“Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind.
To the fearful, it is threatening because it means that things may get worse.
To the hopeful, it is encouraging because things may get better.
To the confident, it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.”
— K i n g W h i t n e y J r.
CHANGE CHALLENGE OPPORTUNITY
Leading
for the
s
future
ocial, economic, and policy shifts are altering the public health landscape.
Today, public health leaders are actively defining and designing tomorrow’s public
health system. Yet, many questions remain unanswered. What essential public health
services will tomorrow’s public health system offer our state’s residents? How can
public health policy makers and administrators appropriately reconcile the time
and resources spent on emergency preparedness efforts? Are we using those dollars
to strengthen the system as a whole? What opportunities are available to develop
relationships with new partners and strengthen those with longstanding partners?
How should resources be best allocated?
This year, we celebrate a return to examining the core public health issues that impact all
Minnesotans and that drive day-to-day programs and policy decisions in communities
throughout the state. Sessions will reflect the critical role that public health serves in each
community; highlight the changes, challenges, and opportunities presented by the Local Public
Health Act; and encourage the sharing of innovative practices that achieve positive outcomes.
Conference GOALS
As a participant, you will:
■ Discuss strategies to capitalize on the changes underway.
■ Build skills to enter into mutually beneficial partnerships to achieve public health goals.
■ Gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural and ethnic groups in Minnesota.
■ Develop innovative strategies to lead more visible, effective, and efficient public health initiatives.
■ Learn techniques to boost employee morale.
■ Celebrate the recent and ongoing successes achieved by the public health community, mark the
dedication of the public health workforce, and begin the important process of rejuvenation.
Gener al Session Speakers
Speakers
Janet Porter, Ph.D., M.B.A., is an Associate Dean and Director
of Executive Education at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
With such a great deal of a county’s and state’s public health
resource found in its staff, and with so many significant
changes and challenges to face, it is vitally important that
our agency and county leaders possess excellent personnel
management strategies. This indispensable skill allows
competence to be developed, relationships to be productive,
and work to reach desired outcomes. In her keynote
address, The Power of One, Dr. Porter will provide a
hopeful, entertaining, and substantive discussion of issues
facing public health professionals and ideas on ways to
maximize employees’ strengths.
Patricia Walker, M.D., is the Medical Director of the
HealthPartners/Regions Hospital Center for International
Health, a nationally known refugee and immigrant health
clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota.
At least 15,000 Hmong immigrants are expected to arrive
in the United States this year, including more than 5,000 in
Minnesota. Are we ready? What health and social issues
will need to be addressed to ease their transition to life in
America? We are a nation of immigrants. What can we do
to help this wave of newcomers achieve our same successes?
Dr. Walker, recognized across the country as an expert on
cross-cultural healthcare in a multicultural society, was part
of the delegation that traveled to Wat Tham Krabok,
Thailand, this past spring. Dr. Walker will share insights
from her travels and, using the 2004 Hmong arrivals as an
example, discuss best practices in refugee and immigrant
healthcare. She will also review the final recommendations
of the State of Minnesota Refugee and Immigrant Health
Task Force.
Thomas Kottke, M.D., M.S.P.H., is a clinical cardiologist,
epidemiologist, and health services researcher at Regions Hospital
Heart Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the HealthPartners
Research Foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Recently, the health and economic effects of our lifestyle choices
have been popular subjects of news reports. Obesity is a national epidemic. Heart disease kills or disables too many. Health
coverage costs continue to increase. The problems are certainly
serious ones but, there is also good news to report: there are
things communities can do to improve their members’ health. In
his address, CardioVision 2020: A Community Responds to the
Lifestyle Syndrome, Dr. Kottke will discuss how lifestyle change
can extend active life expectancy and delay the onset of
disability. He will also share information about a popular
community health initiative, developed by a team of community
partners, that promotes a smoke-free environment, heart-healthy
nutrition habits, and a physically active lifestyle for all children
and adults living in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
Dianne Mandernach is the Commissioner of the Minnesota
Department of Health. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Mandernach
served for nine years as the CEO of Mercy Hospital and Health
Care Center in Moose Lake, Minnesota.
Today’s public health leaders face daunting challenges, including
a new set of essential local public health activities, disparities in
population health status, heightened expectations for public
health system preparedness, new partners and evolving
partnerships, increased performance accountability, and the
evolving epidemiology of disease. In her Friday morning
address, Commissioner Mandernach will share her ideas about
recent changes to the public health system, discuss current
challenges public health professionals in Minnesota must overcome, and describe the opportunities this important work
affords the residents of Minnesota.
