State Community Health Services Advisory Committee
Minnesota Department of Health
Health Partnerships Division Public Health Practice Section
PO Box 64975 Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975
651-201-3880 | www.health.state.mn.us/schsac
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
State Community Health Services Advisory Committee
March 20, 2015
Contents
What is SCHSAC? ............................................................................................................... 2
Performance Improvement Steering Committee ............................................... 12
2015 Work Plan Overview .............................................................................................. 2
Executive Committee ..................................................................................................... 14
SCHSAC Strategic Plan: 2014-2018 ............................................................................ 3
Conference Planning Workgroup ............................................................................. 14
At a Glance: SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan ....................................................................... 4
Nominating and Awards Workgroup ...................................................................... 15
Advancing Health Equity Workgroup ........................................................................ 8
SCHSAC 2015 Membership ......................................................................................... 16
Local Public Health Act Workgroup ........................................................................... 9
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Oversight Group ............................. 10
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].
Introduction
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
What is SCHSAC?
2015 Work Plan Overview
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:
In 2014, SCHSAC developed a new strategic plan for 2014-2018. The
SCHSAC Strategic Plan focuses on five overarching strategic priorities
(see next page). The SCHSAC work plan for 2015 addresses several of
these priorities and continues to focus its work on policies and actions
that will strengthen the public health system at the state and local levels.
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.
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.
A new workgroup will be formed to provide local elected officials and
local public health leaders with the language, understanding, and
practical steps to advance health equity throughout Minnesota’s public
health system.
In 2015, SCHSAC has 48 voting members, representing the 48 community
health boards (CHBs) in the state. Of the 48 boards, 28 are singlecounty/city, and 20 are multi-county. Each CHB selects one SCHSAC
member and one alternate.
SCHSAC will explore several issues of interest, including health system
transformation, healthy aging, and water quality and quantity. The
committee may address other emerging issues throughout the year.
Each year, SCHSAC develops an annual report to highlight its
accomplishments and presents a work plan for the next year’s activities.
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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.
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Introduction
SCHSAC Strategic Plan: 2014-2018
Practical Vision
SCHSAC and MDH sustain the vital mission of public health by leveraging partnerships and championing public policies to improve practice, strengthen
leadership, and increase workforce capacity. These efforts are to be undertaken while engaging partners and the public in creating opportunities to make
the healthy choice the easy choice in all Minnesota communities.
Overarching Strategic Priorities
Overarching strategic priorities are substantial, innovative actions that move us toward the practical vision.
Tell Minnesota’s public
health stories
Ensure adequate
resources for public
health
Use data and technology
to our advantage
Support strong, missiondriven leadership
Engage local elected officials
to support public health
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Minnesota’s public
health stories are told
clearly, intentionally, and
strategically, so that
policymakers, partners,
and the public
understand the role,
value, and importance of
public health, and use
the Health in All Policies
approach.
State funds support
public health to ensure
adequate, stable
resources for public
health infrastructure, and
to offset
disproportionate reliance
on local tax levy and
federal sources, to
ensure public health
services are in all
communities.
A statewide
data/technology
strategic plan sets the
vision and guides
decisions and
investments to create
interoperable data
systems across the state,
so we can use data and
technology to our
advantage in daily
practice, performance
management, and
decision-making.
Strong, mission-driven
leadership moves public
health upstream, with a
focus on policy, systems,
and environmental
change, and ensures
that public health’s voice
remains strong despite
changes in the
workforce and
organizations.
Local elected officials
support public health, are
invested in SCHSAC, and
engaged in the state-local
partnership. Local elected
officials will be connected to
governmental public health
through SCHSAC and its
Executive Committee, and
through partnerships and
constituencies/communities.
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Work Plan at a Glance
At a Glance: SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
The table that follows summarizes topics proposed for the 2015 SCHSAC Work Plan.
