Center for Health Equity Announcements

The Center for Health Equity reflects on 2022 

January 2023

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)

As we reflect on this past year, there is much to be thankful for such as our families, our communities, and our co-workers. We are humbled and honored by what we've been through together during the traumas, challenges, and successes of the pandemic. Throughout all the trials we have faced, we can be proud that we remained focused on community-centered programs, advancing equity and health justice.

As health equity staff and partners, you have accomplished so much in the face of continued stress from systemic injustice and the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota is fortunate to have such a passionate, committed, and resilient workforce across the Health Equity Bureau, the Minnesota Department of Health, Local Public Health, and community partners.

Together, we've achieved too much to list here, but this is a good time to pause and note some pandemic-specific accomplishments such as the following:

• More than $90 million dollars to more than 200 community organizations serving communities most impacted by inequities, including populations of color, American Indians, LGBTQIA+, Persons Living with Disabilities, and refugees and immigrants across Minnesota.
• 57,323 vaccinations through our Covid-19 Community Coordinator partners across Minnesota.
• Hosted over 2,187 testing and vaccination events and distributed over 70,000 tests.
• Supported more than 100 unique community engagement and diverse media contractors throughout the pandemic.
• In this year alone, community engagement contractors have directly reached more than 250,000 individuals and 7,000 community leaders from communities most impacted by COVID-19, and diverse media contractors have reached individuals more than 53 million times with lifesaving messages.
• Provided translation in 14 different languages, produced 411 multilingual videos on COVID-19 prevention and created 434 culturally tailored resources for the community.

And we're happy to note that communities noticed our efforts. Our team received several awards from the communities we serve including the following:

• The Leadership Award from the African Leaders Association,
• La Familia Leadership Award
• Sarah Simmons Community Service Award from the Minnesota African/African American Women,
• Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from AMHS, and
• Frontline Worker Award from the MN Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans.

We are so grateful to all of our amazing staff, our community, and local public health partners for collaborating with us in our pursuit of a more fair, healthy, and equitable Minnesota. It sure hasn't been easy. We are reminded that though seeking health for all can be hard, chaotic, and often requires a couple of tries to get it right, we can foster the change we want to see when we hold close to our values.

As we look to 2023, we are profoundly grateful to you and for our team's ongoing support, hard work, and tenacity as we find our footing and strive to create impact, improve access, and advance equity in our under-resourced communities. We look forward to continuing our mission into 2023.

In partnership and solidarity,

Dr. Halkeno Tura, Director for Center for Health Equity

Now accepting applications for COVID-19 Community Engagement and Diverse Media grants 

December 2022

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) (PDF) on Thursday, December 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 January 18, 2023. 

The goal of this funding is to increase community understanding of and engagement around COVID-19 and community recovery among residents of Minnesota and the 11 Tribal Nations that share its geography. The primary audience(s) for community engagement and media messaging must include one or more of the following populations: African American, African immigrant, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander, Hispanic and Latino/Latine, LGBTQ Minnesotans, and Minnesotans with disabilities. 

Successful applicants will propose a plan to aid the State in this effort through the use of diverse media strategies, community engagement and outreach strategies, or a combination of both.  

• Media messaging includes communications that reach large audiences such as social media, online news, radio, television, and print. 
• Community engagement and outreach includes activities that enable the applicant to listen authentically to communities to learn about their questions and needs related to COVID-19 and community recovery; work with the State and its partners to address those community needs; and connect communities to vaccines and to trusted information and resources related to COVID-19 and pandemic recovery. 

MDH will make final selections of grantees based on a competitive review of proposals, while also ensuring that the final cohort of selected grantees covers a range of media and engagement strategies, racial, ethnic, cultural, disability, and LGBTQ communities and geographic areas in Minnesota. 

If you are interested in the funding opportunity, please plan to join the information session next Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 10-11:30 a.m.  During the information session, MDH staff will walk through the goals, requirements, and process of the RFP and answer questions. ASL interpreter and CART will be available. 

