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JOIN YOUR REGIONAL NETWORK AND WORK WITH OTHERS AS DEDICATED AS YOU!
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A bridge to community solutions
Network member spotlight: Central Minnesota Alliance
The Central Minnesota Alliance (CMA) began in 2018 with informal coffee meetings between the Stearns County Public Health Director and the Centracare Community and Government Relations Director. Today, the CMA is a partnership involving staff from Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties, and Centracare (formerly St. Cloud Hospital.) The CMA conducts the region’s community health need assessment and community health improvement Plan.
“We discovered that we had so much in common. It is good practice to do this work together.” – Peggy Sammons, Public Health Planner, Sherburne County Health and Human Services.
Many county staff have long histories of personal and professional collaboration and cooperation. In some cases, they moved from county to neighboring county or from one position to another, maintaining positive connections that are a basis of the partnership’s success.
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 Photo of Health Festival in St Cloud, featuring 10 CMA Staff in front of the Sherburne County Wellness Bus.
St. Cloud has a unique geography in that it lies within three counties: Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns. St. Cloud is the county seat of Stearns County. Benton and Sherburne’s county seats are in Foley and Elk River, which are quite a drive from St. Cloud. In response, CMA operates on a “no wrong door” approach that makes services more accessible to regional community members, removes duplicative efforts, and allows staff to collaborate.
“The key part of all of this is that we voluntarily agree to work together. It’s nothing official, nothing legal. We are driven by our desire to collaborate.” - Peggy Sammons.
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Reflections and activity highlights from the Minnesota Health Equity Networks regional coordinators
“With the new year, I have been reflecting upon our past year of the Health Equity Networks. The networks have offered a space for community, growth, and celebration, both in the Southeast Region and throughout the state of Minnesota. This was especially evident during the in person gathering hosted by Winona County. The excitement about the co-designs shared in that space, and the development of the book club was an example of curiosity and willingness to grow in this space.
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Your stories are the true voices of the Health Equity Networks. I have enjoyed learning with you from your celebrations and your challenges, and I look forward to hearing more and learning more on our 2024 Health Equity Networks journey.” -Lyndsey Reece, DHA, MHA, NBC-HWC, Southeast Coordinator |
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Commitment to health equity is for the long haul
A message from Shor, Project Supervisor
Hello Networks Communities,
Now that the cold has settled in most parts of Minnesota, I hope you are keeping warm physically and in spirit. As I reflect on your commitment to health equity and the breadth of this effort, I am in awe of the brilliant work happening in our state. The Networks have brought together thousands of people dedicated to health equity in their communities, and it is truly humbling. We know so many are doing their part to make Minnesota more inclusive, safe, engaged, and equitable.
This commitment is for the long haul. Health equity work is complex, and happens in different ways across many places, communities, issues, organizations, and levels of change. It is generational. We will pass the baton to our descendants to continue moving this work forward. We are excited to be on this journey with you and to help each other sustain these efforts for the long haul.
In the meantime, here are some ways to continue strengthening collective commitment through the Minnesota Health Equity Networks:
Put a pin on our Statewide Virtual Map: Share who you are and what you are working on via Minnesota Health Equity Connections! Then take a look at all the other folks doing health equity work across the state.
Join a Statewide Gathering: Explore broader topics related to health equity, hear from communities and organizations about their work, and connect with people across the state.
Join a Regional Gathering: Come together by region and learn, connect, and hear from each other about how to strengthen our regions across Minnesota.
Come to a training! The Networks host trainings on different topics throughout the year and we'd love to see you there. If there is a topic you'd like to see, please let us know by clicking into this Minnesota Health Equity Connections page and scrolling down and clicking "Add Your Idea."
Take advantage of our technical assistance and coaching! Perhaps you want to brainstorm because you are just getting started on health equity work or you’re amid revamping your community engagement plan. Maybe you need support thinking through a process, or something completely different. Our team is here to support you. Get assistance by filling out our Request Form.
Much care,
shor
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Training sessions and statewide meetings
Statewide Training
Feb. 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Virtual - Webex
Register: Minnesota Health Equity Networks Statewide Training Registration | Webex
During this one-hour interactive session, learn how to assess an organization's policy or procedure with a health equity lens.
Regional gatherings
Regional gatherings are free and open to all. Participate in one region, or more than one! All regional gatherings below are virtual unless otherwise indicated. Scroll down for a regional map. Stay tuned for upcoming gatherings, which will be posted here: Minnesota Health Equity Networks - MN Dept. of Health
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We offer health equity support and technical assistance!
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We are honored to help our network members*, local public health, Tribal public health, and other partners carry out the important work of health equity and community engagement.
To request support, please complete this form: Minnesota Health Equity Networks - Training, TA, and Facilitation Request Form
- Please allow up to 2-3 weeks for our team to review and respond to your request.
- Once we review your request, our team will set up a short phone call to clarify needs, expectations, and next steps.
*Network member refers to any person or organization who has participated in Minnesota Health Equity Networks gatherings, trainings, or other opportunities.
Contact the Minnesota Health Equity Networks at health.ophp@state.mn.us.
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