2004
PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
W E D N E S DAY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2004
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Conference Registration Desk Open (Lobby)
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SCHSAC Executive Committee Meeting (Governor’s Room)
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SCHSAC Meeting (Minnesota Room)
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Community Health Awards (Whitebirch I)
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Awards Reception (Whitebirch II)
(including hot and cold hor d’ oeuvres)
THURSDAY, sEPTEMBER 23, 2004
T H U RS DAY
2004
7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
6:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Registration Desk Open (Lobby)
Breakfast (Minnesota Room)
8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
Conference Welcome (Whitebirch)
Heather Robins, Chair • State Community Health Services Advisory Committee
8:40 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
Keynote Address: The Power of One (Whitebirch)
Janet Porter, Ph.D., M.B.A., Associate Dean and Director of Executive Education,
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Moderated by Mary Sheehan, Community and Family Health Division Director,
Minnesota Department of Health
9:55 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Break (Minnesota Room)
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Concurrent SessionsConcurrent Sessions A
A1 *Developing a Compelling Public Health Business Plan (Marina Dining Room - located directly
Schedule
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
across from the conference center)
Janet Porter, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Moderator: Lee Kingsbury, Minnesota Department of Health
Note: This will be a 120 minute session. Your name badge will indicate if you are a registered participant for this session.
If you make people better managers of limited resources, it can result in increased money in the community to improve
the public’s health. Attend this session to learn how to develop a winning public health business plan. The curriculum is
grounded in the success stories of graduates of the Management Academy for Public Health. This academy, designed and
operated by the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and School of Public Health, seeks to help public
health officials deal with the difficult issues they face today by building skills in managing money, people, data, and partnerships.
A2 Moving a Community to Smoke-Free Policy: Exercising Our Public Health Assessment, Planning,
Policy Development, and Assurance Skills (Whitebirch II)
Kerry Cork, Tobacco Law Center; Natalie Johnson Lee, Minneapolis City Council; Rich Peter, Olmsted County Public Health
Service; Susan Weisman, Tobacco Law Center; and Mary Wellik, Olmsted County Public Health Service
Moderator: Bev Wangerin, McLeod County Commissioner
Many Minnesota counties and cities have passed or are considering ordinances to provide clean air in the workplace. Attend this session to
receive vital information about the challenges, formation of community partnerships, planning, and policy development skills and strategies
that proved essential for a local public health agency in leading and supporting its community to adopt and implement a smoke-free restaurant ordinance. Participants will hear an overview of the Tobacco Law Center and learn how it can help communities avoid pitfalls and
address legal challenges often encountered in ordinance campaigns. Also, learn how the assurance process helps address business and legal
community concerns, and gain tips to make the ordinance provisions politically acceptable to municipal and county decision makers and to
set the stage for the successful resolution of complaints and appeals.
A3 Minnesota Public Health Information Network and Public Health Informatics:
What Are These and Why Are They Important To My City and County? (Whitebirch I)
Sue Hedlund, Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment; Marty LaVenture, Minnesota Department of
Health; and Karen Zeleznak, Bloomington Division of Public Health
Moderator: John Clare, Minnesota Department of Health
Attend this session to learn about the emerging new discipline of Public Health Informatics and why it is important to public health in
your city and county. Participants will hear how national initiatives for a Public Health Information Network are driving major changes
in Minnesota, and gain a better understanding of the SCHSAC workgroup’s efforts to create a strategic plan for a Minnesota Health
Information Network. The statewide workgroup on community-based electronic health records and new opportunities for funding to
support these initiatives will also be discussed.
A4 Who Will Take the Reins? Shaping the Future of Public Health Leadership (Governor’s Room)
Gina Adasiewicz, Dakota County Public Health and Kristin Schultz, Sibley County Public Health
Moderator: Gail Gentling, Minnesota Department of Health
The future is coming and the leaders are leaving. Today’s public health leaders have an important role in encouraging and
nurturing the talent of emerging leaders. Participants in this session will learn about collaborative leadership, build skills in
using and encouraging collaborative leadership techniques, and hear the latest strategies for succession planning.
T H U RS DAY
A5 So How ARE The Children? Identification and Intervention on Behalf of Infants,
Toddlers, and Young Children with Suspected Social-Emotional Problems (Pelican Room)
Marilyn Deling, Olmsted County Public Health Service; Lola Jahnke, Minnesota Department of Health;
and Tammy Seifert, Sherburne County Public Health
Moderator: Kristen Tharaldson, Minnesota Department of Health
In 2003, the state and several Community Health Services agencies piloted the Ages and Stages Questionnaire:
Social and Emotional, which is a screening tool to use with infants and toddlers who may need further assessment
for social-emotional issues. During this session, agencies that piloted the tool will describe the processes they used
to prepare the community for screening and discuss how local resources were mobilized to provide interventions.