Please note that MDH staff will not be able to help with the drafting of proposals or provide feedback on proposals. The information session will be recorded and posted online. Questions and answers asked during the information session will also be posted online. 

Please visit the COVID-19 Community Engagement and Diverse Media RFP page for more information.

Now accepting applications for one vacancy on the Community Solutions Advisory Council

May 2022

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. The CSA Council:

• Guided the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in developing the request for proposals for the Community Solutions Healthy Child Development Grants, considering how the grants can build on communities’ capacity to promote child and family well-being.
• Reviewed applications for the Community Solutions Healthy Child Development grants and made recommendations to MDH about which applicants should be funded.
• Collaborates with MDH to create a transparent and objective accountability and evaluation process focused on the outcomes Community Solutions Healthy Child Development grantees are working to achieve.
• Advises MDH on ongoing oversight of the Community Solutions Healthy Child Development grant program.
• Supports MDH on other racial equity and early childhood grant efforts as appropriate.

As outlined in Minnesota statutes, the CSA Council is a 12-member council with two members representing the African heritage community, two members representing the Latino / Hispanic community, two members representing the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and two members representing the American Indian community. Two members must be parents of children under 9 years of age who are American Indian or children of color. One member must have research or academic expertise in racial equity and healthy child development. One member must represent an organization that advocates on behalf of communities of color or American Indians. At least three of the 12 CSA Council members must come from outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The current vacancy is for a member who represents the Asian-Pacific Islander community.

Members are asked to serve a minimum of two years and may serve up to two 2-year terms. Members receive modest compensation for their time (the current rate is $55 per meeting). Members may be reimbursed for mileage, parking and childcare expenses incurred as a result of attending CSA Council meetings.

For more information, please reference the CSA Council Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

To apply to join the CSA Council, complete BOTH parts of the application:

• Part 1: Interested applicants must submit an electronic application through the MN Secretary of State’s (MNSOS) Boards and Commissions Open Positions portal. MNSOS applications will be open until Friday, May 27, 2022.
• Part 2: MDH will email a supplemental application form to the email address listed on the MNSOS application. This supplemental MDH application must also be completed. The deadline to submit the MDH supplemental application is Friday, June 3, 2022 by the end of the day.

Please feel free to contact us at health.equity@state.mn.us with any questions.

Dr. Halkeno Tura selected as the director of the Center for Health Equity

October 2021

I am pleased to announce that after a robust and community-engaged recruitment and interview process, we have selected Dr. Halkeno Tura, MA, MPH, to serve as the MDH director of the Center for Health Equity.

Dr. Halkeno Tura has over 15 years of experience managing public health programs in the US and abroad. He is a researcher with work published in academic peer-reviewed journals. He has extensive experience in implementing and managing health equity initiatives and mobilizing stakeholders, and he values investing in building a sense of belonging in the community.

Dr. Tura holds a Master of Art in Public Health Education, Master of Public Health in Nutrition, Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Community and Behavioral Health from the University of Iowa. He is also a Certified Health Education Specialist.

As we warmly welcome Dr. Tura, I would also like to thank Kou Thao, our previous director, and Sara Chute, who has been serving as the interim director of the Center for Health Equity since May. Both Kou and Sara have led the Center for Health Equity with innovation, tenacity, and grace. In Kou’s absence, Sara has taken on additional responsibilities these last few months, and I am grateful for your continued leadership and advocacy for our communities most impacted.

Please join me in giving Dr. Tura a warm welcome. We are happy to have you on the team!

Jan Malcolm
Commissioner of Health

Now accepting applications for a vacancy on the Community Solutions Advisory Council

April 2021

The Center for Health Equity invites community members to apply to fill a vacancy 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. The CSA Council:

• Guided the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in developing the request for proposals for the Community Solutions Healthy Child Development Grants, considering how the grants can build on communities’ capacity to promote child and family well-being.
• Reviewed applications for the Community Solutions Healthy Child Development grants and made recommendations to MDH about which applicants should be funded.
• Collaborates with MDH to create a transparent and objective accountability and evaluation process focused on the outcomes Community Solutions Healthy Child Development grantees are working to achieve.
• Advises MDH on ongoing oversight of the Community Solutions Healthy Child Development grant program.
• Supports MDH on other racial equity and early childhood grant efforts as appropriate.