2015 Strategic Priority
Engage Local Elected Officials to
Support Public Health
MDH and Executive Committee will develop special projects and strategies to engage local elected officials
in SCHSAC and other opportunities to support public health policy. One example: SCHSAC booth at annual
Association of Minnesota Counties December Conference.
New Work
Advancing Health Equity
The SCHSAC Advancing Health Equity Workgroup will be convened in July 2015, to provide local elected
officials and local public health leaders with the language, understanding, and practical steps to advance
health equity throughout Minnesota’s public health system. Emphasis will be on identifying and
developing ways to integrate health equity into public health policies and practice. More information: p. 8.
Continuing Work
Local Public Health Act Workgroup
SCHSAC Strategic Priorities:
 Support strong, mission-driven
leadership
 Ensure adequate resources for public
health
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
The SCHSAC Local Public Health Act Workgroup will meet as needed with a focus on supporting effective
local public health leadership, workforce development and funding.
The workgroup will provide advice to strengthen the capacity of the local public health system to meet
modern public health challenges.
A sub-group is planning an upcoming event on local public health leadership. More information: p. 9.
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Work Plan at a Glance
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Oversight Group
This SCHSAC workgroup will continue in 2015 to:
 Review the state/local/tribal distribution for the federal Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Grant, grant duties;
 Continue development of capacity assessment and related measurement outcomes; and
 Strategic planning for public health emergency preparedness.
More information: pp. 10-11.
Performance Improvement Steering
Committee
SCHSAC Strategic Priority:
 Use data and technology to our
advantage
Throughout 2015, this steering committee will focus on leading efforts to improve Minnesota’s
governmental public health system through the ongoing use of performance standards, measures and
outcome reports that guide quality improvement efforts and decision-making.
More information: p. 12-13.
Issues of Interest
Health System Transformation
SCHSAC will continue to discuss the potential impacts of health system transformation on Minnesota’s
public health system, and will be encouraged to provide input on aspects that are most relevant to local
government/public health.
Healthy Aging
SCHSAC will explore the issue of health aging to focus attention on the growing demographic of older
adults in Minnesota. Promoting healthy aging requires collaboration across a range of disciplines and fields
to help older adults live well in our communities.
Water Quality and Quantity Issues
SCHSAC will continue to examine issues related to the quality and quantity of water and drinking water.
Hot Topics/Emerging Issues
Provide opportunities for SCHSAC to be informed about current public health issues and discuss
opportunities for local action through presentations, guest speakers at SCHSAC meetings, videoconferences, and conference calls.
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Work Plan at a Glance
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. The Executive Committee is scheduled to meet by conference call/webinar
one month prior to in-person quarterly meetings. More information: p. 14.
Annual Community Health Conference
Planning Workgroup
The workgroup is responsible for selecting a theme, topic, format, general session speakers, and
concurrent session presenters for the 2015 Community Health Conference, and will assist MDH staff in
hosting the conference. More information: p. 14.
SCHSAC Strategic Priority:
 Tell Minnesota’s public health stories
Nominating and Awards Workgroup
SCHSAC
Representatives
Environmental Health Continuous
Improvement Board
The workgroup will supervise the nomination and election process for SCHSAC Chair-Elect; and will
solicit and select candidates for the annual Community Health Awards. More information: p. 15.
Members and alternates will be provided opportunities to represent SCHSAC on other public health
advisory committees.
The Environmental Health Continuous Improvement Board was chartered by the Minnesota Local Public
Health Association and MDH to fundamentally advance Minnesota's state-local partnership in
Environmental Health (EH). The board will initially work on current Food, Pools and Lodging Services
challenges and then work more broadly to monitor and advance state-local work in Environmental
Health.
SCHSAC representative: Bill Groskreutz, Faribault County Commissioner
Healthy Minnesota Partnership
The Healthy Minnesota Partnership brings community partners and the Minnesota Department of
Health together to improve the health and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities in
Minnesota.
