State Community Health Services Advisory Committee
Office of Performance Improvement
Minnesota Department of Health
PO Box 64975
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975
651-201-3880 | www.health.state.mn.us
What is SCHSAC? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2014 Work Plan Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
SCHSAC 2009-2013 Strategic Plan Summary.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2014 Work Plan at a Glance ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
SCHSAC Strategic Planning Team ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Local Public Health Act Workgroup...................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Oversight Group ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Performance Improvement Steering Committee ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Executive Committee ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Community Health Conference Planning Workgroup ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Nominating and Awards Workgroup ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
2014 SCHSAC Members by Region ................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
SCHSAC Regions with Community Health Boards .................................................................................................................................................... 16
Printed on recycled paper. If you require this document in another format, such as large print, Braille or cassette
tape, call 651-201-3880 or email [email protected].
In 1976, the Minnesota Legislature created the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHSAC) as
one component of the Community Health Services (CHS) Act. The CHS Act (later renamed the Local Public Health
Act) began a unique partnership between the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and local governments.
This partnership has since developed into an effective tool for protecting and improving the health of all
Minnesotans. The purpose of SCHSAC, as described in the Local Public Health Act, is:
To advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the commissioner of health on matters relating to
the development, funding, and evaluation of community health services in Minnesota.
SCHSAC has 50 voting members, representing the 50 community health boards (CHBs) in the state. Of the 50 boards,
30 are single-county/city, and 20 are multi-county. Each CHB selects one SCHSAC member and one alternate.
Each year, SCHSAC develops an annual report to highlight its accomplishments and presents a work plan for the
next year’s activities.
All Minnesotans have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.
SCHSAC developed a shared vision and visionary goal (see next page) for Minnesota’s public health system, along
with goals and strategies to achieve them. A workgroup of state and local health department partners developed
a Strategic Plan for 2009-2013 that was approved by SCHSAC and the Commissioner of Health in December 2008.
A SCHSAC workgroup will create a new SCHSAC strategic plan in 2014.
The public health system in Minnesota is a strong and dynamic partnership of governments, fully equipped to
address the changing needs of the public’s health.
The SCHSAC work plan for 2014 continues to focus its work on policies and actions that will strengthen the public
health system at the state and local levels. It builds on the direction provided by the 2009-2013 SCHSAC Strategic
Plan (see next page).
Over the last few years, SCHSAC has formed several ongoing workgroups to explore topics in depth and provide
guidance on evolving issues. The Performance Improvement Steering Committee and Public Health Emergency
Preparedness Oversight Group will continue their work, as will the Local Public Health Act Workgroup.
This year, a new strategic plan will be developed for the next five years. The process will begin with a fresh look at
where the system currently is and set a vision for the future.
Vision: All Minnesotans have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Visionary Goal: The public health system in Minnesota is a strong and dynamic partnership of governments,
fully equipped to address the changing needs of the public’s health.

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
Goal 1: System
Goal 2: Partnership
Goal 3: Information
The statewide public
health system is prepared,
strong, and sustainable
and receives stable,
adequate, and flexible
funding.
The state and local
governmental public
health partnership is
dynamic, resilient, and
nimble.
Public health information
(i.e., data) is leveraged to
create the foundation for
decision making.


Identify and evaluate
governance, organizational
and other characteristics of
strong and effective local
health department and
provide discussion tools.
Strengthen the roles of the
SCHSAC Executive
Committee to create more
purposeful meetings and
actions.
Examine available data to
identify and implement
steps to define stable and
adequate funding for local
health departments.
Identify specific actions
that the state-local
partnership will take to
address current and future
workforce issues.
Identify issues around
voluntary accreditation for
MDH and local health
departments and develop
a framework for
implementation.
Explore methods and
create opportunities to
increase mutually
beneficial dialogue
between SCHSAC and
members of diverse
communities affected by
health inequalities.
Improve information flow
to and from SCHSAC
meetings.
Encourage continuity and
inclusivity of SCHSAC
membership by identifying
ways to increase SCHSAC
member investment in the
state-local partnership.