As outlined in Minnesota statutes, the CSA Council is a 12-member council with two members representing the African heritage community, two members representing the Latino / Hispanic community, two members representing the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and two members representing the American Indian community. Two members must be parents of children under 9 years of age who are American Indian or children of color. One member must have research or academic expertise in racial equity and healthy child development. One member must represent an organization that advocates on behalf of communities of color or American Indians. At least three of the 12 CSA Council members must come from outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The current vacancy is for a parent of a child under 9 years of age who is American Indian or a child of color.

Members are asked to serve a minimum of two years and may serve up to two 2-year terms. Members receive modest compensation for their time (the current rate is $55 per meeting). Members may be reimbursed for mileage, parking and childcare expenses incurred as a result of attending CSA Council meetings.

To apply to join the CSA Council, complete BOTH parts of the application:

• Part 1: Interested applicants must submit an electronic application through the MN Secretary of State’s (MNSOS) Boards and Commissions Open Positions portal. MNSOS applications will be open until Friday, May 21, 2021. DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR GREATER MN APPLICANTS: FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021.
• Part 2: MDH will email a supplemental application form to the email address listed on the MNSOS application. This supplemental MDH application must also be completed. The deadline to submit the MDH supplemental application is Friday, May 28, 2021 at 5:00 pm Central Time. DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR GREATER MN APPLICANTS: FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 AT 5:00 PM CENTRAL.

Please feel free to contact us at health.equity@state.mn.us with any questions.

MDH is hiring for the COVID Community Coordinators (CCC) initiative

October 2020

The Minnesota Department of Health invites candidates apply for the COVID Community Coordinators (CCC) initiative. The application deadline is October 26, 2020.

The COVID Community Coordinators (CCC) initiative supports community-led organizations to help relay information about COVID-19 response and other support services in culturally relevant, linguistically appropriate and timely ways. CCCs will serve the following communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19: African American, African immigrant, American Indian, Asian American Pacific Islander, Latinx, LGBTQ, and disability communities in Minnesota. Leveraging community strengths and trusted community networks is essential to responding to COVID-19 and the longstanding health inequities this pandemic has exacerbated. Communities’ needs extend beyond immediate health concerns and encompass areas such as employment, food access, housing, childcare, and legal rights. CCCs will help community members navigate to critical resources.

For more information, please visit the Minnesota Careers website.

NEW REPORT: Cultivating a Health Equity Ecosystem: Lessons Learned from the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative

August 2020

The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) grant program. As we approach two decades of EHDI, we've been reflecting on our state’s investment in these grants and its impact over the years. We have also been thinking about what future investments are needed in order to strengthen Minnesota’s ecosystem to advance health equity for all. Out of this reflecting, analyzing, and visioning came this report: Cultivating a Health Equity Ecosystem: Lessons Learned from the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative.

We invite you to join Director Kou Thao and other contributors to the report for a webinar on Wednesday, September 16 from 1-2 pm Central Time to discuss the report's key findings and lessons learned.

Visit the Cultivating a Health Equity Ecosystem webpage to view the report and to register for the webinar.

Announcing the new cohort of Community Solutions Fund grantees

July 2020

We are thrilled to announce the incoming cohort of Community Solutions Fund grantees for the 2020-2023 grant period:

• African Community Services
• Centro Tyrone Guzman
• Children’s Dental Services
• Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio
• Division of Indian Work
• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Fond du Lac Tribal College
• Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
• Hmong Early Childhood Coalition
• Indigenous Visioning
• Korean Service Center
• La Red de Educacion Temprana
• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
• Minnesota CarePartner
• Montessori American Indian Childcare
• Multicultural Autism Action Network
• Network for the Development of Children of African Descent
• Northwest Indian Community Development Center
• Parents in Community Action, Inc
• Red Lake Comprehensive Services
• Roots Community Birth Center
• Tserha Aryam Kidist Selassie Church (TAKS)
• Wicoie Nandagikendan

Out of 46 applications, the Community Solutions Advisory Council funded 23 applicants. For more information on the review process, please reference the Community Solutions Fund Grantee Selection Process Summary (PDF).