Success stories, challenges, and lessons learned will be shared.
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Schedule
continued
B1 What Do Minnesotans Expect From Their Local Public Health Departments? (Whitebirch I)
Kathy Lentz, Greater Twin Cities United Way; Bill Montague, Polk County Community Health Board;
Brian Rusche, Joint Religious Legislative Coalition; Paul Wilson, Olmsted County Community Health Board;
and Donna Zimmerman, HealthPartners
Moderator: Debra Burns, Minnesota Department of Health
Come learn about the new essential local public health activities for Minnesota, hear how they were developed,
and why. What do our partners in business, healthcare, faith communities, and community-based organizations
think about the new activities? How might these activities affect future local public health work?
B2 County-wide Meth Response: Context, Information, and Encouragement (Whitebirch II)
Renee Frauendienst, Stearns County Human Services; Mary Marchel, Beltrami County Public Health Nursing Service;
Mary McGlothlin, Washington County Department of Public Health and the Environment; and Rich Peter, Olmsted
County Public Health Service
Moderator: Mary Haug, Aitkin-Itasca-Koochiching Community Health Board
So, your lab has a meth ordinance, but what do you do when a lab is discovered within county lines? Attend this session to
hear an overview of a county meth response, including how to coordinate the five areas of meth response; learn about the
implementation of a drug endangered children’s policy; gain a deeper understanding of remediation, including what must
be decided before a remediation project is undertaken and how to work with contractors and property owners; and find
out more about the who, what, when, why, and how of a successful county awareness and education plan.
B3 What’s Happening and What’s New? The Public Health Lab’s Role in Surveillance and
Environmental Monitoring (Heartland III and IV)
Paul Moyer, Minnesota Department of Health and Maureen Sullivan, Minnesota Department of Health
Moderator: Randy Graham, Minnesota Department of Health
Take a virtual tour of the MDH Public Health Laboratory and learn how this lab interacts with its partners at various levels
to help maintain and protect the public’s health. The increasing complexity of naturally occurring outbreaks and threats of
accidental and intentional man-made contamination require the establishment of a “new normal.” For the MDH laboratory,
this new way of doing business demands increased capacity and capabilities for infectious disease surveillance as well as
chemical contaminant monitoring of both the environment and those exposed.
B4 The Toolbox You Need: How to Conduct an Effective Exercise of Your Public Health
Emergency Response Plan (Pelican Room)
Robert Einweck, Minnesota Department of Health; Jim Gangl, St. Louis County Public Health Department;
and Jayne Griffith, Minnesota Department of Health
Moderator: Cheryl Petersen-Kroeber, Minnesota Department of Health
Exercises are the critical means to test our response plans. Significant time, money, and effort are going into exercises,
and MDH is developing a comprehensive resource toolbox to ensure exercises are well designed and useful. The session
will orient attendees to the toolbox and provide valuable insight into developing or participating in a successful exercise.
T H U RS DAY
continued
B5 Nurse-Family Partnerships: Helping First Time Parents Succeed (Governor’s Room)
Kathy Anderson, Clay County Public Health and Veronica Sterling, St. Louis County Public Health
Moderator: Michelle Strangis, Minnesota Department of Health
Clay, Wilkin, and St. Louis counties currently offer a research-based nurse home visiting program for low-income,
first-time mothers. Attend this session to learn more about this nationally acclaimed program that is supported by more
than 20 years of research. Randomized clinical trials point to positive outcomes for both mother and child, including less child
abuse and neglect, fewer subsequent pregnancies, and fewer arrests among mothers; and for the children once they
become teens: fewer sexual partners, fewer arrests, and less alcohol consumption.
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Lunch and Networking (Marina Patio – weather permitting)
1:45 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.
Plenary Session: Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare in Minnesota (Whitebirch)
2:55 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Break (Minnesota Room)
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
C1 Hot Topics in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Minnesota (Whitebirch I)
Harry Hull, Minnesota Department of Health
Moderator: Mary Sheehan, Minnesota Department of Health
As the SARS epidemic of 2003 illustrated so clearly, all the regions and peoples of the world are susceptible to
new infectious disease threats that can appear suddenly and in full force. Join the State Epidemiologist in this
session to gain a better understanding of emerging infectious diseases and the need to enhance and maintain
public health surveillance of infectious diseases at the federal, state, and local levels. Dr. Hull will also describe
trends in selected infectious diseases that are emerging in Minnesota and discuss factors that lead to the
emergence of these infections and strategies to reduce their incidence.