SCHSAC representative: Karen Ahmann, Mahnomen County Commissioner
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Work Plan at a Glance
State Preventive Health Advisory
Committee
The State Preventive Health Advisory Committee is a federally mandated committee associated with the
Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant, chaired by the Commissioner of Health.
SCHSAC representative: Marcia Ward, Winona County Commissioner
Minnesota Public Health Research to
Action Network Steering Committee
The Minnesota Public Health Research to Action Network is a partnership of SCHSAC, Minnesota Local
Public Health Association, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, and MDH. The network was
created to produce important new insights and relevant findings that can be used by practitioners and
elected officials to improve public health services, organizations, and systems, and ultimately improve
the health of Minnesotans.
SCHSAC representatives: Lowell Johnson, Washington Public Health and Environment; Rosemary
Schultz, Jackson County Commissioner
Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task
Force
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Advisory Task Force was created by the Minnesota Legislature in
1982 to advise the Commissioner of Health on the health care services/needs of maternal and child
health populations in Minnesota, on the use of funds for maternal and child health and children with
special health needs administered through MDH, and the priorities and goals for maternal and child
health activities.
SCHSAC representative: Susan Morris, Isanti County Commissioner
Food Safety Partnership of Minnesota
The Food Safety Partnership (FSP) is a consortium of environmental health professionals, industry
partners, and other stakeholders working together to protect the public health in the area of food
safety.
SCHSAC representative: Susan Morris, Isanti County Commissioner
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Workgroups and Committees
Advancing Health Equity Workgroup
and structural racism continue to generate negative impacts on opportunities
for health among populations of color and American Indians.
Proposed Charge
Throughout 2014, the SCHSAC continued to discuss and explore issues of
health equity, health disparities, and the health in all policies approach at
quarterly meetings, the spring video conference for local elected officials, the
annual Community Health Conference, and the development of the 20142018 SCHSAC Strategic Plan. Practical steps are needed to advance health
equity in public health practice.
*Final charge and membership will be recommended for approval at the
May 2015 Executive Committee meeting.
The SCHSAC Advancing Health Equity Workgroup will be convened in July
2015, to provide local elected officials and local public health leaders with
the language, understanding, and practical help to advance health equity
throughout Minnesota’s public health system. Emphasis will be on identifying
and developing ways to integrate health equity into public health policies
and practice.
Minnesota is on the national forefront raising awareness about health equity. The
SCHSAC Advancing Health Equity Workgroup provides an opportunity, similar to
previous workgroups on performance improvement and accreditation, to
participate in this emerging effort to improve public health practice.
Local public health has a critical role to play in addressing health equity
issues and eliminating health disparities. The workgroup will provide a forum
to promote tangible steps community health boards, the Minnesota
Department of Health, and community partners can take to improve the
opportunity for all Minnesotans to be healthy.
Methods
The workgroup will meet quarterly for one year. Members will include
representatives of all SCHSAC regions, including local elected officials, CHS
administrators, local public health directors, community partners, and
representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Background
Minnesota is one of the healthiest states in the country. However, a statewide
assessment has found that not all Minnesotans have the same chances to be
healthy. Those with less money, and populations of color and American
Indians, consistently have less opportunity for health and experience worse
health outcomes. These inequities are life-threatening and urgent: for
example, infant mortality rates among American Indians in Minnesota is
double the rate for white babies.
Additional state and local public health professionals will be invited to share
current efforts and explore with the workgroup concrete ways to improve
awareness, understanding and action to advance health equity for people in
Minnesota. Using the Advancing Health Equity report as a framework, the
workgroup will examine existing tools and materials through a health equity
lens, and recommend new or revised tools and materials to help the state
and local public health system effectively incorporate health equity into
public health practice and into state and local decision-making structures.
