MDH White Paper Analyzes Health Benefits of Paid Leave

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released a White Paper on Paid Leave and Health (http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/che/2015paidleave.pdf). The report, prepared by the MDH Center for Health Equity in response to a request from legislators, provides an overview of research linking paid sick and family leave to health.

Access to paid leave is one of the environmental and policy factors that contribute to the health of individuals, families and communities. The evidence reviewed in the paper shows that workers with paid leave have better health outcomes, as do their families. The public also benefits when sick workers are able to stay home rather than spreading disease.

People of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to have access to paid leave, as are those who work for smaller employers or in jobs directly serving the public. Commissioner Ed Ehlinger highlighted findings from the report today at a press conference hosted by ISAIAH to call attention to the need for broader, more equitable access to paid leave in Minnesota.

As the debate for paid leave moves forward, we encourage people to consider the health impacts highlighted in the report, and the research that supports increasing access to paid leave as an effective strategy for improving the health of Minnesota, reducing disparities, and preventing disease.

For additional information, please visit the Center for Health Equity Website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/che/

Melanie Peterson-Hickey, Ph.D.

Interim Director, Center for Health Equity

Minnesota Department of Health

(651) 201-5949

melanie.peterson-hickey@state.mn.us