C2 Food Allergens: A 21st Century Food Safety Issue (Heartland III and IV)
Schedule
Patricia F. Walker, M.D., Medical Director of Regions Hospital’s Center for International Health
Moderated by Aggie Leitheiser, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health
Dave Read, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Wendy Spanier, Minnesota Department of Health;
and Thomas Trautman, General Mills, Inc.
Moderator: John Clare, Minnesota Department of Health
Do you ever wonder why peanuts are not served on airplanes? Well, peanuts and tree nuts are among the most
dangerous foods in America if you are one of the approximately 3 million Americans who are allergic to nuts. Each
year, over 200 deaths and thousands of hospital visits are caused by allergic reactions to food. This session will provide
an introduction to food allergies, including the basic medical/clinical aspects of the condition, foods most commonly
involved in allergic reactions, and regulatory and industry efforts/challenges in implementing control measures.
C3 Nobody Does Mental Health Like Public Health: Assuring The Continuum of Mental Healthcare
(Whitebirch II)
Terri Holmquist, Carlton County Public Health; Candy Kragthorpe, Minnesota Department of Health; and
Joan Peterson, Carlton County Public Health
Moderator: Julie Myhre, Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board
The first Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health asserts that mental illness is a critical public health problem that must be addressed.
In this session, participants will learn about the unique role of public health in the continuum of mental healthcare. How do communities
benefit from mental health promotion and early identification of mental health problems? Staff from Carlton County and the Minnesota
Department of Health will provide examples of early intervention and other collaborative community-based activities that underscore the
distinct and critical function of public health in addressing mental health disparities.
C4 Emergency Preparedness Planning in the Regions: Real Successes for Real People (Governor’s Room)
Gina Adasiewicz, Dakota County Public Health; Anita Hoffmann, Brown County Public Health; Carol Sele,
North Country Health Services; and Kimberly Thon, Central Minnesota EMS Region
Moderator: Sharon Smith, Minnesota Department of Health
Emergency preparedness planning has taken on a new meaning and urgency since the attacks inside our country in 2001. Today, in every
region of the state, extensive and unique preparedness planning is underway. Participants in this session will have the opportunity to hear
about and receive materials on regional programs that work. These success stories will demonstrate the value of partnerships and collaboration. Attend this session to be inspired and get ready to go back to work and try something new!
T H U RS DAY
continued
C5 *Serving Parenting and Pregnant Teens: Culturally-Specific Approaches That Work (Pelican Room)
(*Note: This will be a 75-minute session, ending at 4:30 p.m.)
Doriscile Everett-O’Neal, Summit University Teen Center; MaiKia Moua, St. Paul-Ramsey County Department
of Public Health; and Leslie Walking Elk, Division of Indian Works
Moderator: Michelle Strangis, Minnesota Department of Health
Two programs serving parenting and pregnant teens will describe the services and unique components they offer that focus on the
cultural identity of African American or American Indian teen parents. The cultural components of these programs could be used
in other programs serving these populations. A third program will share a unique approach to serving parenting or pregnant teens
on the Minnesota Family Investment Program.
6:30 p.m
Informal Dinner (Minnesota Room)
8:00 p.m.
Beach Bonfire (Marina)
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Schedule
F R I DAY
Friday, September 24, 2004
7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration Desk Open (Lobby)
6:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast (Minnesota Room)
Round Tables (During Breakfast)
Topics: Cancer Plan Minnesota, County Emergency Preparedness, Genomics,
Refugee Health Issues, and Smoke Free Ordinances
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Julie Myhre, Chair
(Whitebirch Room)
8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
SCHSAC Conference Planning Work Group
Plenary Session: CardioVision 2020:
A Community Responds to the Lifestyle Syndrome
(Whitebirch Room)
Thomas E. Kottke, M.D., M.S.P.H., Regions Hospital Heart Center and the
HealthPartners Research Foundation
Moderated by Carol Woolverton, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health
10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. Break (Minnesota Room)
10:20 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
D1 The Proof is in the Partnerships: Staple Ingredients for Effective Partnerships (Pelican Room)
Bonnie Brueshoff, Dakota County Public Health; Jean Larson, St. Louis County Public Health; and Mary Wellik,
Olmsted County Public Health Service
Moderator: Cindy Borgen, Minnesota Department of Health
Learn key strategies for entering into win-win partnerships from the project staff of three diverse and successful programs that
came about through successful linkages with other community organizations. Dakota Healthy Families, Good Samaritan Dental
Clinic, and Youth Access to Health Care are diverse projects associated with three public health departments who have differing
cultures and environments, yet each shares common partnership ingredients that contributed to positive project outcomes.