Identify, report, and
translate for practical
applications, appropriate
public health research at
SCHSAC meetings and
SCHSAC workgroups.
Strengthen PPMRS and
CHAAP as data sources for
decision making.
Maintain an awareness of
interoperable data systems
initiatives and participate
in discussions about
advancing integration and
interoperability of public
health information
systems.

Goal 4: Public and
Policymakers
The public, including
policymakers, sees public
health initiatives as costeffective means to
addressing today’s health
issues and preventing
tomorrow’s problems.

Create intentional,
systematic methods of
collecting and
disseminating a variety
and different types of
public health stories (e.g.,
case studies).
Develop materials, with a
common message and
using the public health
brand that can be used by
MDH, local health
departments, and local
elected officials to provide
education about public
health and the state-local
partnership to the public
and policymakers.
Explore opportunities for
local elected officials, local
health departments, the
Commissioner of Health,
and other key MDH
leadership to interact.
The table that follows summarizes topics proposed for the 2014 SCHSAC Work Plan. Topics include providing
guidance and oversight for performance management and emergency preparedness and response within the local
public health system, next steps following proposed revisions to the Local Public Health Act to strengthen
Minnesota’s public health infrastructure, and discussion of the potential impacts of health reform and advancing
health equity on Minnesota’s public health system. The development of a new SCHSAC Strategic Plan may highlight
new topics with potential public health policy or practice implications that SCHSAC may choose to explore through
presentations or discussions at SCHSAC meetings, one-time meetings, special projects, or video conferences.
The three standing committees, the Executive Committee, the Community Health Conference Planning
Workgroup, and the Nominating and Awards Workgroup, will carry out activities that support SCHSAC and the
ongoing partnership between the state and local health departments.
New Work
SCHSAC Strategic Plan, Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2018
SCHSAC will review and update its 2008-2013 strategic plan. The strategic plan
will direct SCHSAC’s work for the next five years and will answer the questions:
What do we want our public health system to look like? What do we want to
accomplish through SCHSAC over the next five years?
p. 6
Activities: Volunteers will
participate in two full-day,
facilitated, planning sessions
in early 2014.
Issues of Special Interest
These issues allow SCHSAC to be informed about current public health issues and discuss opportunities for local
action via presentations, guest speakers at SCHSAC meetings, videoconferences, and conference calls.

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Advancing Health Equity: SCHSAC will be engaged in discussion on issues related to advancing health
equity in Minnesota
Environmental Health Continuous Improvement Board: SCHSAC will send a representative to a new
environmental health partnership effort, which will initially focus on issues related to food, pools and
lodging in the state-local public health system
Health Reform: SCHSAC will continue to discuss the potential impacts of health reform on Minnesota’s
public health system, and will be encouraged to provide input on various aspects of health reform that are
most relevant to local government/public health
Mental Health: SCHSAC will continue to discuss the role of public health in promotion of good mental
health and prevention of mental health issues
SCHSAC Representatives: Members and alternates will have opportunities to represent SCHSAC on other
public health advisory committees, such as the Healthy Minnesota Partnership and the Research to Action
Network
Continuing Work
Local Public Health Act Workgroup
p. 7
In September 2013, SCHSAC approved recommendations to update the Local Public Health Act. The revised
statute language simplifies and clarifies public health responsibilities, eliminates unnecessary and obsolete
language and aligns the statute with current public health practices. The workgroup will be consulted as needed
throughout the legislative session, and will provide updates to the full SCHSAC. The workgroup—with additional
representation from key stakeholder groups—will be reconvened in summer/fall of 2014 to revisit strengthening
the CHS administrator qualifications.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Oversight Group
Throughout 2014 this SCHSAC workgroup will continue to provide an ongoing
review of public health emergency preparedness programs and issues; assure that
the policy recommendations made by SCHSAC in 2011 can be implemented to
provide ongoing guidance; oversee the continued development of capacity
assessment and related measurement outcomes; and oversee strategic planning
for public health emergency preparedness in Minnesota.
p. 8
Activities: The oversight
committee continues to
meet throughout 2014.
Performance Improvement Steering Committee
Throughout 2014 this steering committee will continue to provide ongoing
oversight of: implementation of a performance management system;
implementation of related recommendations from the SCHSAC Performance
Improvement and Accreditation Workgroup; and will facilitate gathering of local
input, as needed.
p. 10
Activities: The steering
committee continues to
meet throughout 2014.
Standing Committees
Executive Committee
The executive committee will conduct any interim business of SCHSAC; develop
recommendations for decisions by SCHSAC; and work on activities to strengthen
the state-local partnership and the role of the executive committee.
p. 12
Activities: Regular meetings
and conference calls as
needed.
Community Health Conference Planning Workgroup
The workgroup is responsible for selecting a theme, topic, format, general session
speakers, and concurrent session presenters for the 2014 Community Health
Conference, and will assist MDH staff in hosting the conference.
Nominating and Awards Workgroup
The workgroup will solicit and select candidates for the annual Community Health
Awards and will supervise the nomination and election process for SCHSAC ChairElect at the December meeting.
p. 13
Activities: Two to three
meetings per year.
p. 14
Activities: One to two
conference calls per year.
Original charge approved December 6, 2013 by the Executive Committee.
The SCHSAC Strategic Planning Team will:


Develop a Strategic Plan with a shared vision for the Minnesota Public Health System. The Strategic Plan
will direct SCHSAC’s work for the next five years
Recommend activities that the MDH, community health boards (CHBs), and SCHSAC should undertake to
implement the plan
Public health policy and practice have evolved since 2008 when the latest SCHSAC Strategic Plan (2009-2013) was
drafted. It is time to convene state and local public health partners to answer the key questions: “What do you
want to accomplish in the next five years?” and, “What do you want the system/organization to look like in the
next five years?”
The Planning Team will meet in early 2014 for two day-long planning sessions. The team will be comprised of county
commissioners; local health department administrators, directors, and staff; and MDH leadership. Additional input
may be sought from the working session participants via email or conference call. The SCHSAC Executive Committee
will provide input on the plan before it is presented for approval by the full committee.
A SCHSAC Strategic Plan for 2014-2018 will be created to guide SCHSAC’s work plans over the next five years.
The MDH Office of Performance Improvement will provide a facilitator to lead the working sessions and additional
staff to support to this activity.
Original charge approved October 3, 2012 by the Executive Committee.
The SCHSAC Local Public Health Act Workgroup will:

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Work with MDH to develop proposed statutory language in the Local Public Health Act to address key
issues/action steps identified in the summer 2012 working sessions
Provide input and advice on the implementation of other high priority actions to be addressed through
non-statutory means
As the environment for and the work of public health have evolved in recent years, SCHSAC has taken initial steps
to envision system changes needed to strengthen Minnesota’s public health system. In 2010, the SCHSAC
Blueprint for Successful Local Health Departments Workgroup report analyzed the characteristics of a successful
local public health organization, and recommended strategies to ensure continued strength. The same year, the
SCHSAC Performance Improvement and Accreditation Workgroup developed a roadmap for incorporating
performance management into public health practice, and for preparing to meet national accreditation standards.
During the summer of 2012, 30 local and state representatives met in two all-day working sessions to identify
ways to strengthen Minnesota’s public health system. Discussions at the working sessions included a review the
Local Public Health Act to identify areas needing changes. By the end of the second session, participants had
sorted ideas into a list of “high yield” action items that would positively impact on the system. At the close of the
final working session, there was a consensus on several next steps. First, a SCHSAC workgroup should be
convened to provide input on revisions to several parts of the statute that were identified as high impact
action/high urgency action steps. Second, action should be taken on several key issues that would not require
statutory changes, such as working to strengthen public health leadership through training.
A workgroup was convened in November 2012. It includes statewide representation and diverse positions and
perspectives, including: local public health directors, CHS administrators or other public health leaders; local elected
officials; health and human services directors; key partner organizations (e.g., the Local Public Health Association of
Minnesota, or LPHA, and the Association of Minnesota Counties, or AMC); and staff and leadership from within MDH.
It differs from typical SCHSAC workgroups, because the issues have been thoroughly studied by prior groups. The
work will be fast-paced, in order to bring the final product to the May 2013 SCHSAC meeting. The workgroup will
meet monthly. It will proactively communicate with the SCHSAC Executive Committee, and will provide detailed
updates to the full SCHSAC membership.
The workgroup will develop specific language to propose for inclusion in revisions to Minn. Stat. §145A and/or the
accompanying administrative rules, and present them to SCHSAC in May 2013.
The MDH Office of Performance Improvement will provide staffing to support this activity.
Original charge approved May 20, 2011 by the Executive Committee.
Building on the program evaluation and policy development achievements of the 2010-2011 SCHSAC Public
Health Emergency Preparedness (EP) Workgroup, the SCHSAC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Oversight
Group became a standing committee in fall 2011, under the auspices of SCHSAC, to:

