Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking input and ideas to transform rural health and strengthen rural health care delivery, especially for emergency services, primary care, care for people with complex and chronic conditions, mental and behavioral health care, maternal health care, and other at-risk services. Please use the Rural Health Transformation Plan - Public Comments form to share your thoughts and ideas! All voices and perspectives are welcomed. Please provide your input by Sept. 26. https://lnkd.in/giQei_4B

Checking in on and talking with friends and family is one of the best things that we can do to help them through difficult times. However, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable or just plain awkward. The Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends gives ideas on what support can look like and where to begin: https://lnkd.in/eG_M-NUW #YouMatterMN #CreateHopeThroughAction #SuicidePreventionMonth

A stillbirth is a fetal loss that occurs at or after 20 weeks gestation either in utero or at the time of delivery. In 2023, the last year for which data is available, 304 stillbirths occurred in Minnesota. Between 2021-2023, stillbirths occurred approximately two times more often among Non-Hispanic African American/Black and American Indian people compared to people in the state overall. Governor Walz has proclaimed today as Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day. We invite you to join us in honoring the thousands of families who have been impacted by stillbirth and in supporting efforts to prevent stillbirths and improve birth outcomes for families across Minnesota. https://lnkd.in/gmy6zYDa

Three teams from across the Minnesota Department of Health have been recognized by National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD)! The Sage Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program, the Long COVID Program, and a team working on data modernization received awards for their efforts to reduce chronic disease in Minnesota.

Overuse or misuse of antifungal medications can lead to antifungal-resistant infections. Confirming fungal diagnoses with laboratory testing helps ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment. Appropriate use of antifungals improves patient outcomes and is important for preserving available treatment options. #FungalWeek25. Learn more: https://wb.md/3T1roPE

Breastmilk is first medicine as well as first traditional food. Did you know that breastfed babies have a lower risk of infant mortality than babies who are not breasted? In a study of nearly 10,000,000 births in the U.S, researchers found that infants who were ever breastfed were 33% less likely to die from all causes compared to infants who were never breastfed. Breastfeeding can be challenging so getting the right support is critical. To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/gW9iuZpx #InfantMortalityAwareness

We're hiring! Join a mission-driven team in the State Rapid Response (Office of Health Facility Complaints) Unit of the Health Regulation Division, where you will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans! Working as a Rapid Response Evaluator within the team, you will: ✔️ Evaluate provider's compliance with state and federal rules and laws and investigate allegations of non-compliance and/or maltreatment. ✔️ Compile and record the investigation information which supports conclusions reached and documents the degree of compliance with state and federal statutes and rules. ✔️ Make unannounced follow-up site visits to ascertain compliance with correction orders previously issued. ✔️ Attend legal proceedings and testify regarding substantiated complaint cases, uncorrected orders/deficiencies and other matters as required, to assure that the department's findings/position are properly presented, clarified and supported. To view full job posting and apply for this position, visit https://lnkd.in/g5rTezp and search on Job ID 88955

Minnesotans who visit the southwest U.S. can be exposed to the soil fungus that causes Valley Fever. Each year over 100 MN residents return from visiting warmer climates with a fungal lung infection. If your patient has a fever and cough after a trip to the Southwest, consider testing for Valley Fever. Save or print CDC's diagnostic algorithms, designed to help primary care and family practice providers diagnose these uncommon fungal diseases earlier. #FungalWeek25 https://bit.ly/3yQu4sq

Tune in tomorrow for the first of a two-part HHS webinar series on Sickle Cell Disease and Gene Therapies.   #SicklecellAwarenessMonth

Did you know that historically, Black babies in Minnesota are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to non-Hispanic White babies? But it doesn't have to be this way. A commitment to ensure and implement policies that promote systemic changes is needed to have better birth outcomes. Learn more about the Emerging Narrative Frames developed by Community Voices and Solutions that draws on the strength, resilience, and wisdom of African American families to help shape, improve, and expand community and policy conversations around infant mortality in Minnesota's African American community. #InfantMortalityAwareness https://lnkd.in/g54adbYP