Health Equity Announcements
February 2024
MDH welcomes DaVonna Rucker as director of the new Office of African American Health
The Minnesota Department of Health is pleased to welcome DaVonna Rucker as the director of the new Office of African American Health. Rucker’s first day at MDH was Feb. 7, 2024.
“Please join me in extending a warm welcome to DaVonna as she undertakes this crucial role within the Office of African American Health,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dr. Halkeno Tura. “I am confident that her expertise and passion will significantly contribute to our ongoing efforts to promote health equity across the state.”
Read the full announcement about DaVonna.
January 2024
MDH welcomes Akosionu-DeSouza as new leader of health equity division
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is pleased to welcome Odichinma (Odi) Akosionu-DeSouza as the new director of the Center for Health Equity (CHE). Akosionu-DeSouza’s first day at MDH was January 17, 2024.
“We are excited to have Odichinma join MDH,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dr. Halkeno Tura. “She brings a rich background in equity research and translating evidence into effective solutions, and she shares our vision for systems transformation to advance equity. We look forward to adding her knowledge and leadership to our work advancing equity across Minnesota.”
Read the full announcement about Odi.
July 2023
Now accepting applications for the Health Equity Advisory and Leadership (HEAL) Council and the Community Solutions Advisory (CSA) council
Applications are now open for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Health Equity Advisory and Leadership (HEAL) Council. HEAL was created as part of a broader effort by MDH to address Minnesota’s inequities in health status. HEAL represents the voices of many communities most impacted by health inequities across the state, including racial and ethnic minority groups, American Indians, rural Minnesotans, Minnesotans with disabilities, LGBTQ community members, and refugees and immigrants. The knowledge and wisdom of council members will enhance the work of MDH in advancing health equity for all communities in Minnesota.
Read the full announcement about the HEAL and CSA councils.
June 2023
Announcing the new cohort of COVID-19 community engagement and diverse media grantees
We are pleased to announce the new cohort of COVID-19 community engagement and diverse media grantees. These grants began in the spring of 2023 and go through June 30, 2024. For more information, visit the COVID-19 Community Engagement and Diverse Media Grants page.
For additional questions about this grant program, please email health.covidmedia.MDH@state.mn.us.
January 2023
The Center for Health Equity reflects on 2022
Dear Staff and Health Equity Partners,
As we each look forward with hope and optimism for the next year's possibilities, I want to mark 2022 as a significant year for health equity in Minnesota. We laid a foundation for the future with the launch of the Health Equity Bureau, strengthened our fantastic team, won several awards from the communities we serve, helped to save many from COVID-19, learned, survived, and now move forward with a focus on repair, recovery, and hope. (Photo credit: Ivy Vainio)
Read the full reflection from Dr. Tura.
December 2022
Now accepting applications for COVID-19 community engagement and diverse media grants
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released a request for proposals (RFP) (PDF) on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, and plans to make available approximately $7.3 million for multiple grant awards from approximately April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. The proposal submission deadline is Jan. 18, 2023.
Please visit the COVID-19 Community Engagement and Diverse Media RFP page for more information.
Read the full announcement on the COVID-19 grants.
May 2022
Now accepting applications for one vacancy on the Community Solutions Advisory Council
The Center for Health Equity invites community members to apply to fill two vacancies on the Community Solutions Advisory (CSA) Council. The CSA Council plays a key role in shaping the Community Solutions for Healthy Child Development grant program. The grant program funds community-based initiatives to improve the well-being of children of color and American Indian children from prenatal to grade 3 and their families.
Please feel free to contact us at health.equity@state.mn.us with any questions.