Minnesota Department Health
About Minnesota Department of Health
- History of the department
- Mission statement and core values
- Leadership team and organizational structure
Programs and Services
- Disease Prevention and Control
- Health Equity
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Preparedness
- Community Health Promotion
- Mental Health
Licensing and Certification
- Health care facilities
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Child Care Facilities
- Lead Abatement Contractors
- Funeral Directors and Mortuary Science Establishments
Data and Statistics
- Public Health Data Access
- Vital Statistics
- Environmental Health Data
- Behavioral Risk Factors Data
- Health Disparities Data
Publications and Reports
- Annual Reports
- Fact Sheets and Brochures
- Health Improvement Plans
- Data Reports and Analysis
- Surveillance Reports
Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Emergency Operations and Coordination
- Planning and Exercises
- Medical Countermeasure Dispensing
- Communication and Alerts
Health Equity and Inclusion
- Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota
- Health Equity Roundtable
- Grants and Funding Opportunities
- Multicultural Health Conference
Careers and Employment Opportunities
- Job Openings and Application Process
- Career Development and Training Opportunities
- Employee Benefits and Wellness
- Internship Program
News and Media
- Press Releases and Media Advisories
- Health News Stories
- Media Resources and Contacts
- Events and Conferences
Contact Us
- Contact Information for the various departments within Minnesota Department of Health
- Feedback and Complaints
- Address and Directions
About Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is a state agency responsible for protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans. It was established in 1977 after the merger of several agencies and has been providing quality public health services ever since. The department is headquartered in St. Paul and has offices in various locations throughout the state.
History of the Department
The Minnesota Department of Health has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. In 1905, the Minnesota State Board of Health was created to control the spread of communicable diseases. Over the years, the board's responsibilities expanded to include environmental health, occupational health, and chronic disease prevention. In 1977, the board merged with other state agencies to form the Minnesota Department of Health, which we know today.
Mission Statement and Core Values
The mission of the Minnesota Department of Health is to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. It achieves this by promoting healthy behaviors, preventing diseases, and ensuring access to quality healthcare. The department's core values are excellence, integrity, accountability, respect, and innovation. These values guide its work and interactions with stakeholders.
Leadership Team and Organizational Structure
The Minnesota Department of Health is led by a commissioner who is appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. The commissioner oversees the department's operations and ensures that it fulfills its mission. The department is organized into several divisions and offices that focus on specific areas of public health. These include:
- Community Health Division
- Disease Control and Prevention Division
- Environmental Health Division
- Health Regulation Division
- Health Systems Quality Assurance Division
- Office of Statewide Health Improvement Initiatives
- Office of the Medical Cannabis Program
- Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
- Office of Health Equity
- Office of Performance Improvement
The organizational structure of the department ensures that it is able to deliver quality public health services to all Minnesotans.
Programs and Services
The Minnesota Department of Health offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at promoting and protecting the health of all Minnesotans. These include:
Disease Prevention and Control
The Disease Control and Prevention Division of the Minnesota Department of Health works to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and respond to outbreaks. It provides surveillance, investigation, and control measures for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, and sexually transmitted infections.
Health Equity
The Office of Health Equity works to eliminate health disparities among different populations in Minnesota. It focuses on improving access to healthcare, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting health equity policies and practices.
Environmental Health
The Environmental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health works to protect Minnesotans from environmental hazards such as air pollution, lead poisoning, and contaminated water. It also provides guidance on safe food handling and licensing for food establishments.
Public Health Preparedness
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit prepares Minnesota for public health emergencies such as natural disasters, pandemics, and bioterrorism. It provides planning, training, and response coordination to ensure that the state is ready to respond to any emergency situation.
Community Health Promotion
The Community Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health works to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It provides education and resources to communities, schools, and workplaces to encourage healthy behaviors.
Mental Health
The Mental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health works to promote mental health and prevent mental illness among Minnesotans. It provides resources and supports for individuals and families affected by mental illness and advocates for policies that support mental health.
Licensing and Certification
The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for licensing and certifying various facilities and professionals to ensure that they meet state standards for quality and safety. These include:
Health Care Facilities
The Health Regulation Division of the Minnesota Department of Health licenses and regulates healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. It ensures that these facilities provide safe and quality care to their patients.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
The Health Regulation Division also licenses and regulates EMS providers such as ambulance services and emergency medical technicians. It ensures that these providers meet state standards for training, equipment, and response times.
Child Care Facilities
The Minnesota Department of Health licenses and regulates child care facilities to ensure that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children. It provides guidance on health and safety practices for child care providers.
Lead Abatement Contractors
The Environmental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health licenses and regulates lead abatement contractors who remove lead from homes and buildings. It ensures that these contractors follow safe and effective practices to protect workers and residents.
Funeral Directors and Mortuary Science Establishments
The Minnesota Department of Health licenses and regulates funeral directors and mortuary science establishments to ensure that they provide dignified and respectful services to families. It provides guidance on safe handling and disposal of human remains.
