Bike your way to better health

People who bicycle more often have lower risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, according to a recent U of M Study.

One finding states people who took three bicycle trips per week had 20 percent fewer risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. 

Want to know more?  Read the U of M study.

Register now for training

SHIP grantees have a training opportunity with the Midwest Academy, a leading national training institute for effective community organizing and understanding policy change process.

This training will provide community organizers with methods and skills that enable them to actively participate in the democratic process and to think and act strategically to advance policy change.

Interested in learning more? Registration is due Aug. 25 and information for SHIP grantees can be found on this page. 

Fall 2017 program begins soon

The Minnesota Community Health Worker (CHW) curriculum is a nationally-recognized 14 credit competency-based program leading to a certificate of completion recognized by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for coverage of specific CHW services under Minnesota Health Care Programs.

The program is intended for individuals with a HS diploma or GED and without a US license in another health field.  Visit the CHW website for information on the program.

Contact the following school contacts for specific information:

Minneapolis Community and Technical College
judine.pattinson@minneapolis.edu

Minnesota West, Worthington
roxanne.hayenga@mnwest.edu

Normandale Community College, Bloomington
cynthia.carow@normandale.edu

Northwest Technical College, Bemidji
wendy.potratz@ntcmn.edu

Rochester Community and Technical College
kathy.richie@rctc.edu

Summit Academy OIC, Minneapolis
jegan@saoic.org

St. Catherine University, St. Paul
jrmumm@stkate.edu

A school-based agriculture project in Olmsted County is growing in popularity, with national media – including the Washington Times - picking up the story of Rochester's Alternative Learning Center’s Green Thumb Initiative.

SHIP began working with the ALC in 2010 with helping plan and fund the garden. The robust program includes multiple gardens, raised beds, a fruit tree orchard, honey bees, pheasants and ducks and compost sales.

Through the Green Thumb Initiative, students have developed the confidence and commitment needed for future success, program founder Liz Quackenbush told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.  She added, "We want to give these kids practical skills that can go on applications so that they're employable when they leave high school."

With the help of the county and multiple community partners, a non-profit has been established so they can begin fundraising to become self-sustaining.  Next steps: a hoop house for season extension and compost production. 

Watch the video that highlights the good work done by the Alternative Learning Center and SHIP.