Public Health has 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: Effective communication leads to strong community connections that 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 identity, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status — have multiple opportunities to maximize their health.
Improving the health of Dakota County
The initial phase of the project focused on identifying health issues and concerns through a community health assessment. Based on analysis of the data, the steering committee prioritized health concerns in the county and identified the five health priorities. The community health assessment also provides the foundation for the second phase of the initiative — developing a community health improvement plan that targets priority concerns.
- Adult mental health
- Adult physical activity
- Difficulty paying for health care
- Housing affordability
- Adolescent suicidal ideation
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee includes representatives from key partner organizations, including hospitals, clinics, schools, cities and nonprofits. The committee includes:
- Debbie Arver, Argosy University
- Tabatha Barrett, DARTS
- Bonnie Brueshoff, Dakota County Public Health
- Naima Farah, CommonBond Communities
- Linda Feist, Dakota County resident
- Deb Griffith, City of South St. Paul
- Robert Hanson, Independent School District 197
- Katie Iommazzo, Fairview Ridges Hospital
- Peggy Johnson, Dakota Electric Association
- Chris Koop, Hastings Family Service
- Katie Lowe, YMCA-West St. Paul
- Kelly McCarthy, City of Mendota Heights Police Department
- Anthony Nemcek, City of Rosemount
- Stacie O’Leary, Independent School District 197
- Heather Peterson, Allina Health
- Brandi Poellinger, Allina Health – Regina Hospital