Minnesota Department of Health

Mark your calendars for National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 20! This annual observance was founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to honor the dedication and resilience of rural health professionals, organizations and communities nationwide. Join us in celebrating the #PowerOfRural! Leading up to the event, the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care will be sending out a toolkit of resources to help communities spread the word and organize local events. You can learn more about National Rural Health Day and the Power of Rural by visiting powerofrural.org.

Children are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals from everyday consumer products in their homes. This year, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Toxic Free Kids program listed 15 additional chemicals in the Chemicals of High Concern list found in the program’s fifth legislative report. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gw82Txwb #ThisIsEhMn

As rates of documented syphilis infections continues to rise nationally, Minnesota saw a 11% decline in 2022, and another 9% decline in 2023, thanks to partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Health, health care, local public health, and community-based organizations making testing, treatment, and education available. To read the entire article, visit: https://lnkd.in/gGqVzNEc

Accompanying text for reposts: Join in on Sickle Cell Foundation of MN and Children's Minnesota SCD Family Fun Day at the Science Museum of MN - free games, food, and fun for all ages! Register now for the August 2nd event: www.loom.ly/wkdDwhY

July is Disability Pride Month — a time to celebrate Minnesota’s disability community and recommit to building a more accessible and inclusive Minnesota for all. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law made possible by decades of disability activism. While we've made progress, there's still more work to do. At the Minnesota Department of Health, accessibility is central to how we serve. Let’s continue working together to create a Minnesota where everyone can thrive. #DisabilityPrideMonth #AccessibilityMatters

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Minnesota Rural Health Awards! Please make your nominations by Tuesday, September 30, for the Hero, Team, or Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominees can have contributed to rural health in any capacity—in a paid position or as a volunteer, as a health care provider or administrator, through policy development or in practice. Areas of impact could include, but are not limited to, health care and health programs, rural health policy, legislation, rural health equity, improved patterns of health care delivery, cooperative efforts, achieving efficiencies to avoid duplication of services and reach common goals, education, and the lasting impact on people and areas served. https://lnkd.in/eTCz_CgC The 2025 award recipients will be announced on National Rural Health Day (November 20) and honored during an in-person event (details TBA).

The power to stop the spread of germs lies in your hands. Learn more about the importance of clean hands in health care and how to protect yourself, your coworkers, and your patients/residents/clients. Explore our newly released MDH Project Firstline Hand Hygiene Education Bundle. This resource includes recorded training sessions, an interactive scenario in English and Spanish, and more: https://lnkd.in/gdB7DDZM

We’re all feeling the impacts of climate change. Minnesota is updating our Climate Action Framework in 2025 with a stronger focus on local collaboration and community development. Share your thoughts on our climate action steps here: https://lnkd.in/ggaRWgX9

We are very excited to announce that the Minnesota Department of Health’s Aging and Healthy Communities Unit has created Memory Kits for children whose loved ones are experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia! These thoughtful, engaging kits are designed to help kids understand the changes their family member is going through, while fostering connection, compassion, and conversation. Each kit builds empathy and offers meaningful ways to stay connected across generations. Libraries across Minnesota are invited to bring these kits to their shelves. Interested? Please fill out our short interest form by July 31st, to express your library's interest in being considered to receive these kits: https://lnkd.in/gwFGBHWz

You can count on your county’s public health staff to have your back—they’re your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Every day, Minnesota’s local public health workers cooperate with other sectors and with members of the community to shape the ways that help communities thrive. Kanabec County’s Better Together Coalition brings together everyone from youth and parents to businesses, law enforcement, health care and more, so that the entire community is working together to make the county a place where it’s easier for youth to avoid drugs and to care for their mental health. https://lnkd.in/gXA2KwMy