information.

Board context and next steps: Scott invited questions and indicated ongoing promotion; no formal board action was taken on the update.

For residents: contact Fargo Cass Public Health for local outreach events and materials about Credible Mind.

","Fargo Cass Public Health gave an update on Credible Mind, a regional online mental‑health resource launched May 14; staff reported about 958 users and ongoing outreach to varied partners and audiences.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves bylaw change to modernize public‑meeting notice options while complying with ND open‑meetings law

Fargo Cass Public Health narrows CHIP priorities to health/wellness, healthy foods and childcare after stakeholder survey

Fargo Cass Public Health outlines planned fluoride‑varnish program to reach disadvantaged populations

State epidemiologist: Cass County measles outbreak concluded; North Dakota reports 35 cases year‑to‑date

Fargo Cass Public Health reports regional launch and promotion of Credible Mind mental‑health platform