Mower County Public Health took a small step toward meeting new national standards.

On Tuesday, the county board approved a $2,500 grant application to fund a self-assessment to see how the county measures up to the potential accreditation standards.

A group of officials has been working to set up the standards for all Public Health agencies.

“There are some things about it I like, and there are some things about it I don’t like,” Public Health Director Margene Gunderson said.

The assessment doesn’t mean the department will have to become accredited. It’s just a way to learn more and how the department measures up.

“I’m not here to recommend accreditation today, because I don’t know enough about it,” she said.

However, Gunderson said she suspects future grants could one day hinge on whether an agency is accredited — or accredited counties could one day be given priority. However, it’s too early to tell.

She said she can see goods and bads about the program, noting it would hold Public Health departments accountable.

“It does hold the feet to the flame a little more,” Gunderson said.

Public health applies for grants

The county board approved an application for a $57,793 grant to operate the Open Door Clinic.

Before approving the grant application, commissioners questioned if the grants would require local dollars. Gunderson said a only small amount of local money is dedicated to the grant.

“We definitely have a need for this,” she said.

Gunderson said that if the clinic wasn’t funded, there would be people who don’t get these services because many couldn’t afford the drive to other Open Door Clinics in places like Rochester.

The county board also approved an application for a $24,333 Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant.

Public health will conduct local risk assessment and work with other local agencies to identify two priority issues. They’ll then form an 18-month work plan.