Morrison-Todd-Wadena SHIP

With Cass Counties

Health 4 Life logo SHIP Stories:

How Morrison, Todd, Wadena and Cass Counties are improving the health of their communities

The Statewide Health Improvement Program covers 51 counties, four cities and one tribal government. Morrison, Todd, Wadena and Cass Counties SHIP received a grant of $343,603 for fiscal years 2012-13.

Working with schools

  • Healthy eating in schools: SHIP is working with schools to offer healthy snacks and healthy food at celebrations and fundraisers. For example, in 2012, Little Falls’ Mary of Lourdes lunch programs utilizes a farm to school to offer fresh vegetables in their lunch programs on a regular basis.
  • More physical activity for kids: SHIP works to integrate more physical activity into their students’ day through Active Classrooms programs, Active Recess programs and physical education.
  • 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. For example, in 2012, SHIP received commitments from both post-secondary campuses to begin work on going smoke-free.

Healthier communities

  • Increased access to healthy food: SHIP works to improve access to nutritious foods by increasing availability and affordability in grocery and corner stores, concession facilities and other food vendors. SHIP facilitates the development of new farmers markets and promotes their use. For example, in 2012, the Senior Fruit & Vegetable program conducted with Eagle Bend and Wadena senior nutrition centers has been very successful, with 43 seniors receiving bags of fresh produce every other week via the Meals on Wheels program.
  • Decreased exposure to second-hand smoke at home: SHIP works with apartment building owners who wish to develop smoke-free housing policies.

Prevention in health care

  • Working with health care providers: With SHIP, more health care providers are screening and documenting Body Mass Index and tobacco use and exposure and providing community resources to their patients to help make healthy living easier.

SHIP Coordinator 

Katherine Mackedanz katherine.mackedanz@co.todd.mn.us

Community Leadership Team

  • Sara Stone, Tri-County Health Care
  • Nancy Leasman, Freelance writer
  • Sue Wasland, Little Falls School
  • Deb Boelz, Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Kelly Coughlin, Lakewood Health  System
  • Janet Mattson, Sebeka and Menahga Public Schools
  • Vicki Paurus, Sebeka Community Education
  • Stephanie Hakes, UMN Extension
  • Alicia Baumann, Smoke Free Communities
  • Lane Waldahl, Wadena County Board
  • Mel Wiens, Staples Area Farmer Market Association
  • Darcey Larsen, Community
  • Kelly Felton, Working Together Coalition
  • Leslie Bouchonville, Pine River Backus Family Center
  • Sandy Munson, Walker Hackensack Akeley School District
  • Renee Lukkason, Cass Co. Health, Human and Veterans Services

SHIP logo

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