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   WALKER—Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services Director Brian Buhmann along with Veteran Services Officer Kristy Smart presented the departments annual report to Cass County commissioners Tuesday, April 2.

   Among the highlights for 2023 reported was that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is in the process of splitting up to create an entirely separate Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The past year also brought staff changes with the retirement of Michele Piprude as Director and the newly created position of a Public Health Planner who will oversee the progress of the County’s response to the Opioid crisis.

Veterans Services

   Smart informed the board Cass County received $67,562 from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs State Soldiers Assistance program for Veterans optical, dental, subsistence and relief grants. It was stated the currently a Veteran can only receive a relief grant once during their lifetime with a maximum of $5,000. This is currently under consideration of being upgraded to allow Veterans to receive a total of $15,000 during their lifetime with it being a running total and not a one-time grant. 

   Smart also shared with the board 126 rides for a total of 28,175 miles were provided to Veterans during 2023, which is lower than normal. It was stated the department lost some drivers during the pandemic, due to them getting older and not wanting to be in close quarters with other people. Another reason for lack of drivers is believed to be because they cannot physically assist Veterans, as the Veteran has to be able to be mobile.   

Income maintenance

   Cass County processed payments for $143,035,056.49 in health service bills for people who qualified for state and federal medical assistance in 2023.

   Other services for qualified people and the average per person monthly 2023 benefits are:

   • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for low-income people, $191.27.

   • Minnesota Family Investment Program for low-income families and pregnant women, $380.97.

   • Diversionary Work Program for families looking for work, $125.97.

   • Child Care Assistance for families with low income, $378.21.

   • General Assistance for adults who have little or no income and are unable to return to work, $154.42.

   • Emergency General Assistance for low-income people during a crisis who need food, shelter, utilities, $500.

   • Group Residential Housing pays room and board for people age 65 or older and for disabled age 18 and older or those who are blind who live in authorized settings, $468.03.

   • Minnesota Supplemental Aid for adults who are eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income, $102.29.

Child Support

   Cass collected $2,312,267 and paid $2,249,450 to custodial parents for child support during 2023. The majority of child support continues to be collected through income withholding.  

Public Health - 

Children, Youth & Families

   During 2023  the Women, Infants and Children program continued to be serviced virtually through July with the program transitioning to a hybrid model during August offering either in-person or telephone appointments and served an average of 552 participants. Participants redeemed a total of $327,725 worth of food assistance benefits between October of 2022 and September of 2023.

   The Follow Along Program (FAP) saw 96 new clients, 206 active families and five children referred for Early Intervention Services. This program helps parents identify where their child is at on the developmental pathway and provides ideas about “what to teach” and “at what age” to teach it at. 

   Buhmann also shared a total of 63 car seats were distributed during 2023 and the department held it’s third annual baby shower and are currently planning the fourth. He mentioned other counties have contacted him to inquire how they could get that program started.

Public Health - Home Health, Long Term Care, Prevention

   During 2023 Cass County saw an additional two Community Gardens constructed. These gardens all received grant funds to assist in improvements and expansion. 

   For the complete HHVS Annual report go to www.casscountymn.gov.

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