Codington County Health Nurse Reports Rise in Postpartum Depression Symptoms, Completed School Immunization Audits

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County’s Community Health Nurse Codi Storm delivered her first‑half 2026 report to commissioners Tuesday, outlining stable referral numbers, completed school immunization audits, expanded outreach efforts, and a growing focus on postpartum depression support.

Storm said referrals for the county’s Maternal and Child Health Program and Pregnancy Care Program remain consistent, typically ranging between 12 and 15 referrals per month. According to the agenda’s quarterly data, the county recorded 44 referrals received in Q1, 44 in Q2, and a combined 45 accepted across both quarters.

Referrals come from three primary sources: the WIC office, local clinics, and Medicaid. Storm noted that her team contacts each referral five to six times, using text messages, phone calls, and mailed letters to reach families.

Increase in Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Storm reported a noticeable uptick in postpartum depression symptoms among local mothers. In response, she and her staff will begin more frequent follow‑up calls between clinic visits and physician appointments.

Agenda data shows the county completed 53 PHQ‑9 depression screenings in the first half of 2026, with five referrals made for additional support.

School Immunization Audits Completed

All school immunization audits were finalized as of January 1. Storm’s office audited eight school districts and reviewed records for approximately 820 students.

Immunization activity has slowed since the end of the 2025 flu season — a typical trend once school auditing concludes — but planning is already underway for the 2026–2027 school year, including vaccine ordering and clinic scheduling.

Quarterly immunization totals from the agenda include:

·         1st Quarter: 21 VFC doses in January, 13 in February, 21 in March

·         2nd Quarter: 25 VFC doses in April, 26 in May, 15 in June

School Health Programs Continue

Storm said the teen outreach programs in Waverly and Florence wrapped up earlier this spring, and worksheets for the 2026–2027 school year have been submitted. The county will continue providing contracted school health services to St. Martin’s, Great Plains, Waverly, Florence, and Henry beginning this fall.

Community Outreach Expands

Storm highlighted several outreach efforts, including:

· Quarterly participation in LEPC meetings

· A KidCare babysitting class with SDSU Extension

· Nutrition education for youth

· Partnership with WIC and Bright Start at the second annual Splash in the Summer event

· A June appearance on Northeast Radio SD with Sarah Foust discussing the BPI building transfer to Codington Connects

Staffing Update and Temporary Office Challenges

Storm reported that Lindsay, the WIC senior secretary, resigned about a month ago. WIC staff will absorb her duties, and the position is not being refilled at this time.

She also noted that both WIC and public health staff continue operating from temporary shared space. Despite close quarters, Storm said clients have not experienced difficulty locating services or scheduling appointments.

Commissioner Lee Gabel praised Storm and her team for maintaining full services despite the ongoing office transition.

“Hats off to you and your staff for putting up with not knowing where you’re going to be tomorrow or the next day,” Gabel said. “I appreciate that you’re able to adjust and continue doing your job.”

Budget Overview

Storm presented her preliminary 2027 budget request, including:

· A 3% cost‑of‑living increase and longevity adjustment for clerical staff

· Rent estimates based on previous rates

· Steady funding for nurse supplies used in community events, breastfeeding outreach, immunization clinics, and Head Start activities

· Reduced postage costs after transitioning to state‑issued stamps

· No major changes to travel or conference lines

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