Public Health launched a comprehensive community health assessment and improvement project called the Healthy Dakota Initiative. The vision for the Healthy Dakota Initiative is health and well-being for all in Dakota County.
The Healthy Dakota Initiative values:
- Connectedness: Strong community connections promote optimum well-being.
- Engagement: Individuals, families, groups and organizations actively participate in creating a healthy community.
- Inclusiveness: All who live or work in Dakota County — regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status — have multiple opportunities to maximize their health.
Improving the health of Dakota County
Following a review of the Dakota County Community Health Assessment report, the Healthy Dakota Initiative steering committee identified promoting mental health and reducing obesity by increasing physical activity and improving eating habits as the two planning priorities. Two community action teams have developed a Dakota County Community Health Improvement Plan that addresses these priorities.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee includes representatives from key partner organizations, including hospitals, clinics, schools and nonprofits as well as the County’s Human Services Advisory Committee:
- Joan Bertelsen, Independent School District 196 – Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan
- Brian Carlson, City of Burnsville Fire Department
- Linda Feist, Dakota County Human Services Advisory Committee
- Tammy Hayes, Northfield Hospital and Long Term Care Center
- Katie Iommazzo, Fairview Ridges Hospital
- Peggy Johnson, Dakota Electric Association
- Kathy Lewis, Dakota County Human Services Advisory Committee
- Connie Marsolek, Park Nicollet Clinic - Burnsville
- Sal Mondelli, 360 Communities
- Juli Seydell Johnson, City of Eagan Parks and Recreation Department