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April 2025
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Minnesota Department of Health funding cuts
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced layoffs on Tuesday, April 1, following federal funding cuts. A news release about the cuts has additional information. We know there are many questions and concerns about the impacts of these federal funding cuts. We at MDH share those concerns.
It will take some time to figure out what this fully means for the critical services we provide, for our community partners, and for the MDH staff that received layoff notices. We know this kind of uncertainty has negative impacts on your work, our system of public health, and the work of our partners. Please know we continue to work collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners to understand and communicate impacts as we know more. We will share more information as we are able.
National Public Health Week
This week (April 7 - 13) marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week. While this year’s theme is “It Starts Here,” we know that public health has always started with you. Your efforts are the foundation of a healthier Minnesota and we want to recognize the dedication, heart, and resilience you bring to your work every day.
Thank you for all you do– for showing up, for adapting, and for continuing to center health and equity in everything you do.
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May 5 and 6 – 2025 Local Public Health Conference details
We’re looking ahead to the Local Public Health conference as an opportunity to connect and reflect on the work we share.
Here are a few key updates:
Conference sessions - A brief agenda is now available on SharePoint.
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Professional headshots – Need an updated headshot? Stop by the activity fair on May 5 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. to have a professional photo taken.
Story submissions – Don’t forget to submit stories to be highlighted during the conference!
Parking – Parking is free for overnight guests. If you are not staying overnight, parking is $1 per hour at the adjacent conference center lot. Limited, free residential street parking is also available within walking distance. If applicable, check with your county or CHB about travel reimbursement options.
Updating attendee details – Conference registration closed on April 4. However, if you need to update any attendee details (for example: room assignments, number of attendees from your county, dietary restrictions, or accessibility requests) please email health.cyshn@state.mn.us as soon as possible.
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Program-specific updates
Longitudinal follow-up
Early planning for CMV Awareness Month 2025
MDH is starting to plan for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month in June. While details are still coming together, we’re exploring options like paid social media outreach, lighting bridges and buildings across the state, and attending or hosting both virtual and in-person events. If you have any ideas, let us know at health.cyshn@state.mn.us and put "local public health" in the subject line.
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Systems transformation
Seeking steering committee members for the family support organization collaborative
The family support organization collaborative is looking for people who care about strengthening family support organizations to join its steering committee! The steering committee meets for one hour every other month, with additional time for occasional planning and strategic discussions. The collaborative is currently in a strategic planning process, which may require some extra participation time. Compensation may be available for steering committee members.
Anyone who supports families of children and youth with special health needs and disabilities is eligible to apply! We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage members and supporters of all types of family support organizations to consider joining. This is an opportunity to play a key role in strengthening collaboration and impact across Minnesota’s family support network.
Birth defects monitoring and analysis
Looking ahead to Folic Acid Awareness Week 2025
MDH has begun working with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network to plan activities for Folic Acid Awareness Week, which takes place the second full week of September.
We’re excited to raise awareness about the importance of folic acid in preventing neural tube birth defects, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have ideas for outreach, educational efforts, or virtual events you'd like to see, let us know at health.cyshn@state.mn.us and put “local public health” in the subject line.
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Follow Along Program
April statewide meeting recording
A copy of the slides from Follow Along Program’s quarterly statewide meeting that took place yesterday is now available on the Follow Along Program SharePoint page under the toolkit category “quarterly meeting.”
Please send any questions about the topics discussed in the meeting to Michele Kvikstad at michele.kvikstad@state.mn.us. All other questions about program logistics and implementation should be sent to health.cyshn@state.mn.us with “local public health” in the subject line.
April 29 and May 27 – William Moore lunch and learn series
William Moore is the first male doula and lactation educator in the history of the state of Minnesota. He has been a practicing certified perinatal educator for the last six years and is the current race and health equity administrator for Ramsey County. He also serves as a maternal health consultant nationally for public health departments, health care agencies, and nonprofits.
During this lunch and learn series, William will discuss the role fathers or other male figures play, barriers to fathers embracing their role, and the mental health impact fathers experience from external forces. Participants will look through the lens of including each member of the family to be involved in the lives of their child(ren).
Please register to learn about your role in supporting all fathers across Minnesota.
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April 30 – "Navigating the Noise" webinar
Don't miss a free webinar for healthcare providers from our partners at MothertoBaby on April 30 at 11 a.m.
The webinar will be presented by Elisabeth Marnik, PhD, a leading scientist and social media influencer, as she shares strategies to help healthcare providers combat misinformation and promote birth defect prevention in the digital age. It is a free webinar, but advanced registration is required.
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May 15 and 16 – Proof Alliance Caregiver Conference
Registration for the Proof Alliance Annual Caregiver Conference on May 15 and 16 at Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center is now open! This is a free event designed for caregivers navigating the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders journey.
Looking for more insights on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders? Proof Alliance recently joined MPR News to discuss the impact of these disorders, the importance of early diagnosis, and available support services. Hear firsthand experiences and learn how Proof Alliance is working to raise awareness and expand resources.
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May 20 – Annual Growing Resilient Communities gathering
Register to join the 8ᵗʰ annual Growing Resilient Communities virtual gathering. This year, the focus is on supporting early childhood development. During the first breakout session at 9:45 a.m., there is a presentation on the Follow Along Program community connectors redesign project. Participants are eligible for up to four continuing education units for attending the gathering.
May 22 – Introduction to using the Ages and Stages questionnaires
This training on Thursday, May 22 at 12:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams is intended for local public health staff who want an introduction to understanding the use and purpose of these developmental and social emotional screening tools. Participants will also learn how to accurately choose, score, and interpret the questionnaires correctly. A live webinar offering a combined training on the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 will be offered quarterly.
Registration is required and all participants must have access to the ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2 starter kits from Brookes Publishing either individually or through their employing agency.
May 22 – Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition virtual presentation
On May 22 at noon, hear from two southwest Minnesota lactation colleagues with experience as hospital nurses, doulas and lactation consultants about their “grassroots” efforts to provide and expand lactation services in their area and in a local hospital-clinic system through efforts such as peer support groups, classes, and individual lactation support.
Registration is $20 for Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition members and $30 for non-members.
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