We are looking forward to working with the new cohort of grantees and will be sharing more information about their programs on the Community Solutions for Healthy Child Development Grants webpage soon.

Message from the Center for Health Equity in response to the killing of George Floyd

June 2020

We at the Center for Health Equity wanted to send a message to all of our partners, grantees, and fellow community members to acknowledge the painful and traumatic events in our community over the past week. Our nation has watched as George Floyd was killed in police custody a week ago on our very own streets of Minneapolis. Mr. Floyd’s death was disturbing, heartbreaking, and yet more evidence of systemic oppression of people of color and other marginalized groups in our state. Adding to the trauma, many of us have also had our buildings, places of work, community landmarks, and other places damaged or burned to the ground.

In this time of pain, we wanted to share our solidarity with those who demand racial justice and reform and to all experiencing loss and trauma. We would like to reiterate this message from our Commissioner of Health, Jan Malcolm:

“This week’s events have generated great sadness and anger in many Minnesotans, and I share their emotions. Our society’s continued struggle with violence and racism – particularly structural racism is not an isolated problem of a specific place or time. It is a fundamental public health challenge that expresses itself in many ways, from negative impacts on the lives of individuals and families to persistent community-level health disparities. We must continue our work to address this long-standing stain on our communities, our state and our country.

As Minnesota’s health commissioner, I am mindful of my responsibility to help address these societal challenges and also to provide specific health guidance and recommendations for the protection of all Minnesotans. Over the next few days, we know there may be people in our communities coming together to give voice to their concerns and demands. As they do, those of us in public health are reminding everyone involved that they need to take steps to limit the risk of COVID-19 spread. This is essential not only to protect themselves but also to protect their loved ones and the larger community. This includes wearing masks when in public and maintaining social distancing as much as possible.

The Twin Cities remain a hotspot for COVID-19 spread. In fact, nationwide, we are one of the communities most vulnerable to rapid increases in the spread of the virus, given where we are in the course of the epidemic. We are particularly concerned about people coming into the metro area from other parts of the state and from outside Minnesota who may not be aware of this. We are also concerned about the continued disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on people of color in our state. We need the help of everyone involved to prevent additional suffering and preventable death by following the public health guidelines to limit COVID-19 spread.

These are hard days. In times of pain and grief, we want to come together – both to comfort each other and to demand a better future. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic makes this more difficult. As Minnesotans find peaceful ways to express themselves and speak their truths, please help us protect our most vulnerable neighbors from additional suffering and pain.”

In solidarity,
The MDH Center for Health Equity

Message from the Center for Health Equity in response to COVID-19

March 2020

We at the Center for Health Equity acknowledge that we are in a time where many people are concerned, fearful and on edge. We’d like to recognize the tremendous work being done by frontline healthcare and social service providers and those caring for others. We’d also like to recognize the many MDH and public health folks working around the clock to monitor and slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

MDH has developed resources and guidance for community members, healthcare providers and more on our MDH Coronavirus webpage. In addition to the precautions we should be taking, we also recognize the heavy toll this is taking on communities that are already significantly impacted by health inequities. We know that beyond COVID-19, communities are also worried about the public charge rule, deportations, discrimination and accessibility. As we move quickly to slow the spread of the disease, we must work together to ensure we are not further harming communities.

Here are our “4 Cs” – recommended practices to embed equity into responses to COVID-19 and several resources to accompany them:

1. Center Community - As we practice social distancing (keeping at least 6 feet of distance between people) or enter self-quarantine, be mindful of the ways we can continue supporting community members who need us most: those with unstable housing, those over 60, those with certain chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease), those who cannot afford to stay home and have no paid sick leave, those who are undocumented, those who are low-income, those in rural communities who are hours from the nearest clinic or grocery store, those whose disabilities or language barriers make accessing information or resources more difficult.
   
