Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

Minnesota Department of Health

Making it Better: Minnesota's Health Improvement Log

June 22, 2017

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Registration Open for 2017 SHIP Meeting

SHIP meeting

The link is now live

Register now for the annual SHIP meeting, scheduled for July 26-27 at the Eagan Community Center.   

The event promises to have compelling speakers, including MDH Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger, and informative breakout sessions. Also in the mix are fun events like Bingo-on-the-trails, with prizes given to those who fill their bingo cards as designated items are spotted.

A cap of five people per grantee organization is in place so get your registrations in early.

Register here.   Hotel information here.


Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach Training

Sponsor/hosts needed 

Starting in July,  DTTAC Master Trainers from the Minnesota Department of Health will provide six, bi-monthly regional Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach trainings.  Sponsors/hosts are needed for several of the sessions.

Lifestyle Coach Training schedule:

July 2017, Southwest Region:  Sponsor/host - Southern Prairie Community Health

September 2017, Northwest: Sponsor/host – Quin County Community Health

November 2017, Northeast: Sponsor/host - NEEDED

January 2018, Metro: Sponsor/host - NEEDED

March 2018, Southeast: Sponsor/host – NEEDED

May 2018, Southwest : Sponsor/host – Countryside Public Health

Sponsors/hosts are responsible for locating a space/room in the community that accommodates 20 people for two consecutive days. The room should have tables and chairs, internet access and be able to accommodate a power point presentation. Sponsors are encouraged, but not required, to provide food and beverages for the group. 

For information or to become a sponsor/host, contact:

Amy Michael, amy.michael@state.mn.us  or  Ann Schulte, ann.schulte@state.mn.us


New Funding for Free SNAP/EBT Equipment

snap

Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farmers can apply

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) announced earlier this month that funding is now available for free electronic benefit transfer (EBT) processing equipment offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program. The program, administered by FMC and funded by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has provided equipment necessary to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) to more than 1,000 farmers markets and direct marketing farmers across the country. 

New applications are being accepted and funding is first-come, first serve. If interested, apply online now through November of 2017.  


Free Training Session Update

Two free training sessions for SHIP grantees

MDH, Counter Tools and the Public Health Law Center will provide SHIP grantees with two free training opportunities on July 25 at the Eagan Community Center.   

The first session runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is titled “Counter Tools Introduces the New POST Data Collection Software.”   It’s intended for SHIP grantees working on tobacco retail environment (also called the point of sale) initiatives, especially those grantees working toward city or county tobacco ordinances.

The second session, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., is “Public Health Law Center Presents Lobbying vs. Advocacy Workshop.” It’s designed for SHIP grantees curious about advocating for policy, systems and environmental changes without it being considered lobbying.

Register by Friday, July 7, at publichealthlaw@mitchellhamline.edu and include:

Your full name; the name of your organization; which session(s) you plan to attend; a phone number where we can reach you with any follow-up questions.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

QUITPLAN Mock Teleconference

Informational call on QUITPLAN services

Date: Tuesday, July 11

Time: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

This informational session will provide an overview of what tobacco users experience when they call QUITPLAN Services. We will play a recording of a mock registration call and a coaching session. After listening to the calls, we will have a question and answer session with staff from QUITPLAN Services.

This session is designed for individuals who share information about or refer clients, patients or community members to QUITPLAN Services.  

RSVP by July 6 to Pamela Jensen at pjensen@clearwaymn.org.


HEDA Webinar 3

Conditions and Causes

Date: June 28

Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Join the OSHII Evaluation & Surveillance Unit for this important and informative webinar. It will introduce participant to collecting qualitative data, and will explore differences in living and working conditions between populations and the causes of those differences.

Details:

1. Log on to this link.
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the session password: XyYcrr*7
4. Click "Join Now"
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

Call-in toll-free number: 1-888-742-5095 (US)
Conference Code: 982 114 1691


Save the Date- Returning in the Fall

Planning for population health coffee call

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 6

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

We are taking July and August off but will be back in September at a new time and with new discussion topics for the rest of the year, to support your work with planning professionals.

If you have call topic ideas around the intersection of health and planning, please let the Healthy Eating and Active Living Team know.

Thanks!


Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Training Scheduled

Register now for July training

Date: July 11- 12

Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Willmar

The Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach training is a two-day training that prepares participants to offer the year-long DPP program.  Attendees will receive a training manual and handouts and a certificate of completion at the end of the training. 

This is a free training offered by MDH, SHIP and CWG, and is valued at $750 per person.

Register here for July training.

For more information please contact:

Amy Michael amy.michael@state.mn.us or Ann Schulte ann.schulte@state.mn.us


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This Week's Gem

Plumer

It takes a village to create healthy changes. In Buffalo, it took more than a day of volunteer time for licensed plumber Bruce Ballweber to install a hydration station so students and staff at Wright Technical Center (WTC) could have easier access to drinking water throughout the day.  

The hydration station was purchased with SHIP funds and installed in March. Officials say many students and staff are using it daily. In fact, Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative Cornerstones Program changed its policy and now allow students to carry water bottles during the school day. 

One Cornerstone student said, “We drink less pop," which validates the mission Anna Bohanon, Wright County Health Promotion Coordinator, has been promoting - to increase opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity during the school day.

Well done Anna, Bruce and all who kept the hydration station plan in motion.