Data and Statistics
The Minnesota Department of Health collects and analyzes data on various health indicators to inform policy and program decisions. It provides access to this data through various channels, including:
Public Health Data Access
The Public Health Data Access portal provides access to a wide range of public health data, including birth and death records, disease incidence rates, and behavioral risk factors. It allows users to create custom reports and maps based on their specific needs.
Vital Statistics
The Vital Statistics unit of the Minnesota Department of Health collects and maintains records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces in the state. It provides access to these records for various purposes, including genealogy research and legal proceedings.
Environmental Health Data
The Environmental Health Tracking Program of the Minnesota Department of Health collects and analyzes data on environmental hazards such as air pollution, water contamination, and hazardous waste sites. It provides information on the health effects of these hazards and the populations most affected.
Behavioral Risk Factors Data
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of the Minnesota Department of Health collects data on various health behaviors such as tobacco use, physical activity, and nutrition. It provides information on trends and disparities in these behaviors among different populations.
Health Disparities Data
The Minnesota Department of Health collects and analyzes data on health disparities among different populations in the state. It provides information on the social determinants of health and the impact of these determinants on health outcomes.
Publications and Reports
The Minnesota Department of Health produces various publications and reports to inform the public and stakeholders on its work and findings. These include:
Annual Reports
The Annual Report of the Minnesota Department of Health provides an overview of the department's activities, accomplishments, and challenges during the year. It highlights its progress towards achieving its mission and goals.
Fact Sheets and Brochures
The Minnesota Department of Health produces fact sheets and brochures on various health topics to educate the public and stakeholders. These materials provide information on prevention, treatment, and resources related to specific health issues.
Health Improvement Plans
The Minnesota Department of Health develops health improvement plans to address specific health issues in the state. These plans involve collaboration with various stakeholders and provide a roadmap for achieving improvements in health outcomes.
Data Reports and Analysis
The Minnesota Department of Health produces data reports and analysis on various health indicators to inform policy and program decisions. These reports provide information on trends, disparities, and determinants of health outcomes.
Surveillance Reports
The Minnesota Department of Health produces surveillance reports on various diseases and health issues to monitor their incidence and prevalence in the state. These reports inform prevention and control measures.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for preparing the state for public health emergencies and responding to them when they occur. Its emergency preparedness and response activities include:
Emergency Operations and Coordination
The Minnesota Department of Health coordinates emergency operations with other state agencies, local health departments, and healthcare providers. It ensures that response efforts are efficient and effective.
Planning and Exercises
The Minnesota Department of Health develops emergency response plans and conducts exercises to test their effectiveness. It ensures that the state is ready to respond to any emergency situation.
Medical Countermeasure Dispensing
The Minnesota Department of Health coordinates the dispensing of medical countermeasures such as vaccines and medications during public health emergencies. It ensures that these resources are distributed equitably and efficiently.
Communication and Alerts
The Minnesota Department of Health communicates with the public and stakeholders during public health emergencies through various channels such as social media, press releases, and alerts. It ensures that accurate and timely information is provided to all concerned.
Health Equity and Inclusion
The Minnesota Department of Health is committed to advancing health equity and inclusion in the state. Its efforts in this area include:
Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota
The Office of Health Equity works to advance health equity by promoting policies and practices that address social determinants of health and promote access to healthcare for all Minnesotans.
Health Equity Roundtable
The Health Equity Roundtable is a forum for stakeholders to discuss strategies and share best practices for addressing health disparities in Minnesota. It brings together representatives from various sectors such as healthcare, education, and community organizations.
Grants and Funding Opportunities
The Minnesota Department of Health provides grants and funding opportunities to organizations working to address health disparities in the state. These grants support programs and initiatives that promote health equity and inclusion.
Multicultural Health Conference
The Multicultural Health Conference is an annual event organized by the Minnesota Department of Health to address health disparities among diverse populations in the state. It provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.
Careers and Employment Opportunities
The Minnesota Department of Health offers various career and employment opportunities for individuals interested in public health. Its offerings include:
Job Openings and Application Process
The Minnesota Department of Health posts job openings on its website and accepts applications online. It provides information on qualifications, job duties, and benefits for each position.
Career Development and Training Opportunities
The Minnesota Department of Health provides career development and training opportunities for its employees to enhance their skills and knowledge in public health. These opportunities include workshops, conferences, and online courses.
Employee Benefits and Wellness
The Minnesota Department of Health provides a comprehensive benefits package for its employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. It also promotes wellness programs such as fitness classes and mental
Minnesota Department of Health FAQs
What is the mission of the Minnesota Department of Health?
The Minnesota Department of Health's mission is to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans.
What services does the Minnesota Department of Health provide?
The Minnesota Department of Health provides a variety of services including disease prevention and control, public health emergency preparedness and response, environmental health, maternal and child health, health promotion and chronic disease prevention, and vital records and statistics.
How do I file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Health?
To file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Health, you can visit their website and fill out an online form or call their hotline at 1-800-657-3504.
What are some common health concerns in Minnesota?
Some common health concerns in Minnesota include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