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Provide ongoing review of public health emergency preparedness programs and issues
Assure that the policy recommendations from the 2010-2011 EP Workgroup can be implemented to
provide ongoing guidance to the state-tribal-local preparedness partnership
Oversee the continued development of capacity assessment and related measurement outcomes to provide
definition of capacity and achievement in Minnesota’s public health emergency preparedness programs
Oversee strategic planning for the next five years (2011 through 2016) of public health emergency
preparedness in Minnesota
The 2010-2011 EP Workgroup met from August 2010 until May 2011. The group reviewed state, local and national
public health emergency preparedness and response policies and programs.
One of the recommendations from the 2010-2011 EP workgroup was that a state/local/tribal SCHSAC committee
be named to provide continuing review of public health emergency preparedness programs and issues and assure
that the 2010-2011 recommendations can be accomplished to provide ongoing advice and guidance to the
state/local/tribal preparedness partnership. It is recommended that the ongoing oversight committee become a
standing SCHSAC committee. Current members of the 2010-2011 EP Workgroup, along with others interested in
this area, will be invited to apply for membership in the standing committee. Members should be representative
of Minnesota’s SCHSAC regions, as well as city, county, and multi-county structures. Additional members should
be recruited to represent tribal government. Members will serve a two-year term, with one-half of the initial
membership serving a one-year term to assure continuity of the work. Ad hoc membership from other community
sectors that partner with LHD in emergency preparedness should be invited as needed.
The continuing oversight group was convened fall 2011 and will meet quarterly or as needed. It is anticipated that
the group will meet monthly for the next several months to address the immediate issues identified in the report.
The oversight group will develop strategies to operationalize products from the 2010-2011 EP Workgroup.
The oversight group will provide oversight to the development of an assessment tool and outcome measures that
may combine:

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The Minnesota Tier Assessment
The Local Technical Assistance Review (LTAR) from the Strategic National Stockpile program
The national Public Health Preparedness Capabilities
Other assessment tools that are currently under development
The workgroup will provide evaluation of:


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Existing programs
Responses to events, incidents, and outbreaks (via After Action Reports and other reviews)
New directives from the CDC, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and other preparedness
partners
The group will review and provide input on strategic plans related to emergency preparedness.
The group will report back to SCHSAC as part of the regular report of standing committees.

