Background Several chronic disease programs at the Minnesota Department of Health worked together to create regional forums to share information on important state plans for diabetes, cardiovascular health, cancer, obesity and arthritis. Four daylong forums were hosted around the state in late 2004. The purpose of the forums was to learn about the important work that rural Minnesota organizations are doing in chronic disease; to share information about the various Minnesota chronic disease plans; to share tools and resources for implementing the plans locally; and to continue to strengthen the network of plan partners. Forums were held in the following locations at the following times:
Statewide Participants
Agenda The agenda for each forum consisted of an overview of several of Minnesota’s Chronic Disease state plans and related programs given by MDH chronic disease staff (listed below). It included a presentation on the rational for statewide strategic plans and attempted to answer “What is a state plan, and why are there so many of them?” Each forum included three to five local round table presentations (described below) that helped illustrate the good work being done to address chronic disease throughout the state. Meeting participants were involved in generating extensive lists of locally based activities and programs that might help to accomplish the goals of the state plans. Additionally, local participants were treated to opening remarks by community leaders, and an afternoon stretch break led by a P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) certified stretching leader.
MDH Programs and Chronic Disease Staff
Local Round-table Presentations
Chronic Disease Activities Statewide As previously described, forum participants were asked to help generate a list of local activities that helped address one or more of the chronic disease Plans. A list of over 200 activities, statewide, was developed. Over 145 of those activities were identified as addressing goals of the Minnesota Diabetes Plan 2010. If you are interested in learning more about these activities, please send us an email at: diabetesplan@health.state.mn.us
Evaluation The “Join the Journey” forums were very well received. At the conclusion of Fergus Falls and Grand Rapids forums over 90% of survey respondents reported they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “ I feel able to contribute to the discussion of chronic disease work in my region”. Additionally, participants shared many positive comments about their experiences, including the following.
Thank You!
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