Health Equity Advisory and Leadership (HEAL) Council
The Health Equity Advisory and Leadership Council was created as part of a broader effort by the Minnesota Department of Health to address Minnesota’s disparities in health status – particularly those persistent disparities across various ethnic, racial and regional groups. The HEAL Council represents the voices of many communities most severely impacted by health inequities across the state, including racial and ethnic minority groups, rural Minnesotans, Minnesotans with disabilities, American Indians, LGBTQ community members, refugees and immigrants.
The council assists the Minnesota Department of Health in carrying out the efforts outlined in the department’s strategic plan and its Advancing Health Equity report, including advising on specific MDH policies and programs. The council also assists MDH in developing strong performance measures related to advancing health equity. By February 15, 2019, and annually thereafter, the council will prepare and submit a report to the Commissioner of Health that summarizes the activities of the council and specific objectives the group will pursue during the upcoming year.
Members represent multiple communities and organizations that work to advance the health of those most impacted by health inequities in Minnesota. They bring both expertise on a range of health topics and the lived experiences of their respective geographic/cultural communities. The knowledge and wisdom of council members will enhance the work of MDH in advancing health equity for all communities in Minnesota.
All HEAL meetings are public meetings. If you have interest in attending a future HEAL meeting, please contact Amy Lopez at, Amy.Lopez@state.mn.us and you will be sent the meeting link.
If community members have interest to share a public comment about a health equity need or concern at a HEAL meeting, there is time at the end of each meeting from 1:45 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. If you would like to share a public comment, please contact Amy Lopez at, Amy.Lopez@state.mn.us, one week before the HEAL meeting. We may not be able to accommodate a public comment with less than a week's notice.
- January 22, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- February 19, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- March 19, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- April 16, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- May 21, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- June 18, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- July 16, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- August 20, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- September 17, 2021- Virtual Meeting - September 2021 Meeting Summary
- October 22, 2021- Virtual Meeting - October 2021 Meeting Summary
- November 19, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- December 17, 2021- Virtual Meeting
- January 17, 2020 in Frogtown 2510 - January 2020 Meeting Minutes
- February 14, 2020 in Frogtown 2510 - February 2020 Meeting Minutes
- March 13, 2020 in Frogtown 2510 - March 2020 Meeting Minutes
- April 10, 2020 - Virtual Meeting - April 2020 Meeting Minutes
- May 8, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- June 19, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- July 10, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- August 14, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- September 11, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- October 23, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- November 13, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
- December 11, 2020 - Virtual Meeting
Recommendations to Commissioner of Health
2019
In January 2019, the HEAL Council released a memo to Commissioner Malcolm identifying critical issues and recommending solutions for the agency to address as the state moved into a new gubernatorial administration. The memo is available through the link below:
HEAL Council Memo to Commissioner of Health
In April 2019, the Commissioner of Health sent a response to the council chairs and members to thank them for their recommendations, share current work related to the council's recommendations, and to pledge her full support in the important work of advancing health equity. The commissioner's response is available through the link below:
Commissioner's Response to HEAL Council Memo
2020
HEAL Council Letter to the Commissioner of Health on COVID-19
Commissioner's Response to Health Council Letter on COVID-19