   At a time when many of the messages we’re hearing from media are focused on the individual, let us not forget the importance of community. Let us find ways to continue to be guided by and rooted in our cultural knowledge and wisdom; let us remember our collective responsibility to care for those in most need; and let us choose compassion over fear.


2. Care for Self and Others - As we ensure we have what we need to care for ourselves and loved ones, be mindful of the negative impact of stockpiling. CDC guidance recommends enough medication (if prescribed), food and cleanliness supplies for two weeks in case of the need to self-quarantine. Grocery stores and pharmacies continue to be open at this time. Fear and uncertainty can easily lead to taking more than we need; however, the result is that many others will be without. Already, friends and neighbors have shared that they cannot find diaper wipes for their babies because they’ve been cleared out at stores. We’ve heard from folks in rural Minnesota who had to drive two hours to find disinfectant wipes. We must be mindful and find the balance between preparing ourselves and leaving others in harm’s way.
   
   At the same time, we need to remember to take the time for our mental, emotional and spiritual health. We should stay active when possible, and practice coping techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Find creative ways to maintain social distance while engaging with a family member, friend or professional if you feel overwhelmed. Be sure to check-in with your loved ones and set up times to call, skype or video chat to maintain connectedness while staying safe. Also consider limiting the amount of media you consume each day; take time to disconnect from news and social media and try to maintain some normalcy in your day when possible.


3. Challenge Bias and Racism - Remember that viruses don’t discriminate, and neither should we. Everyone is at risk, thus we should not discriminate against those of Asian descent. Hate crimes have been happening across the country towards Asian Americans. We do not tolerate any racism or discrimination against others. We are all on edge and concerned. That does not excuse violence or prejudice. MDH has resources available such as the Viruses Don’t Discriminate flyer on the MDH Coronavirus Materials page.
   
   If you see someone being mistreated, speak up if you feel safe doing so. If you have experienced discrimination from a business or organization, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights: call 651-539-1133 to speak with an investigator. The entire process is free. Interpretation and translation services are available.


4. Continue Pushing for Systems Change - While we encourage everyone to stay home if they feel sick, let us remember those who have no stable home, can’t afford to stay home from work or have no paid sick leave. Let us think about the policies and systems in place which do not allow us these privileges and act to change them. We have already seen action to eliminate co-pays on COVID-19 tests. Many cities and states across the country are pushing for moratoriums on evictions, the shut-off of utilities, and the pay back of student loans during this time. Let us work together to continue creating systems that heal, rather than harm.

As we move forward together into this unprecedented situation, let us be guided by these four Cs – Center Community; Care for Self and Others; Challenge Bias and Racism; and Continue Pushing for Systems Change. Particularly in times like these, equity cannot be an afterthought. Our Minnesota community – indeed, our global community – will be better off if we stay calm, stay compassionate, and remember that we’re in this together.

Selected Resources:

• Disability: General Disability and Health Emergency Preparedness Tools and Resources are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Public Charge: The U.S. government encourages individuals with symptoms of coronavirus to seek medical treatment or preventive services and states that such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect future Public Charge analysis for those seeking permanent resident status.
• Limited-English: MDH has resources, fact sheets and posters available in multiple languages, including ASL, on MDH Coronavirus Materials page.
• Internet: Many companies have pledged to help Keep Americans Connected by offering free internet to families with students or low-income households during this time.
• Food: There are many school districts and restaurants throughout Minnesota providing free lunches for students and food for those in need, such as St. Paul Public Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools.
• Mental Health: CDC and MDH have resources for coping with stress during the pandemic, Taking Care of Your Emotional Health, and Behavioral Health and Emergency Preparedness for healthcare responders, parents/caregivers, teens, kids and families. There are also many free resources and apps available to guide us through healing meditation practices.
• Unemployment: For those whose employment has been affected by COVID-19, individuals can apply for unemployment benefits on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website.
• Workers’ Rights and Protections: Information and resources are available from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

MDH COVID-19 Hotlines (Language line interpreters are available):

• Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
• Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
• As of March 19, both lines open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.