Community Solutions Advisory Council seeks additional members

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reopened the application process for the Community Solutions Advisory Council as it seeks an additional five members to meet statutory requirements. Appointments will be effective through July 1, 2027.

The Community Solutions Advisory Council advises MDH on the Community Solutions for Healthy Child Development Grant program. The council is charged with:

• Advising MDH on the development of the grant request for proposals while considering how to build on communities’ capacity to promote child and family wellbeing and address the social determinants of healthy child development.
• Reviewing grant applications and advising MDH on the selection of grantees and grant awards.
• Advising MDH on creating a transparent and objective accountability and evaluation process focused on outcomes grantees are working to achieve.
• Advising MDH on ongoing oversight of and necessary support for the implementation of the grant program, as well as supporting other racial equity and early childhood grant efforts.

The council consists of 13 members representing the following communities: Black Minnesotans of African heritage; Latino and Latina Minnesotans; Asian-Pacific Minnesotans; the American Indian community; parents of children under the age of eight years; and residents outside the seven-county metropolitan area. The council also includes at least one member with research or academic expertise in racial equity and healthy child development.

Council members are expected to participate in monthly four-hour meetings and additional committee meetings as assigned. Additional time is required for council members who support the application review and selection process. Members are compensated as provided in Minnesota Statute section 15.059, subdivision 3.

Vacant positions

Current vacancies include:

• One individual representing Black Minnesotans of African heritage who is the parent of a child under the age of eight years at the time of appointment.
• Two individuals representing Latino and Latina Minnesotans, at least one of whom is the parent of a child under the age of eight years at the time of appointment.
• Two individuals representing the American Indian community, at least one of whom is the parent of a child under the age of eight years at the time of appointment.

MDH does not discriminate nor restrict council membership based on membership in a protected class. For purposes of selecting council members, MDH will evaluate an individual’s lived experiences in and/or experiences advocating on behalf of the community the council member would represent.

How to apply

Applying for council membership is a two-step process. To ensure consideration, interested applicants should first complete an electronic application through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s (MNSOS) Boards and Commissions Open Positions portal. Once the first step is complete, applicants will receive an email with instructions regarding next steps and an estimated timeline of the review and selection process. Applicants are encouraged to apply by July 1, 2026.

For more information, please contact Mandie Aalto in the MDH Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division at mandie.aalto@state.mn.us.