Administration reported Nov. 3 that Sawyer County Health & Human Services went live with a new electronic medical record to replace an older system and improve interdepartmental client tracking and program coordination.

Carrie, staff member, said training is underway and early feedback from users has been positive. The new system is intended to help staff identify clients who are in multiple programs and streamline communication across divisions.

Staff also announced a food drive that began Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 14; distribution sites include Hayward, Stone Lake, LCO and Waldo Center food pantries. Staff asked businesses and community groups to host local drives and said county staff could pick up donations for distribution.

On public health, Julie, public-health staff, reported a second annual community stakeholder meeting at LCO University attended by 39 people representing about 25 organizations. Participants identified three priority areas: substance and alcohol use, mental health and social isolation, and basic needs including housing, health care, childcare and transportation. Julie asked for volunteers to join work groups addressing those priorities.

No formal actions were taken; staff will continue training on the EMR and coordinating distribution for the food drive.