May, 2024 Anoka County SHIP Newsletter

We are bustling with activity here at the Anoka County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership! Our community partners have been executing their plans for projects, we welcomed a new manager in our Health Promotion and Planning Department, and we had a wonderful “gratitude” training at a recent all-staff department meeting. Each attendee was encouraged to write a letter of thanks to someone who made a difference in their lives. We want to take a moment to thank each person we have been able to connect with to collaborate and help make the healthy choice the easy choice here in Anoka County!

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With spring comes access to fresh, local produce at farmers markets!

Anoka County is home to over eighteen options for people to purchase locally grown produce. Here is the link to the farmers market section of our website: Go Anoka County; Eat-Well

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Want to grow your own produce? Here are some quick tips for a blooming garden all year long

Gardening in Minnesota is about working with the seasons. In spring, start cool-season crops like lettuce and peas, and sow hardy annuals for early blooms. As summer approaches, mulch to conserve moisture and plant warm-season veggies such as tomatoes and peppers. Prune perennials after blooming to promote new growth. Don't forget to weed your garden often! Weeding gives produce and plants a chance to thrive by increasing access to nutrients, sun and water. In fall, plant garlic and spring-blooming bulbs while cleaning up garden beds to reduce pests. Finally, prepare for winter by mulching strawberries and wrapping young trees to prevent frost damage. Wrapping trees helps protect them from harsh weather conditions, helps them retain moisture, keeps wildlife away, and prevents branches from breaking in heavy snow. Embrace each season's unique opportunities for a flourishing year-round garden!

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Success stories in the making

Anoka County Public Health, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant, dispersed more than $110,000 into the community during our Community Partner Award application process this year for school districts, community organizations, neighborhoods and/or groups located within Anoka County.

Organizations applied for funds to increase social connectedness in a school, neighborhood, community, group, etc. with a focus on health through physical activity, healthy eating, mental well-being, and smoke free living. We received a total of 36 applications, seven of which were brand new partners! Awarded projects vary in scope and focus on all four of the SHIP context areas: Moves, Eats, Breathes/Commercial Tobacco Free Living, and Well-Being. Stay tuned for project spotlights in future newsletters!

Here is a summary of some of the funded proposals:

Comprehensive school physical activity curricula.
School-based social and emotional climate projects.
Outdoor classrooms and nature-based learning projects.
Projects utilizing a comprehensive framework addressing school nutrition environment and services.
The expansion of refrigerated and freezer food distribution at local emergency food providers.
Increased access to physical activity and lactation support at workplaces.
Childcare providers incorporating more movement options during the day, as well as access to learn about and grow their own vegetables with onsite gardens.
Cities supporting residents and visitors’ ability to enjoy the local parks and trails by providing adequate access to drinking water, as well as bike fix-it stations.
Community organizations increasing access to physical activity, drinking water, and gardening for the residents they serve.

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Our next SHIP@Work event is 11:45 - 1 p.m., June 28 at Bunker Hills Activity Center. We will be discussing Substance Use Disorder and the Workplace. Lunch is included! Eventbrite link here: June 28 SHIP@Work

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, MDH created this messaging toolkit that includes ideas and resources to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. It includes key messages organized around five weekly themes that can be used for emails, newsletter content, social media posts, images, as well as additional resources to supplement existing activities. Help promote well-being activities and tag your positive initiatives using #YouMatterMN.While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters.

School-Aged Mental Health Resources

Deliver Classroom-based Mental Health Education Curricula as part of health education, SEL, or integrated into other classes (Tier 1); programs include NAMI Ending the Silence, Adolescent Depression Awareness Program and Eliminating the Stigma of Difference.

Peer-led modeling programs with methods that include coping attitudes, acceptability of seeking help, and perception of adult support; programs include Sources of Strength.
This collection of free toolkits from Children & Nature includes reports, infographics and advocacy tools that are designed to help you or your organization connect children, families and communities to nature.
This School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System (SHAPE) Screening Guide is for children who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral difficulties.

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Resource Fair - Chelsey and two students

Resource fairs

Anoka County SHIP contracts through the American Lung Association for commercial tobacco-free activities. Chelsey Skogen, pictured on the left with two high school students, was able to attend parent-teacher conferences at Centennial High School in March where she connected with students, staff, and parents. Chelsey also attended a worksite event at Connexus Energy in early May with another SHIP contractor, Jamie Kenealy. Chelsey provided tobacco education and cessation information and Jamie provided general SHIP and Public Health resources to employees at Connexus. It was a well-attended event with great feedback!

A multi-cultural resource fair will be taking place June 11^th at the Columbia Heights Fire Station. There will be vendors providing information on immigrant law services, childcare, home safety, preschool opportunities, community and school resources, and more. Check out additional information below:

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Meet Randi Prebil, our new Health Promotion and Planning Manager

We're thrilled to introduce Randi as our new Manager of Health Promotions and Planning. With a Master of Public Health under her belt, Randi has dedicated her career to serving in non-profits and assisted living and memory care facilities. Prior to joining us, she spent seven years as the Executive Director of Hearts & Hammers, a regional non-profit focused on rehabilitating affordable owner-owned homes. Randi has deep roots in her home county and she is is excited to spearhead health promotion and planning efforts the area.