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JOIN YOUR REGIONAL NETWORK AND WORK WITH OTHERS AS DEDICATED AS YOU!
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Building a legacy of welcoming spaces and youth sexual health services
Network member spotlight: The Annex Teen Clinic
Feelings of welcome and acceptance are tangible the moment one enters the Annex Teen Clinic in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. The clinic provides sexual health services and education to youth in Hennepin County and North Minneapolis.
“We try to make sure all young people feel seen and valued at all touchpoints, whether in the classroom, community, or clinic,” - Khadijah Cooper, Director of Sexuality Education
The organization began in 1971 in response to youth voicing a need for better sexual health services, especially STI testing and treatment.
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 The Annex Teen Clinic's lobby features educational materials, brochures, condoms and sexual health products, and a colorful chalkboard with messages and activities.
"As a teen, I went to the Annex [in the 1990s] for testing during a really scary time. It was great to have a resource that I could access confidentially. While I was there, I also got some really valuable counseling advice.” – Former clinic patient
Later, the clinic evolved into an independent nonprofit, offering comprehensive sexual health-related services. Youth input has always guided program development, with staff aiming to empower young people to manage their sexual health.
The Annex Teen Clinic provides testing and treatment for STIs, HIV, and other conditions. It offers birth control, emergency contraception, all-options pregnancy counseling, pre-exposure prophylaxes, annual exams, breast exams, and chest exams. The lobby area is designed so young people can pick up condoms and other sexual health products without questions or paperwork.
"If I would not have had Annex, I would be pregnant and have multiple STDs." – Clinic patient
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Reflections and activity highlights from the Minnesota Health Equity Networks regional coordinators.
Hello! Mary Mitchell here. As the Northwest Health Equity Networks Coordinator and a Bemidji resident, I understand how different rural challenges can be from those of the metropolitan area. For example, when I visited with Lake of the Woods County Public Health, I learned that there are no dentists in the County, and few of the out-of-county dentists accept Medical Assistance.
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I have had the opportunity to connect with many organizations in our region and hear your stories of successes and challenges as you work to help your communities, like that of Clay County, one of our equity grantees. They have focused their efforts on elevating the health of New Americans and other diverse populations through community education, relationship-building, and improving policies and processes to create more inclusive decision-making. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside you all, and I look forward to learning more from you and supporting your work in any way I can in the coming months. - Mary Mitchell, Northwest Coordinator |
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A message from Shor, Project Supervisor
As an equity practitioner and healing-centered coach, I often reflect on the intersection of doing equity work and what it means to heal and be healing. I am not talking about physical healing. I am talking about the internal reckoning we all grapple with of rectifying past harm and hurt (of self and others) and the ongoing process of truly stepping into our own in this world.
Every time I consider this, it becomes clearer to me that one of the keys to meaningful and long-lasting equity work is the healing of self and communities. Part of creating more equitable organizations and workplaces is rooted in pausing and taking time to design and center a space for healing.
These big topics may feel really pie in the sky, so here’s an example...
I was in conversation with a group about how to be an ally to LGBTQIA people and communities, and I was asked what to do when someone is saying harmful things. (This can apply to many different people and communities.) There are many ways to approach this, but the first thing I thought of was “pause.”
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The pause is one of the most important tools in difficult conversations, allyship, and building strong foundations in relational work. It takes us away from our innate way of reacting and gives us space. Even a brief pause allows us to take a breath, calm our nerves, and come back with clarity and intention. The pause also allows us space and grace in a very busy world.
I consider the pause a gift to myself and the people in relationships with me. I encourage you to consider how you can pause and how to incorporate more pausing in your daily life.
In gratitude,
Shor
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Training sessions and statewide meetings
Statewide Training - THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 3 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.
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Request equity training and assistance
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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