Meeker-McLeod-Sibley SHIP

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Learn more about Meeker-McLeod-Sibley SHIP

How the Meeker, McLeod and Sibley Counties are improving the health of their communities

The Statewide Health Improvement Program covers 51 counties, four cities and one tribal government. Meeker, McLeod and Sibley Counties received a SHIP grant of $428,004 for fiscal years 2012-13.

Working with schools

  • Healthy eating in schools: With Farm to School, SHIP connects farmers with schools to provide fresh, local foods. Efforts may include school gardens to educate children and supplement food offerings. For example, Sibley East planted apple trees in 2012, and incorporated garden produce into their Family and Consumer Science classes.
  • More physical activity for kids: SHIP helps schools with Safe Routes to School programs, making it easier for kids to walk or bike to school. For example, in 2012, McLeod County SHIP has been able to encourage and support Safe Routes to School activities in Hutchinson at their Park Elementary School. The first ever National Walk and Bike to School celebration in Hutchinson had 110 2nd-5th graders to walk or bike to school that day with support from the mayor, city police, Hutchinson Area Health Care, volunteers, the Hutchinson Leader, public health and of course the Hutchinson Tiger Mascot.
  • Decreased exposure to second-hand smoke at colleges: SHIP teams up with colleges interested in a tobacco-free policy for staff and visitors on school grounds, in student housing and at school sponsored events.

Healthier communities

  • Increased access to healthy food: SHIP facilitates the development of new farmers markets and promotes their use. SHIP works to improve access to nutritious foods by increasing availability and affordability in grocery and corner stores, concession facilities and other food vendors. For example, the County Drive-In restaurant opened its doors for the 2012 season with a healthier spin through the use of nutrition labeling. They now use healthier ingredients for some of their home-made recipes and added additional healthy options to the menu, providing a choice besides French fries. They use symbols to identify items on the menu that are low in sodium, saturated fat, or calories, giving customers the information they need to make an informed choice.
  • Decreased exposure to second-hand smoke at home: SHIP works with apartment building owners who wish to develop smoke-free housing policies.
  • Healthy food in child care: SHIP offers training and technical assistance to child care providers to improve nutrition and teach kids about healthy eating.

Comprehensive work site wellness

  • Working with businesses: SHIP works with employers to offer healthy foods in the cafeteria and in catering, to increase opportunities for walking and biking and access to worksite recreation facilities, and to support breast feeding for working mothers. For example, in 2012, Meeker Memorial Hospital has a garden, walking routes, healthier vending, and healthy food line in the cafeteria. Employees and Volunteers are also able to access the cardio rehab unit of the hospital to work out onsite. SHIP also encourages tobacco-free policies, as well as health plan coverage of, and onsite support for, tobacco cessation efforts.

SHIP Coordinator

Mary Bachman maryb@co.sibley.mn.us

Community Leadership Team

  • Steve Cook, City of Hutchinson
  • Beth Walter, GFW Schools
  • Michelle Randt ,Heartland Community Action
  • David Allen, Hutchinson Area Health Care
  • Dee Schutte, Litch Chamber of Commerce
  • Bev Wangerin, McLeod County Board
  • Christy Christensen, McLeod County GIS
  • Allie Freidrichs, MMS CHS
  • Rhonda Buerkle, MMS CHS
  • Jim Swenson, Meeker County Board
  • Ron Mortenson, Meeker County Hwy Dept
  • Lori Rice, Meeker Memorial Hospital
  • Marla Wendlandt, MN Rubber & Plastics
  • Jim Swanson, Sibley County Board
  • Steve Jones, Sibley East Schools
  • Jane Scharpe, Sibely Medical Center
  • Mary Caskey, U of M Extension Service

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Updated Monday, 01-Apr-2013 16:11:56 CDT