KPA Chair: Kevin Burns          Burns.Kevin@mayo.edu

Sub-Categories

Prevention & Wellness | Access to Health Care | Plan for an Aging Population

Mini Vision

This is a community that is dedicated to prevention and as a result, wellness exists and changes outcomes and provides for a higher level of well being for its citizens.

Health and Human Services section of original plan

Goals and Priorities Identified in the Envision 2020 Community Survey: Health & Human Services

• Mental health needs – take a proactive approach
• Increase the spotlight of excessive drinking and drug use and the dangers that relate to them
• Provide transportation to and from medical facilities
• Continued health care expansion
• All-encompassing health and wellness from ages 1-100+
• Provide affordable health care access to everyone
• Publicize a healthier community and host more events (i.e. Mankato Marathon)

Successes of 2009-10

• Formed a Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) to promote wellness, exercise,  and healthy lifestyles to prevent chronic illness.
• Implemented an “Exercise is Medicine” awareness campaign. (HIP)
• Received a SMIF grant to use a town meeting process to develop and implement projects to “Engage Elders in Meaningful Work” in 2009 (Greater Mankato Growth and area partners)
• Opened a new Regional Cancer Center at Immanuael St. Joseph’s
• Implemented new electronic medical records systems at Mankato Clinic and Immanuel St. Joseph’s.
• The Open Door Health Center received federal designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
• Expanded dental and physical health services. (Open Door Health Center)
• Feeding Our Community Partnership (FOCP) implemented a pilot program at Franklin Elementary called the Backpacks in Schools Program.
• Conducted a town meeting (fall of 2009) to determine a project or projects that can help Engage Elders in Meaningful Work, through the SMIF grant.
• VINE opened a recycled furniture store to support it’s programs for seniors.
• Visited Albert Lea’s Blue Zone Project to bring back ideas for Greater Mankato.
• Formed a new Bike/Walk Advocacy group to move Greater Mankato toward becoming a Bicycle Friendly community.
• The Health Improvement Partners (HIP) distributed “Be Active Your Way” brochures to all community healthcare facilities to promote exercise.
• HIP purchased a web based strength training program to make available to residents.
• HIP presented the “Exercise IS Medicine” presentation to 212 healthcare providers and 815 citizens, as well as media coverage promoting the value of exercise as a way to prevent many negative health problems.
• The Mankato Multi-Sport Club was formed, providing connections and information for run, bike, swim, and triathlon enthusiasts.

Successes of 2008-09

• Formed a Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) to promote wellness, exercise and healthy lifestyles to prevent chronic illness.

• Launched an “Exercise is Medicine” awareness campaign. (HIP)

• Received a SMIF grant to use a town meeting process to developand implement projects to “Engage Elders in Meaningful Work” in 2009. (GMG and area partners)

• Opened a new Heart Center in Feb 2008 at ISJ Regional Medical Center.

• Implemented an electronic records system. (Mankato Clinic)

• Expanded Oncology and Nuclear Medicine services. (Mankato Clinic)

• Expanded dental and physical health services. (Open Door Health Clinic)

• Formed a “Feeding Our Community Partnership” (FOCP) to end hunger in Blue Earth County.

• Set goals to reduce high risk drinking. (High Risk Drinking Coalition)

• Received federal designation for the Open Door Health Clinic.

• Utilized a Dietitian in the schools to improve children’s nutrition. (Mankato Clinic & ISD 77)

For 2007-08 Successes see the 2007-08 Annual Report