SCHSAC participated in the development of the MDH report, Advancing
Health Equity in Minnesota: Report to the Legislature. The report, delivered to
the legislature on January 31, 2014, raises the question of “what creates
health?” and demonstrates the critical influence that public and private
policies, social and economic conditions, the design of systems (e.g.,
transportation, education), and physical and social environments have on
health. The report also emphasizes that in Minnesota, structural inequities
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
Resources
The MDH Public Health Practice Section will staff this workgroup, with
support from the MDH Center for Health Equity.
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Workgroups and Committees
Local Public Health Act Workgroup
House and Senate voted to approve the Health and Human Services (HHS)
Omnibus bill (HF2402/SF2087). The HHS Omnibus bill included the Revisions to
the Local Public Health Act as proposed by SCHSAC. Governor Dayton signed
the bill into law on May 21, 2014.
Charge
Original charge approved October 3, 2012 by the Executive Committee.
A revised charge was approved September 17, 2014.
The SCHSAC Local Public Health Act Workgroup will be reconvened in
2014/2015 in order to continue to address legislative priorities and, building off
of previous discussions, will maintain a focus on supporting effective local
public health leadership and workforce development. The workgroup will
provide input and advice on legislative proposals that strengthen the capacity
of the local public health system to meet modern public health challenges and
will develop an action plan for the strengthening local public health workforce.
Background
As both public health practice and the environment in which it operates have
evolved, the SCHSAC has taken steps to envision and implement changes to
strengthen Minnesota’s public health system. During the summer of 2012, local
and state representatives met in two all-day “working sessions” to identify ways
to strengthen Minnesota’s public health system. They recommended that a
SCHSAC workgroup be convened to provide input on revisions to several parts
of Local Public Health Act that were identified as high impact action/high
urgency action steps. Additionally, they recommended that action should be
taken on several key issues that would not require statutory changes, such as
working to strengthen public health leadership.
The workgroup was originally convened in November 2012. The workgroup
met monthly November 2012 – August 2013. It presented recommendations
for revising the statute to SCHSAC in September 2013. On May 15, 2014 the
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
Gaps continue to exist in infrastructure and capacity to meet local needs for
which CHBs have requested additional resources and support from MDH,
including help to strengthen leadership, address nuisances, build health IT
capacity, support efforts toward accreditation, and address health equity,
among others. The workgroup will continue as an advisory body to provide
input and advice on upcoming legislative activities and other MDH actions that
will help address these issues.
Methods
This workgroup was reconvened in late 2014 to address unfinished business,
namely issues surrounding leadership/CHS administration and to discuss the
2015 legislative session. The workgroup includes several new members who are
replacing vacancies within their regions. The workgroup has statewide
representation, and includes a diversity of positions and perspectives: local
public health directors, CHS administrators or other public health leaders; local
elected officials; health and human services directors; key partner
organizations; and staff and leadership from within MDH. A subgroup is
planning a leadership event for June 2015.
Resources
The MDH Public Health Practice Section provides workgroup staff.
Online: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/schsac/wkgp/2012/lphact/
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Workgroups and Committees
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Oversight Group
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.
Charge
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 (PHEP)
Workgroup, the SCHSAC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Oversight
Group became a standing committee in fall 2011, under the auspices of
SCHSAC, to:
 Provide ongoing review of public health emergency preparedness
programs and issues
 Assure that the policy recommendations from the 2010-2011 PHEP
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
Methods
The oversight group was convened fall 2011 and meets quarterly or as needed.
The oversight group will develop strategies to operationalize products from the
2010-2011 PHEP Workgroup. The oversight group will provide oversight to the
development of an assessment tool and outcome measures that may combine:
 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:
Background
 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 2010-2011 PHEP 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 PHEP 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 PHEP Workgroup,
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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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Workgroups and Committees
Potential Products
 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
Resources
The MDH Health Partnerships Division (Public Health Practice Section,
Emergency Preparedness and Response Section) provides workgroup staff.
