HN team members attend HIA conference

In November, several members of the Healthy Northland team attended the first Minnesota Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Conference in Minneapolis. The two-day conference was sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health, the MN HIA Coalition, and other partners. The conference brought together staff from public health and other sectors across the state and country to learn about HIA and share their experiences.

Local SHIP coordinators Meghann Levitt, Carlton County, and Maren Webb, Cook County, with Ellen Pillsbury hosted a session called “Lessons Learned: Rural Transportation HIAs.” Attendees to the session learned about the HIAs completed in Cloquet and Grand Marais in recent years.

Health Impact Assessment is an evidence-based tool that incorporates public engagement before decisions are finalized for projects and plans, which helps create more equitable, healthier communities. For more information about Health Impact Assessment and the MN Coalition, visit www.mnhia.com.

Patrick Hollister (PartnerSHIP 4 Health), Ellen Pillsbury (MDH), Maren Webb (Cook County SHIP) and Meghann Levitt (Carlton County SHIP) at the conference.