Note from the SHIP Lead – Elizabeth Hagen

The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) is in full swing this spring with many projects happening across the county. We are excited to be working with so many community partners. Whether we're collaborating with schools, businesses, healthcare providers, or local organizations, your efforts are making a real difference in helping the people of Anoka County live longer, healthier lives.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to keep sharing your successes, challenges, and learnings. Together, we can continue to strengthen our relationships and expand the reach of SHIP to every corner of the county.

Lori Blaukat, Senior Program Planner, Mental Health

Hi, I’m Lori Blaukat, and I serve Anoka County through prevention-based work focused on mental health and violence prevention. I lead community initiatives like the Pathway to Care Cohort –– a suicide prevention program, two Violence Prevention Roundtable workgroups, and Parenting Inside Out- which supports justice-involved families.

There are a few upcoming events related to this work at the Coon Rapids YMCA: Spring into Wellness April 26, to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month; and then the May 10 Breaking Stigma, Embracing Strength, an African immigrant wellness event, showcasing Mental Health Awareness Month.

Organizations can email lori.blaukat@anokacountymn.gov if they are looking for resources, information, or ways to get involved related to suicide or relationship violence prevention.