MN Health Equity Newsletter

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 10/07/2024 08:00 AM CDT

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Minnesota Health Equity Networks Newsletter

This monthly newsletter contains updates from Minnesota's Health Equity Networks, via the Minnesota Department of Health. Subscribe: Minnesota Health Equity Networks.

In this month's newsletter...

Spotlight on the Minnesota Health Equity Networks
Message from Shor: A recipe for health equity
Upcoming Training and Regional Gatherings
Request training and assistance

"No one knows everything, but together we know a lot."

Spotlight on the Minnesota Health Equity Networks

In this month's newsletter, the Networks would like to spotlight its own efforts as it welcomes new partners and celebrates two years of health equity work in Minnesota.

Circle with megaphone with words "amplify"

The Minnesota Health Equity Networks team photos reveal a lot about their approach to advancing health equity across Minnesota. Gathered in front of meaningful locations, such as in front of a mural in Mankato or by a wall sign that reads "Do the Most Good" at a community gathering space in Minneapolis, these images capture a vibrant, diverse, and united team of collaborators dedicated to their mission.

The Networks' efforts are deeply intertwined with and centered on the extraordinary organizations and communities they serve. They emphasize that each region, community, and Tribal nation faces distinct inequities and, therefore, requires tailored solutions, a belief reflected in all team communications and programming.

"Our approach with the Networks is based upon the belief that health equity is about honoring the humanity of all people. We are all responsible for making our organizations and world a better place." – Shor Salkas, Project Supervisor

The Networks began in 2022 in response to COVID-19 and the heightened awareness of the successes and inequities made more visible across Minnesota by the pandemic. The Networks focus on three main action categories that promote health equity: connect, strengthen, and amplify. Network coordinators live in the regions that they serve and share an understanding of the residents' lived experiences and realities.

HEN team photo in Mankato, MN, in front of a mural

Keep reading

What's in a recipe for health equity?

Message from Shor, project supervisor

Our team at the Minnesota Health Equity Networks has been deeply engaged in discussions about our vision and future work, imagining what the next few years will bring. These conversations have been both productive and enjoyable. One particularly inspiring discussion led us to envision advancing health equity as if it were a recipe for a dish or even a full meal. We began to consider the essential ingredients, and the steps required to achieve health equity.

The coolest part of this process was realizing there’s no single right way to make this “meal.” The recipe needs constant adjustment, and sometimes our efforts don’t yield the desired outcome. When that happens, we reflect on the ingredients or steps that impacted the result and then start again.

We brainstormed some ingredients to include on our recipe card (see below). What else could be included? What ingredients are missing? What directions do we need to add? What has worked well for you?

Thanks for adding to our collective recipe with us,
Shor

Recipe card for advancing health equity. Recipe card includes ingredients and directions.

Calendar: Upcoming meetings, events, and training sessions

Training sessions and statewide meetings

Stay tuned for upcoming training and statewide gatherings.

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.

Southwest: Oct. 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register: Southwest Regional Gathering | Oct. 8

Northwest: Oct. 8, 1 to 3 p.m. Register: Northwest Regional Gathering | Oct. 8

Northeast: Oct. 15, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register: Northeast Regional Gathering | Oct. 15

Central: Oct. 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register: Central Regional Gathering | Oct. 22

Southeast: Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: Southeast Regional Gathering | Oct. 22

Metro:
Oct. 29, 1 to 2 p.m.
Register: Metro Regional Gathering | Oct. 29

Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register: Metro Regional Gathering | Nov. 7

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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