Staff photo by Fritz Busch
Brown County Commissioners will consider a 2023
Brown County Evaluation Center (detox) contract Tuesday,
Nov. 22. Facility updates will be shared at the county board
meeting.
NEW ULM — Brown County Commissioners will consider the 2023 Brown County Evaluation Center (BCEC detox) contract Tuesday, Nov. 22.
The facility located at 510 N. Front requested a $13/day increase. Per diem would be $460/day.
Brown County Evaluation Center Executive Director Amanda Schuknecht will share statistical information and facility updates being discussed.
The 16-bed, co-ed, free-standing, non-hospital detoxification facility is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. It provides services to individuals who are intoxicated or in withdrawal from alcohol and other substances, and who are unable to immediately care for themselves.
The facility accepts patients voluntarily and involuntarily. It provides a safe, caring environment to detox from all substances.
The commissioners will hear that respiratory illness including influenza has been increasing over the last few weeks, according to Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz’ report. There are 129 school reports of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) statewide.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is outpacing influenza statewide. It can occur in people of any age but those under age two are more likely to have more significant illness and hospitalization.
Ways to reduce the spread of influenza and ILI including RSV include:
• Getting influenza vaccinations for anyone over six months old. Influenza can be spread to others at high risk for hospitalization and death.
• Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick by covering your cough.
• Proper hand washing significantly reduces the spread of diseases like flu and the common cold.
• Stay home when sick.
• Protect infants by not exposing them to large crowds or sick family members when flu is in your community.
• Do not share drinking cups and straws.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets).
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the courthouse commissioner’s room.
(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@
nujournal.com).
