Stronger Together Coalition
A diverse group of organizations from Faribault and Martin Counties are partnering to address the top issues impacting the health of the citizens of the counties, based upon the findings of a recent Community Health Needs Assessment.
Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties, Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont and United Hospital District are all individually required to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment and subsequently develop a Community Health Improvement Plan to address the findings of the assessment. However, this time the three organizations partnered together, to reduce duplication, thereby having a greater collective impact across both counties.
The assessment was very focused on listening to what community members believe are the biggest challenges to health and wellness. The process included reviewing data trends, administering an adult health survey, utilizing the Minnesota Student Survey results and reviewing state level data indicators. The effort also included using social media to gauge community members opinions on health; utilizing a community dot polling activity at county fairs, school conferences and community events; and talking with key community leaders to better understand concerns.
In March, 2019, a community meeting was held to review the findings of the assessment and asked community members in attendance to prioritize key health concerns. Over 50 community members across both counties prioritized adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), mental health, substance use, chronic disease and access to health and dental care as the top issues impacting the health of the community.
Since that meeting, work has been underway to develop the Community Health Improvement Plan to help address these health concerns.
A Community Health Leadership Coalition was convened to help develop the plan and includes broad membership from across both counties. This coalition has convened three action planning teams that are in the process of developing the plan that will drive this work into the future. They include:
- Community Resiliency Team focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Mental Health and Substance Use
- Healthier Together Team focused Chronic Disease Prevention
- Access to Care Team focused on improving access to health care, dental and mental health care
