 A roundtable discussion Friday, Oct. 7, at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center spotlighted vital work to support healthy pregnancies and improve birth outcomes in American Indian and African American communities. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead and Deputy Commissioner Nikki Farago listened to community leaders and families talk about their experiences and challenges.
With financial support from the state through the Integrated Care for High Risk Pregnancies program, community-led care collaboratives are promoting integrated care and enhanced services for pregnant people at risk for adverse birth outcomes. The collaboratives strengthen partnerships between pregnant and parenting people, community organizations, clinics, community health workers and doulas.
The goal is to decrease some of the nation’s worst racial disparities in birth outcomes through direct support of American Indian and African American communities in Minnesota. The integrated care approach reduces risks during pregnancy, improves care for American Indian and African American pregnant people and their partners, and results in better birth outcomes.
“The crisis we are facing in maternal health across both our state and country – particularly for Black and Indigenous parents and babies – is unacceptable,” Flanagan said. “That’s why our administration has prioritized investments that protect and promote the health and safety of babies, moms and new families. As a Native mom, I’m proud of this work to improve outcomes for high-risk pregnancies so that every new family gets their best possible start.”
Harpstead noted, “This program is an important way for us to improve racial health equity in Minnesota. We worked with communities to create this model, and the communities are leading the work. It’s inspiring to hear firsthand about the difference this approach is making.”
Learn more in a department news release.
 Print and video resources are now available for partners and providers to spread the word about Help Me Connect, a tool for navigating resources for Minnesota families.
Help Me Connect launched in 2021 to connect expecting and parenting families with young children to resources that support healthy child development and family well-being. The website includes information on basic needs, legal services, American Indian families, health and wellness support and more.
Marketing materials include a flyer, rack card, poster and nine-minute waiting room video. Materials are available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong and Karen.
Divisions across DHS continue to develop Help Me Connect in partnership with the Minnesota departments of Education and Health, along with the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. It is one of several activities funded by the federal Preschool Development Grant from the U.S. Department Health and Human Services designed to remove barriers so families with young children can access life-changing early childhood programs.
Since launching in May 2021, the Help Me Connect website has had over 110,000 unique visitors.
 DHS Assistant Commissioner Tikki Brown (left) and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bharti Wahi (center) had fun playing with the children at Rutha Kyi Family Child Care last month. They also had important discussions with Rutha (right) about the barriers her business faces and resources to help the child care industry.
Rutha’s four-star-rated Parent Aware program opened in 2013 with the help of Think Small. Now, Rutha is one of the few providers who speak Karen and provide care during nontraditional hours.
Thank you for sharing your insight, Rutha!
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For accessible formats of this publication, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.
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