Minnesota Department of Health

When the Minnesota Department of Health and other American public health institutions fight an infectious disease like COVID-19, it is important to know where the pathogen is spreading. Traditionally, it is discovered after people have reported the symptoms and received diagnoses at hospitals. Read about how studying wastewater data can help scientists detect infectious diseases in a community even before data from doctor’s offices or hospitals is reported to public health officials in our PHL Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/gZv7eQFn

The world feels overwhelming right now and people are facing enormous challenges that can impact their mental health. Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone. 988 is a confidential mental health resource available 24/7 via call, text, or chat. Reach out for help with stress and anxiety, job loss or financial uncertainty, feeling unsafe, experiences with discrimination, hate, historical trauma, gender identity, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or any other experiences that may affect your mental health. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Looking for culturally responsive resources on Alzheimer’s and dementia? The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Community Toolbox provides educational materials, caregiver support, and tools to help educate about early detection, brain health, and available services. Resource library provides: ✔️ Culturally responsive services ✔️ Caregiving support ✔️ Healthy aging & brain health ✔️ Advanced care planning guide Visit MDH Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Community Toolbox: https://lnkd.in/gRfY_VZi

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, but with screenings and early detection it is highly preventable and treatable! The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends regular colorectal cancer screenings for adults ages 45 to 75. #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth #BlueforCRC

Join us on Thursday, March 27 for a webinar to learn more about improving health outcomes for people with prediabetes and diabetes. Lorena Drago, a registered dietitian, speaker, author, consultant, and certified diabetes care and educator specialist, will present on how unique barriers to health such as reduced access to care, unemployment, low incomes, housing cost burdens, and lack of health insurance can make managing chronic conditions such as prediabetes and diabetes more difficult. We will also discuss ways to address those barriers. 📅 DATE: Thursday, March 27 ⏲️ TIME: Noon-1 p.m. CST Register here: https://lnkd.in/guzPhNb3

In 2017, the opioid epidemic claimed a then-record 421 Minnesotan lives. The problem extended beyond opioids alone; many overdoses resulted from a combination of substances. To gain more information, the Minnesota Department of Health initiated the Minnesota Drug Overdose and Substance Use Surveillance Activity (MNDOSA) project to understand substance misuse and drug overdose patterns in real time. Read about how our Public Health Laboratory uses a high-resolution testing method that can identify over 1,000 substances to help inform clinicians, community partners, and the public about substance use trends and can guide prevention efforts in our PHL Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/gSib2rQm

Join the Sage Webinar Series on March 19 from 12:10 – 1 pm to learn more about hereditary cancer and resources for families, featuring Barb Kunz, MS, LCGC. You can expect to learn about:  - Ways that results from hereditary cancer genetic testing can guide cancer prevention and screening decision-making and treatment choices for those with cancer - Features to look for in someone’s personal and family history that are indications for the option of genetic testing for hereditary cancer - Local and national resources available for patients and families Register here: https://lnkd.in/gmtGTPJp

Tomorrow is International Long COVID Awareness Day. Long COVID continues to affect the lives of many Minnesotans, disrupting their wellbeing, work, and life in lasting ways. Many are still struggling to find support, care, and treatment.    At the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), we are committed to raising awareness around long COVID. We are also working diligently with community partners, health care providers, people with lived experience, and others to improve access to quality care and support for those impacted by long COVID.     Join us in raising awareness. More information about long COVID, available resources, and the MDH Long COVID Program can be found at https://lnkd.in/gU8A9nZN #LongCOVIDAwareness2025

For over 20 years, the Public Health Laboratory has analyzed water in Minnesota for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). We’ve recently expanded sampling across the state to understand and combat the threat of “forever chemicals.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gnks_qck

One of the American Heart Association Life’s Essential 8 recommendations for good heart health is being active. Adults should get at least 2.5 hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. A little over half of Minnesotans meet this goal. Learn more about how Minnesotans are meeting the goals of Life’s Essential 8 in our Minnesota Department of Health heart health data story: https://lnkd.in/gK53aiqC