D2 The Minnesota Birth Defects Information System: Something Really Did Pass the Legislature This Year
(Governor’s Room)
Myron Falken, Minnesota Department of Health; Marianne Keuhn, March of Dimes, Minnesota Chapter; and Daniel Symonik,
Minnesota Department of Health
Moderator: Kristin Raab, Minnesota Department of Health
Legislation authorizing the establishment of a Birth Defects Information System in Minnesota successfully made its way through
session this year. What does this mean for your agency or Community Health Board? Attend this session to hear a brief overview
of the status of birth defects in Minnesota, learn more about the implementation of the statewide information system, and find
out how state and local public health agencies have been active in building collaborative partnerships to enhance connections
to services and participating in birth defects prevention efforts.
F R I DAY
continued
D3 Rising Healthcare Costs and the Outlook For Counties (Whitebirch II)
Marian Brandt, South Country Health Alliance; Patricia Coldwell, Association of
Minnesota Counties; and Julie Sonier, Minnesota Department of Health
Moderator: Marcia Ward, Winona County Commissioner
Rapidly rising healthcare costs over the last several years have placed tremendous strain on public budgets. Rising costs have
resulted in changes to eligibility and benefits in public health insurance programs, and have also become a contentious issue in
negotiating employee benefits. This session will provide conference attendees with the latest information on healthcare cost trends
and drivers of cost, a perspective on how rising healthcare costs have affected counties, and an update on county-based
healthcare purchasing and potential future models for purchasing healthcare.
D4 Emergency Health Powers: Your Rights and Responsibilities (Whitebirch I)
Aggie Leitheiser, Minnesota Department of Health; Steve Shakman, Minnesota Department of Health; Kathy Como-Sabetti,
Minnesota Department of Health; and Audrey Kaiser Manka, Office of the Minnesota Attorney General
Moderator: Donna Johnson, Blue Earth County Public Health
In this interactive session, participants will learn about their current legal powers and duties before and during an emergency — such as
liability protections for volunteers, who has access to security information, and how exactly the legal part of isolation or quarantine
will work. Participants will also have the opportunity to help shape the legislative proposal for changes in the 2005 session.
11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Plenary Session: Commissioner’s Address (Whitebirch Room)
Dianne Mandernach, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health
Introduction by Mary Sheehan, Community Health Division Director, Minnesota Department of Health
12:00 p.m.
Adjournment/ Box Lunch To Go (Minnesota Room)
2004 CONFERENCE PLANNING WORK GROUP
Julie Myhre, Chair
Cindy Borgen
John Clare
Rob Fulton
David Giese
Randy Graham
Mary Haug
Donna Johnson
Lee Kingsbury
Doug Mandy
Colleen Paulus
Cheryl Petersen-Kroeber
DeeAnn Pettyjohn
Mary Sheehan
Sharon T. Smith
Michelle Strangis
Beverly Wangerin
Marcia Ward
Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board, Duluth
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division, MDH, St. Paul
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Prevention and Control Division, MDH, Minneapolis
St. Paul-Ramsey Department of Public Health, St. Paul
Health Policy, Information and Compliance Monitoring Division, MDH, St. Paul
Public Health Laboratory, MDH, Minneapolis
Aitkin-Itasca-Koochiching Community Health Board, Isle
Blue Earth County Public Health, Mankato
Community and Family Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
Environmental Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
Mark Your Calendars
Environmental Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
Office of Emergency Preparedness, MDH, St. Paul
2005 Conference
Dodge-Steele Community Health Services/Owatonna
Community and Family Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
September 14, 15, 16, 2005
Office of Minority and Multicultural Health, MDH, St. Paul
Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center
Community and Family Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
McLeod County Commissioner, Hutchinson
Brainerd, Minnesota
Winona County Commissioner, Dakota
M
STAFF TO CONFERENCE
Kristen Gloege
Peggy Malinowski
Community and Family Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
Community and Family Health Division, MDH, St. Paul
2 0 0 4 C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H C o n f e r e n c e
L e a d i n g
future
f o r
t h e
S p o n s o r e d B y The
State Communit y
Health S e r v i c e s
Advisory
Committee
CHANGE CHALLENGE OPPORTUNITY
S E P T E M B E R
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Breezy Point Conference Center
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Breezy Point, MN