Online: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/schsac/wkgp/2011/phep
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Workgroups and Committees
Performance Improvement Steering Committee
Examples include:
Charge
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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., assessment and planning, Local Public Health
Planning and Performance Measurement Reporting System (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.
Background
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.
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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: 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.
In 2011, 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.
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Workgroups and Committees
Methods
The steering committee will be comprised of SCHSAC members, representatives
of local and tribal health departments, and representatives of MDH.
Potential Products
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.
Resources
The MDH Public Health Practice Section provides committee staff.
Online: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/schsac/wkgp/2011/pisc/
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Workgroups and Committees
Executive Committee
Conference Planning Workgroup
Charge
Charge
Standing committee.
Standing committee.
 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
 Develop a theme, format, and provide guidance to select general
session speakers.
 Review proposals and select concurrent session presenters for the
2015 Community Health Conference
 Assist staff in hosting the conference
Background
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.
Methods
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.
Background
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 2015 conference will be held on October 7-9, 2015 at the
Cragun’s Conference Center near Brainerd.
Methods
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 2015.
Resources
The MDH Public Health Practice Section provides committee staff.
Resources
Online: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/schsac/wkgp/standing/conference.html
Conference: www.health.state.mn.us/chc
The MDH Public Health Practice Section provides committee staff; the MDH
Executive Office and senior staff are also involved.
Online: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/schsac/wkgp/standing/executive.html
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Workgroups and Committees
Nominating and Awards Workgroup
Charge
Methods
Standing committee.
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.
 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: 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, and
Certificate(s) of Recognition
 Prepare a ballot for the election of the SCHSAC chair-elect each
December.
Resources
The MDH Public Health Practice Section provides workgroup staff.
Online: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/schsac/wkgp/standing/awards.html
Awards: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/awards/
Background
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.
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
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Regions and Membership
SCHSAC 2015 Membership
As of March 5. 2015 * County Commissioners/City Councilmembers
Northeast Region
South Central Region
Loren Bergstedt (Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis)
Betsy Johnson (Aitkin-Itasca-Koochiching)
Jim Berg * (Brown-Nicollet)
Dale Fenrich * (Meeker-McLeod-Sibley)
William Groskreutz * (Faribault-Martin)
Mark Piepho * (Blue Earth)
Amy Roggenbuck (Le Sueur-Waseca)
Kathleen Svalland * (Watonwan)
Northwest Region
Karen Ahmann * (Polk-Norman-Mahnomen)
Helene Kahlstorf (North Country)
Betty Younggren * (Quin County)
West Central Region
Douglas Huebsch * (Partnership4Health)
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)
Lora Walker * (Chisago)
Duane Johnson * (Morrison-Todd-Wadena)
Wendy Thompson (Kanabec-Pine)
Reno Wells (Cass)
SCHSAC 2015 Work Plan
Southeast Region
Judy Barton (Wabasha)
Stan Groff (Dodge-Steele)
Sheila Kiscaden * (Olmsted)
Lisa Kocer (Mower)
Glen Mathiason * (Freeborn)
Debra Purfeerst (Rice)
Ted Seifert * (Goodhue)
Marcia Ward * (Winona)
Justin Zmyewski * (Fillmore-Houston)
Southwest Region
Carol Biren (SWHHS)
Dave Lieser * (Countryside)
Harlan Madsen * (Kandiyohi-Renville)
Rosemary Schultz * (Des Moines Valley)
Matthew Widboom * (Nobles)
— 16 —
Metro Region
Cynthia Bemis Abrams * (Bloomington)
Alison Pence (Edina)
Cam Gordon * (Minneapolis)
Marion Greene * (Hennepin)
Lowell Johnson (Washington)
Rose Jost (Richfield)
Mike Gamache * (Anoka)
Tom Wolf * (Scott)
Janice Rettman * (St. Paul-Ramsey)
Nancy Schouweiler * (Dakota)
Marcee Shaughnessy (Carver)
www.health.state.mn.us/schsac