Minnesota Department of Health awarded $450,000 grant

The Minnesota Department of Health announced today that it has received a $450,000 grant ($150,000/year for three years) from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to improve the quality of public health and prepare for national public health accreditation. The grant is part of a national program called “Lead States in Public Health Quality Improvement: A Multi-State Learning Collaborative,” which is managed by the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) and the Public Health Leadership Society (PHLS).

Minnesota is one of 16 states chosen to participate in the program. The grant will support the implementation of projects to address specific health issues such as obesity and other chronic diseases or to reduce the burden of illness due to tobacco or alcohol use. Additionally, Minnesota will also use the funding for community health planning efforts, collecting and analyzing health data to improve health and professional development of the public health workforce.

“We are very pleased to receive this grant,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Sanne Magnan. “Minnesota is known for its strong state and local leadership in public health. This grant will help us further improve public health programs and services in Minnesota so that we remain one of the healthiest states in the nation for years to come.”

“Minnesota has demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of their public health services and programs. Their work will lead the way as other local and state public health agencies across the nation prepare for accreditation and strive to create healthier communities,” said James S. Marks, M.D., M.P.H., senior vice president and director of the health group at RWJF.