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The Enrollee Advisory Committee (EAC), who are Hennepin Health members, met on April 8. Members discussed the following topics:
- Introduction of Commissioner Chris LaTondresse
- COVID-19 updates from Hennepin County Public Health staff Susan Palchick and Allison Thrash
- Member survey results
- Hennepin Health’s outreach opportunities
- Reopening of the Walk-In Service Center
- Mental health resources with Sally Kratz, Hennepin County Mental Health Center
- Promoting the new enrollee survey
Committee members shared many ideas for outreach, including school class lectures, community involvement and virtual events. Members also appreciated hearing about all the mental health services and resources that the Mental Health Center offers. They suggested that Hennepin Health let all members know about this information. www.hennepin.us/residents/health-medical/mental-health-substance-use
The EAC gives feedback on overall health care issues, new programs and changes in procedures. Group feedback reflects the priorities and interests of members.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family. The more people who get vaccinated against COVID-19, the better it is for everyone. There is no cost to you to receive the vaccine. You will not need an ID.
Everyone 12 years and older can get the vaccine. Members under age 18 should be with a parent or legal guardian.
You may need two vaccine doses to be fully protected from the COVID-19 virus. You will receive the second dose 3-4 weeks after your first dose. Staff at the location where you get your first dose will tell you when to return for your second dose.
If you need transportation, interpreter services or have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 1-800-627-3529).
Ways to get the COVID-19 vaccine
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine from your clinic, local pharmacy or public vaccination event. You can make an appointment or walk in at some locations.
Go to your clinic website to schedule an appointment and for more information.
To find a location closest to you, go to these websites:
Or try these websites:
Are you in need of housing or rental assistance? There is help available.
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance
Emergency rent assistance is available for people who have experienced hardship because of the pandemic and need help to pay rent or utility bills. Renters can apply for assistance directly at RentHelpMN.
Renters with questions or who need help with the application process can call 211. Trained operators are available to answer questions about eligibility, bills or documents. 211 has translation services available.
Medicaid benefit for housing
A Medicaid benefit can help members find or keep housing. This benefit, called Housing Stabilization Services, is available to members with disabilities or who are most likely to experience homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
More than 100 providers now offer Housing Stabilization Services. Some Hennepin Health members may qualify for this program. Call Member Services at 612-596-1036 for more information.
Other community organizations that can help
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Preventive care is important for a healthy you and a healthy family. Routine and follow-up health care help to improve and protect you now and for the future.
It’s always time to think about preventive care.
Mental health. The past year has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Take action to help yourself or a loved one.
- Connect with the Hennepin County Mental Health Center for services over video or phone. For appointments, call 612-596-9438.
- Save Hennepin County COPE’s numbers in case of mental health emergencies: Adults: 612-596-1223. Children 17 and under: 612-348-2233. hennepin.us/residents/emergencies/mental-health-emergencies
- Visit NAMI MN for support groups, educational materials and other resources. https://namimn.org/
Annual/regular health care visits. Stay healthy by staying current with:
- Eye exams
- Mammograms
- Annual physicals
- Vaccinations
Child and Teen Checkups. Checkups are free and can earn you rewards (hennepinhealth.org/members/rewards-programs). Children and teens should get health checks at these milestones:
- Between birth and 1 month
- At 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months
- Every year after age 3 through age 20
Dental. Healthy smiles start with healthy teeth and gums. Annual dental checkups help you and your family get and keep healthy smiles. The American Dental Association has fun coloring and activity sheets for your kids in English or Spanish. The sheets can help your kids learn healthy habits: https://bit.ly/3pLNTav.
Use the Healthwise® Knowledgebase online tool (healthwise.net/hennepin) to find out more about preventative care.
The Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase online health tool has lots of information to help you learn about health conditions and how to treat them. Topics that may interest you now that summer is here include:
- Heat exhaustion – When temperatures heat up, it can take a toll on your body. Learn about the signs and symptoms for heatstroke, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
- Sunburn – Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Learn about sun protection and treatments for sunburn.
- Water safety – On a hot day, getting into a pool or lake feels refreshing. Learn about water safety, teaching safe swimming and preventing drowning.
Learn more, in English or Spanish, at healthwise.net/hennepin.
National Men’s Health Month is about encouraging the men in your life to take care of themselves.
Encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices by eating right and exercising. Encourage them to make regular annual visits to the doctor for early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease and depression.
Show support for the men and boys in your lives on Wear Blue Day, Friday, June 18. Wear Blue was created by Men’s Health Network to raise awareness about the importance of male health. Learn how to plan a Wear Blue event.
For more information, go to www.menshealthmonth.org.
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This year, the National Safety Council celebrates the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month. This annual observance aims to help keep each other safe, in the workplace or any place. You can make a difference at home, work or in your community.
Although advances have been made in safety, preventable work-related deaths have increased. In 2020, an estimated 42,060 people died in vehicle crashes. Most chance injury-related deaths happen at home or on vacation.
The National Safety Council has tools, resources and safety courses to help you prevent injuries or death. www.nsc.org
Summer is here and people are going outside for fun and activities. While there are many to choose from, here are a few things to check out for you and your family.
- Juneteenth, June 19 – Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated remembrance of the ending of slavery in the United States. Today, the event honors African American freedom, education and achievement. You can reflect and rejoice, and celebrate with picnics and family gatherings. See what’s happening in Minneapolis for Juneteenth: www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/juneteenth.
- Somali Week, July 1 – Somali Week is the Minnesota Somali community’s largest celebration of the year. It includes Somali Independence Day Festival, Xasuuso (Remember)1960 and other events. This year the event is virtual. www.somaliweek.org
- Twin Cities World Refugee Day, June 20 – Twin Cities World Refugee Day celebrates the diversity of the cultures and experiences that thousands of refugees bring to our communities. This year the event is virtual with performances by musicians, dancers, poets and storytellers. www.capiusa.org/events/world-refugee-day
- Twin Cities Pride Festival, July 17-18 – The 49th annual event at Loring Park features food, music and vendors. tcpride.org/event/49th-annual-twin-cities-pride-festival
- Hennepin County Libraries, all summer – Find great books to read, join a book club and explore the virtual summer learning program. https://www.hclib.org/programs/summer-learning
Kids get arthritis. In the U.S., 300,000 children have arthritis. You can bring awareness and show your support by wearing gear or joining the virtual run, walk or roll race during July.
Juvenile arthritis is different from a grandparent’s aches and pain. Children suffer from an autoimmune form of arthritis that attacks their joints. Because a child’s immune system is not fully developed until around age 18, this type of arthritis is especially aggressive in children.
Symptoms include swollen joints, stiffness and fever. These are symptoms that parents may think is the flu or a rash. If it is not treated, it can result in mobility loss, blindness and even death.
The Arthritis National Research Foundation promotes July as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. You can find more information and resources on their website: curearthritis.org/juvenile-arthritis-awareness-month.
Eligible Hennepin Health members can get a ride to and from health-care appointments. If you need transportation, you can get it:
- For medical and dental appointments
- For physical therapy appointments
- For mental/behavioral health and chemical dependency appointments
- For occupational therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic appointments
- To pick up your prescription at a pharmacy
Call us at 612-596-1036 (TTY 1-800-627-3529), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call 3 days before you need transportation for best service.
Follow us for the latest news, stories and updates about keeping you healthy facebook.com/hennepinhealth.
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DHS approved 6/16/2021 ID# HC-1185-MC
Language and civil rights notices
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