Transforming Rural Health: The Jackson County Trails Committee's 25-Year Impact
In rural Southwest Minnesota, the Friends of the Jackson County Trails Committee has shown how grassroots leadership can transform a community's approach to health and wellness. The committee's formation in 1998 began with a strategic assessment of regional recreational infrastructure gaps. Four founding members identified the lack of trail systems as a significant barrier to community health and economic development in Southwest Minnesota. Since that time, this organization evolved into a committee of 36 members and a recognized leader in rural health advocacy.
Building Trails and Shaping Policy
Over the past 25 years, the committee has helped create more than 23 miles of paved trails in Jackson County. They have also worked with local governments to make active transportation part of community planning. Their efforts have led to new snow removal policies for trails, “complete streets” initiatives (planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets), and the adoption of the national Bicycle Benefits program by local businesses. The committee also helps other communities by providing technical advice for developing Active Living Plans, Safe Routes to School Plans, and community development strategies.
Current projects include:
- Park Rx Partnerships: Works with Jackson County Parks and Sanford Health so healthcare providers can “prescribe” outdoor activity as part of treatment.
- Adopt-a-Trail Program: Encourages residents to help care for local trails.
- Trail User of the Month: Recognizes people who regularly use and promote the trails.
Quantitative Impact and Health Benefits
Trail utilization data demonstrates significant community use with 4,994 total users recorded between 2020-2022, with usage increasing from 1,250 in 2020 to 2,199 in 2022—a 76% growth rate that reflects sustained community adoption.
The demographic profile of trail users aligns with regional health priorities. With 40% of Jackson County's population over age 55, the trails serve a critical role in addressing age-related health challenges. Surveys show that trail use supports management of chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and mental health concerns, while also facilitating fitness training and weight management objectives.
Lasting Leadership and Regional Impact
The Jackson County Trails Committee has shown that investing in trails supports more than recreation: it promotes healthier lifestyles and makes communities more connected. Their work offers a model that other rural areas can follow to improve health, transportation, and quality of life for residents.
Rural Health Advisory Committee Vacancy
The Rural Health Advisory Committee is seeking an Allied Dental Member. The Rural Health Advisory Committee (RHAC) is a statewide forum for rural health interests. The 22-member committee includes licensed health care and higher education professionals, legislative officials and consumers. RHAC advises the Commissioner of Health and leaders in other state agencies on rural health issues. Visit Open Positions Search to apply.
For assistance, please contact health.rhac@state.mn.us
Dental Safety Net Grant
The Dental Safety Net Grant supports eligible dental providers who serve the uninsured. More details and the link to the online application can be found at ORHPC Grants and Funding.
The application is open now. Full applications are due Friday, Nov. 14. Please contact health.SafetyNetGrants@state.mn.us with any questions.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant and Loan Forgiveness
The Home and Community-Based Services Employee Scholarship Grant and Loan Forgiveness program assists HCBS provider organizations in developing their direct care workforce. Scholarship and loan forgiveness applies to nursing and other health care fields, in courses of study that lead to career advancement within the organization or broader HCBS field.
More details and the link to the online application can be found at Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant and Loan Forgiveness Program.
All applications must be submitted through the ORHPC Online Grants Portal by 4:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 12.
Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Training Grant
The Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Training Grant Program awards grants for the development of new or expansion of existing pediatric mental health training programs located in outpatient primary care clinics. The training programs are designed to increase confidence, skills, and awareness of mental health resources among pediatric primary care providers caring for the mental health needs of pediatric patients.
All applications must be submitted through the ORHPC Online Grants Portal by 4:30 p.m. on Friday Jan. 16.
For more information, visit the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Training Grant webpage.
Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant Program
The Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant awards grants to eligible rural hospitals for modernization projects to update, remodel or replace aging hospital facilities and equipment necessary to maintain the operations of a hospital.
All applications must be submitted through the ORHPC Online Grants Portal by 4:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 12.
For more information, visit the Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant webpage.
Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant Program
The purpose of the Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant Program is to award grants to help small hospitals (50 or fewer beds) preserve or enhance access to health services through planning or implementation projects.
All applications must be submitted through the ORHPC Online Grants Portal by 4:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 12.
For more information, visit the Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant webpage
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Partnership Opportunity
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announces a partnership opportunity through the newly launched Veteran Health Navigator Program. The program is now accepting applications, as announced in the Minnesota State Register Volume 50, Number 17. You can view the full posting online via the Department of Administration’s website or directly in the Register (pages 442-443).
This initiative is designed to strengthen care coordination and improve health outcomes for Minnesota Veterans with trained Veteran Health Navigators working with healthcare systems.
For more information, contact Rachel Johnson, Veterans Community Health Director, Rachel.D.Johnson@state.mn.us
CHW Employer Survey
This survey is for all employers of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Minnesota, —including those working as promotores(as), community leaders, or in similar roles across clinics, schools, community organizations, and public health programs. Statewide CHW Employer Survey – Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance
Your input will help us better understand your work, experiences, and the support you need. The survey is based on national CHW Common Indicators, and your responses will guide improvements to CHW programs, funding decisions, and recognition of CHWs’ impact on community health.
All responses are confidential and will be combined into a public report to inform organizations, employers, and decision-makers across the state.
If you have any questions or you would like to be involved planning and using survey data and statewide measures to inform the growth and support of the CHW field, email rachel@mnchwalliance.org.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by November 30, 2025. Your voice matters—and it can help shape the future of the CHW field.
MN Rare Disease Council ECHO Learning Opportunity
As a dedicated general care provider, you are at the front line of deciphering your patients’ symptoms. And if those symptoms don’t add up, it can be difficult to determine the next steps. Series two begins November, MNRDAC is partnering with Stratis Health on a Project ECHO Rare Disease virtual tele-education series. This innovative, collaborative learning model will help general care providers identify and refer patients with puzzling symptoms for a timely diagnosis and proper care. Register and learn more.
PFAS and Health: Insights for Clinicians and Communities
PFAS – sometimes known as “forever chemicals” – are an environmental and health concern. They’re showing up in people’s blood, and widely in the environment, and can be linked to potentially significant health effects.
Nearly every Minnesotan has some PFAS exposure through consumer products and other sources. In the East Metro, contamination from legacy manufacturing sites in groundwater and surface water have generally been lessened through monitoring and treatment.
Health professionals play a growing role in helping patients understand what is known – and what remains uncertain – about PFAS exposure. This includes:
- Providing simple, clear guidance on how patients can minimize PFAS exposure.
- Referring patients to MDH and MPCA resources for information about water sources.
- Encouraging healthy habits, since many health issues linked with PFAS are also connected to lifestyle and genetics.
Policy progress Minnesota is taking important steps to reduce PFAS exposure. The 2023 Amara’s Law banned PFAS in many product categories starting in 2025, with nonessential uses ending by 2032.
While regulation is critical, exposure won’t disappear overnight. Physicians and other clinicians remain vital in helping patients make sense of emerging science, navigate uncertainties, and take steps to reduce possible exposure. From answering questions to guiding people through concerns, clinicians are frontline partners in building healthier communities.
Read more Check out the full article, Forever Chemicals: What Physicians Need to Know, for insights and resources: https://www.mnphy.com/0925-story-one-forever-chemicals-alexander-bogdan-mohamed-mohamed
|
