Healthy Homes

All Minnesotans should have the opportunity to make choices that allow them to live a long, healthy life, regardless of their income, education, or ethnic background. Everyone wants good health to be productive at work, to succeed in school, and to have affordable medical and housing costs. Healthier homes will directly result in healthier people, leading to lower health care costs and more vibrant communities. To make this opportunity a choice for all Minnesotans, we all must do our part in creating and maintaining healthy homes and communities.

The Healthy Homes Minnesota approach uses well-documented, evidence-based interventions to address housing-related health hazards. A “healthy home” is a home designed, constructed, maintained, or rehabilitated in a manner that supports the health of residents. 

Healthy Homes Assessment

  • Assessment
    • Evaluation of housing conditions that can exacerbate existing or potential health conditions or lead to illness/injury.
  • Client Education
    • Understanding the relationship between the health of the occupants, the housing conditions, and the choices individuals make regarding the utilization of their living space. If the resident lives in a rental property, the visit will also provide tenant guidance.
  • Recommendations
    • Healthy Homes recommendations and education on practical methods to reduce health and safety risks in housing. This includes advice on maintaining a healthy living environment based on the 7 Healthy Homes Principles.
  • Improvement Supplies
    • Approved home intervention supplies and improvements identified in the assessment (based on availability).
      • Air Quality and Moisture Control
        • Dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and cleaning supplies.
      • Asthma and Allergy Control
        • Mattress and pillow covers, vacuums, and pest control.
      • Safety Enhancements
        • Fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and radon test kits
      • Injury Prevention
        • Bathmats, corner bumpers, cabinet locks, and more. 
      • General Improvements
        • Other measures to address specific needs of the household.
      • Follow-Up
        • Assess the effectiveness in alleviating the healthy homes hazard.

The Minnesota Healthy Homes approach focuses on the 7 Healthy Homes Principles

  1. Keep It Dry
    • Excess moisture creates conditions that affect health.
  2. Keep It Clean
    • Prevents exposure to contaminants.
  3. Keep It Pest Free
    • Pests can create allergens and spread disease.
  4. Keep It Safe
    • Most injuries occur in the home.
  5. Keep It Contaminant-Free
    • It is easier to prevent exposure to contaminants than it is to remove them and their effects.
  6. Keep It Ventilated
    • Adequate ventilation reduces exposure to airborne contaminants.
  7. Keep It Well-Maintained
    • Prevents moisture build-up and other health hazards.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

  • Refer or schedule
  • Scheduling
    • After receiving the Healthy Homes Assessment form request, we will contact the resident to schedule a Healthy Homes Assessment.

Contact Environmental Health Specialist, Katie Reyes at 507-835-0657 or Katie.Reyes@WasecaCounty.Gov to learn more.