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Implementation plans for the dissemination and operationalization of the policy statements
Position papers that provide programmatic review for state and local emergency preparedness
An Assessment Tool that will integrate the Minnesota Tier Assessment categories, the LTAR checklist, and
the Public Health Preparedness Capabilities and/or other assessment tools and provide related
measurement of outcomes
Endorsement of activities that support a strategic plan integrating federal directives, and state, tribal, and
local priorities
The MDH Office of Performance Improvement and the MDH Office of Emergency Preparedness will both provide
staff support to this workgroup.
Original charge approved February 18, 2011 by the Executive Committee.
This steering committee will guide implementation of the roadmap developed by the SCHSAC Performance
Improvement and Accreditation Workgroup and inform the development of a statewide performance
management system to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the public health system. Issues
include: (1) alignment of the local public health performance management system (e.g., CHAAP, PPMRS,
Accountability Review) with national public health standards and measures, (2) implementation of Minnesota’s
Public Health Improvement Initiative activities to build performance management infrastructure and capacity in
Minnesota, and (3) identification of performance improvement opportunities and strategies to address them.
In 2010, the SCHSAC Performance Improvement and Accreditation Workgroup developed a roadmap for
improving public health performance across the state. Managing performance and strengthening accountability
have emerged as the prevailing themes confronting public health agencies as expectations continue to rise and
resources tighten. Two prominent strategies to strengthen accountability and improve performance across
agencies are better measurement of capacity and progress, coupled with continuous quality improvement.
Since Minnesota’s state-local public health partnership formed in 1976, it has remained steadfast in a shared
commitment to improve health outcomes for all Minnesotans. In recent years, there has been an increased focus
on measurement and improvement of system performance to improve public health. The partnership has
developed systems and resources to improve local performance and accountability.
Examples include:
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Statewide goals/strategies and outcomes
Essential Local Public Health Activities (ELAs)
Community Health Assessment and Action Planning (CHAAP) process
Planning and Performance Measurement Reporting System (PPMRS)
An annual accountability review process was developed to assure compliance with statutory requirements
of agencies that receive state funds
Corresponding performance improvement efforts at the state level in Minnesota have ranged from a statutory
requirement for all state agencies to submit performance reports to the state legislature, to a statewide website
featuring state performance measures, and more recently, the Minnesota Drive to Excellence.
The SCHSAC Performance Improvement and Accreditation Workgroup report included specific recommendations
and a vision for statewide improvement.
Vision Statement for Public Health Performance Management in Minnesota
Minnesota’s governmental public health system demonstrates accountability, results, and efficiency through the
ongoing use of performance standards, measures and outcome reports that guide quality improvement efforts
and decision-making for the ultimate purpose of improving and protecting the health of Minnesotans.
MDH received a five-year award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for “Strengthening
Public Health Infrastructure for Improved Health Outcomes.” The program is designed to support innovative
changes in key areas that improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the public health infrastructure that
will support the delivery of public health services and programs. The program aims to systematically increase the
performance management capacity of public health departments, in order to ensure that public health goals are
effectively and efficiently met.
The steering committee will be comprised of SCHSAC members, representatives of local and tribal health
departments, and representatives of MDH.
Products of the steering committee include the alignment of the local public health performance management
system (i.e., CHAAP, PPMRS, Accountability Review) with national public health standards and measures, the
implementation of Minnesota’s Public Health Improvement Initiative activities that build performance
management infrastructure and capacity in Minnesota, and the ongoing identification of performance
improvement opportunities and strategies to address them.
The MDH Office of Performance Improvement will provide staff support to the steering committee.
Standing committee.

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Develop the annual work plan for SCHSAC
Conduct interim business of SCHSAC and develop recommendations for decisions by SCHSAC
Provide input to the Commissioner of Health upon request
The Executive Committee assists MDH in preparing issues for discussion by SCHSAC; assists SCHSAC in managing its
business efficiently; and, under special circumstances, acts in the name of SCHSAC—subject to formal approval by
SCHSAC at its next meeting. The Executive Committee is responsible for preparing the annual SCHSAC work plan.
The Executive Committee has traditionally met briefly before each SCHSAC meeting to make final changes to the
agenda and to discuss related issues. Additional Executive Committee meetings are scheduled throughout the
year, as needed.
The Executive Committee has eleven members, eight of whom represent the state’s SCHSAC districts, plus the
SCHSAC chair, chair-elect, and past chair. A minimum of four meetings are held each year.
The MDH Office of Performance Improvement will provide support to this activity, and the MDH Executive Office
and senior staff will be involved.
Standing committee. Select a theme, topic, format, general session speakers, and concurrent session presenters
for the 2014 Community Health Conference, and assist staff in hosting the conference.
This workgroup determines a theme appropriate for the annual Community Health Conference, selects the
general session and concurrent speakers, and assures that these speakers address the needs of the broad public
health audience. The 2014 conference will be held on September 17-19, 2014 at the Cragun’s Conference Center
near Brainerd.
The workgroup membership will be comprised of representatives from community health boards, MDH, and
related community-based organizations and groups (e.g., Council of Health Plans and Minnesota Public Health
Association). Two to three meetings are planned for 2014.
The MDH Office of Performance Improvement will provide staff support for this activity.
Standing committee.
Review the awards process and recommend to the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee
(SCHSAC) Executive Committee modifications, as necessary, to fulfill the intent of the awards.
Solicit and select nominees for Community Health Service Awards (CHS), which are presented yearly during the
annual Community Health Conference.
Award categories include:

