June Carver County SHIP Newsletter

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Carver County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP)

In this issue...

  • Health Equity Data Analysis
  • Celebrating Roxanne Williams
  • The Return of the Power of Produce Club
  • Action Items
  • Events

Health Equity Data Analysis

health equit

Over the past year, Carver County Public Health (CCPH) Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) staff has been examining policies, systems, and environments (PSE) that impact, either positively or negatively, the relationship between income and mental health as part of a Health Equity Data Analysis (HEDA). Key data points from research shows a ratio of one mental health provider per 880 people in Carver County. Additionally, compared to those in Carver County above 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), those in Carver County under 200% of the FPL were over two times more likely to report having been told by a health professional that they had depression, almost two times more likely to have been told they had anxiety, and two times more likely to have experienced frequent mental distress. With the support of SHIP funding, technical assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health SHIP staff, and CCPH SHIP staff, the county conducted three focus groups to learn more about PSE that impacts the relationship between income and mental health. Four main themes were identified; The Mental Health System, Social Determinates of Health, Family and Social Systems, and Knowledge and Awareness. One participant stated, “There’s no one who understands, that’s what it feels like. No one understands what you’re going through.” Another stated, “If you make too much money, you can’t get insurance… what I’m trying to say is, if you’re rich, you’re fine because you can afford to take yourself to therapy. If you are poor, you can get insurance help through the county. If you’re right in that middle, you eat, or you go to therapy.” Currently the results of the study are being distributed, including presentations to the Carver County Community Leadership Team and the Adult Mental Health Initiative. The project was very successful and will contribute to the planning of the Carver County Community Health Improvement Plan.

To view the full report, click here or visit www.co.carver.mn.us. For questions, or to request a presentation of the HEDA project, contact Jeremy Vann, SHIP Coordinator at jvann@co.carver.mn.us or 952-361-1328.


Celebrating Roxanne Williams

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This year marks the end of an illustrious career as Roxanne Williams is retiring from her position as the nutrition services manager at Eastern Carver County Schools. Williams, a registered and licensed dietitian for 40 years, was named the Minnesota School Nutrition Association's Outstanding Director of the Year for 2013 as well as the Outstanding Director of the Year for 2013 in the seven-state Midwest region. She has also received the STAR Award from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health; the award recognizes professionals for their contributions to the education, training and guidance of future public health leaders. Williams has been lauded for her hands-on approach to training food service employees, her work in managing complex food service budgets, and her resourcefulness in utizilizng food cooperatives and local farmers to provide healthy food. Williams has stated that the most rewarding part of the job has been developing relationships with students and supporting creative ideas from local staff. Carver County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership thanks Roxanne Williams for her dedication to health and wellness.


The Return of the Power of Produce (PoP) Club

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The Power of Produce (PoP) Club returns to Carver County as farmers markets look to kick-off the year. As part of the PoP club, each week, children ages 4 to 12 receive a free $2 token to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. The PoP Club engages children at farmers markets and empowers them to make healthy food choices. It also aims to increase family participation at farmers markets, increase vendor revenue, and build healthier communities.

You can find the PoP Club at the following farmers markets:

Every Wednesday, starting June 6th, 3pm to 6pm - Bongards Market, 12984 Co Rd 51, Norwood Young America

Every Wednesday, starting June 20th, 3pm to 7 pm - Downtown Chaska Farmers Market, Chaska City Square Park

For questions or to learn more about PoP, contact Caitlin Huiras at chuiras@co.carver.mn.us.

Action Items

Tobacco Retailer Store Audits

Carver County SHIP is looking for individuals, with a focus on youth, to be part of a Tobacco Retailer Store Audit Project. The project consists of completing an assessment of tobacco products, (e.g. cigarettes, cigarillos, e-cigs, chew, etc.) and related marketing materials at tobacco retailers throughout the county. Volunteers would be asked to complete at least three retailer assessments. This is a great activity for youth as assessments will start in June. If you or someone you know, youth or adult is interested, please contact Jeremy Vann at jvann@co.carver.mn.us or 952-361-1328.

National Trails Day – June 2, 2018

This is a wonderful time of year to get outside and enjoy the many miles of trails that are available for walking, biking, hiking and rolling throughout Carver County.  Trails provide great recreational opportunities, and also meet transportation needs for many people.

For those who are in a position to encourage others to take advantage of our area trails, you may be interested in more information about National Trails Day go to:  www.americanhiking.orgHope to see you out on the trails on June 2nd!

Events

AllsWellConey Islandfarmer's market

Carver County Government Center Farmers' Market starting June 20th.

To be added to the distribution list please email

jvann@co.carver.mn.us

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