New funding available for worksites in 2026
Partner with Dakota County Public Health, the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) and HealthSource Solutions to address worksite wellness. Support your employees' mental and physical health.
We are now accepting requests to join a worksite wellness initiative. Sites must be in Dakota County. If you're interested in partnering, contact Erin Ostrowski at erin.ostrowski@co.dakota.mn.us
Since 2011, 94 employers at more than 125 worksite locations have strengthened their wellness programs through Dakota County’s SHIP Worksite Wellness.
Benefits and details of becoming a worksite partner
If selected as a worksite partner, we'll guide you in creating and enhancing wellness initiatives. We'll help develop and implement policy, systems and environmental changes. This will help you gain tools that support the mental and physical health of your employees. It's an investment that benefits both individuals and your organization through improved morale, productivity and retention.
Throughout the initiative, Dakota County and HealthSource Solutions provide technical assistance to workplaces. We advise on best practices in workplace wellness.
We will also work together to create foundational elements of wellness planning. This includes vision, leadership engagement, forming a wellness committee and creating a work plan.
Worksites may choose from several different strategy areas to work on as well, including:
- Lactation support
- Mental well-being
- Help quitting tobacco
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
Participating worksites will receive:
- Assessment tools, support in establishing a wellness committee, customized goals and metrics.
- Free personalized technical assistance from a worksite wellness consultant.
- Networking opportunities to connect you with other employers across Dakota County who are working to create healthier, more supportive workplaces.
- Information and support related to health equity.
- A $2,000 payment for participating and making policy, system and environmental changes.
Ideal characteristics for a participating worksite:
- Currently have no wellness program in place or would like to enhance current program.
- Employ staff who are at higher risk for health disparities (older adults, low income or diverse workforce).
- Can commit 1-3 hours monthly for primary contact.
- Currently looking to enhance workplace policy and environment.
- Have an interest in creating a sustainable wellness program.
Requests will be accepted until all eight spots are filled. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage worksites to inquire as early as possible. For more information, contact Erin Ostrowski at erin.ostrowski@co.dakota.mn.us.