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Award for Outstanding Dedication to Local Public Health
Commissioner’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Health Services
Jack Korlath Partnership Award
Jim Parker Leadership Award
Lou Fuller Award for Distinguished Service in Eliminating Health Disparities
Community Health Services Certificate(s) of Recognition
Prepare a ballot for the election of the SCHSAC Chair-elect each December.
The Nominating and Awards Workgroup is responsible for establishing a nominating process and selecting
recipients for annual Community Health Service awards.
The Nominating and Awards Workgroup is a standing committee of SCHSAC. The workgroup may consider
changes to the selection criteria for the CHS awards and also may make recommendations to SCHSAC for new
award categories. The SCHSAC Operating Procedures provide guidance on the awards and nomination process.
The Nominating and Awards Workgroup is also responsible for overseeing the nomination and election of the
Chair-elect, as specified in the SCHSAC Operating Procedures.
Membership consists of three to five representatives of community health boards and one representative of the
Eliminating Health Disparities Advisory Committee. The workgroup meets two to three times yearly via conference call.
The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Performance Improvement provides staff support to this activity.
* County Commissioners / City Councilmembers
Northeast Region
Southeast Region
Peter Walsh * (Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis)
Laurie Westerlund * (Aitkin-Itasca-Koochiching)
Judy Barton (Wabasha)
Peggy Espey (Dodge-Steele)
Sheila Kiscaden * (Olmsted)
Lisa Kocer (Mower)
Glen Mathiason * (Freeborn)
Debra Purfeerst (Rice)
Ted Seifert * (Goodhue)
Marcia Ward * (Winona)
Justin Zmyewski * (Fillmore-Houston)
Northwest Region
Karen Ahmann * (Polk-Norman-Mahnomen)
Helene Kahlstorf (North Country)
Don Skarie * (Becker)
Betty Younggren * (Quin County)
West Central Region
Neal Folstad * (Clay-Wilkin)
Douglas Huebsch * (Otter Tail)
Larry Kittelson * (Horizon)
Central Region
Christine Husom * (Wright)
Susan Morris * (Isanti-Mille Lacs)
Steve Notch * (Stearns)
Rachel Nystrom * (Crow Wing)
Warren Peschl * (Benton)
Ewald Petersen * (Sherburne)
Deb Schuhmacher (Chisago)
Bill Stearns * (Morrison-Todd-Wadena)
Wendy Thompson (Kanabec-Pine)
Reno Wells (Cass)
South Central Region
Jim Berg * (Brown-Nicollet)
Alethea Freidrichs (Meeker-McLeod-Sibley)
William Groskreutz * (Faribault-Martin)
Mark Piepho * (Blue Earth)
Amy Roggenbuck (Le Sueur-Waseca)
Kathleen Svalland * (Watonwan)
1
As of March 14, 2014.
Southwest Region
Carol Biren (SWHHS)
Jeanne Krueger (Countryside)
Harlan Madsen * (Kandiyohi-Renville)
Rosemary Schultz * (Des Moines Valley)
Matthew Widboom * (Nobles)
Metro Region
Cynthia Bemis Abrams * (Bloomington)
Jeffrey Brown (Edina)
Cam Gordon * (Minneapolis)
Linda Higgins * (Hennepin)
Lowell Johnson (Washington)
Rose Jost (Richfield)
Carol LeDoux * (Anoka)
Barbara Marschall * (Scott)
Janice Rettman * (St. Paul-Ramsey)
Nancy Schouweiler * (Dakota)
Marcee Shaughnessy (Carver)
2
As of January 1, 2014.