Minnesota Department of Health

National DNA Day is a time to recognize the power of genetics. Did you know Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the U.S., affecting 1 in 1,900 babies—including about 25 infants each year in Minnesota? SCD is passed down through DNA, not contagious, and occurs when a child inherits the sickle cell gene from both parents. If both parents carry sickle cell trait (SCT), there’s a 1 in 4 chance their child could be born with SCD. This DNA Day, take a moment to learn your genetic risks—and why it matters for you and your family. Visit the Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota (www.sicklecellmn.org) to learn more and access resources pertaining to SCD. #NationalDNADay #SickleCellAwareness #KnowYourTrait  

Respond to this survey to give the Minnesota Department of Health your input on a maternal and child health action plan. Ensure the needs of you, your family, and your community are heard. Complete the survey by May 18 to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card! 20 entries will be selected. https://lnkd.in/gEG5J_jw

The Healing Forest initiative aims to harness nature-based healing to improve mental and physical health. Inspired by Sara Holger’s certification in Nature and Forest Therapy, the program began in 2023 with support from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). Five diverse professionals from education, healthcare, and community services were trained as certified forest therapy guides to integrate nature healing into their fields.   The initiative has ignited a movement, transforming education and healthcare by integrating nature into wellness strategies and fostering resilience through the power of the natural environment.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/giDJ9naU

Happy National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)! #VaxToTheFuture

For decades, the Minnesota Environmental Laboratory has been testing drinking water for “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. In 2024, the lab began testing fish and non-potable water for the dangerous chemical. https://lnkd.in/g7gMS4av

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Minnesota Department of Health created a toolkit with ideas, resources, and messages to help raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention, and actions that can help maintain mental wellbeing. Individuals, organizations, and communities can tailor messages to best engage key audiences. Learn more and download the toolkit: https://lnkd.in/gNFwsgPN #YouMatterMN

📢 The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking proposals for foundational message development and audience research focused on cannabis and substance misuse prevention. The project focuses on two main audiences: pregnant and breast and chestfeeding individuals, and youth under 25. This project will be completed in two phases, from the date of implementation through June 30, 2026: Phase one focuses on research and messaging, including audience and market research, and message development and testing. Phase two focuses on planning for capacity building and engagement and developing recommendations in a final report. To view the full RFP, log in or register to the Supplier Portal and search for Event ID 2000016979. Please share with any vendors that may be a good fit for this work! http://mn.gov/supplier/

CDC estimates that nearly 48 million Americans contract a foodborne illness each year. So who is tasked with keeping our food and water safe? And what happens when a foodborne outbreak does occur? https://lnkd.in/gERzMmab

Are you a nurse who chose to leave a job in a hospital for a different work setting, or left nursing altogether? Or do you have a success story about a hospital where you've worked? If so, please consider participating in this Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) research study! The feedback and opinions of study participants will be included anonymously in the report and distributed to policymakers. MDH will not share any identifying information in the report, such as participants' names or current or past workplaces. People who are selected to participate will receive a $100 gift card as a thank you for their time. MDH wants to hear a variety of perspectives. To volunteer to participate, please fill out our brief online form. It will take less than five minutes to complete. If you have questions, please contact Teri Fritsma at teri.fritsma@state.mn.us or Megan Loew at megan.loew@state.mn.us.   Online form: https://lnkd.in/g3YcVYcw

The Minnesota Public Health Laboratory helps protect the health of Minnesotans...and Texans! Texas is currently facing a measles outbreak. Minnesota has partnered with public health labs across Texas to sequence measles specimens, allowing the laboratorians to determine the strain of measles virus and potentially connect the cases to prevent the spread. Measles is a highly contagious virus infecting people of all ages but is particularly dangerous for those who have not received the measles vaccine. Minnesota is proud to collaborate with Texas and do for their residents what we do for our own: identify, educate, and protect.