In this issue
Rice
Memorial Hospital’s ReYou Wellness Program brings community health initiatives
to diverse populations
Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems contributed more than
$4.3 billion in programs and services in 2014 to benefit the health of their
communities. One community benefit program was the ReYou Wellness Program at
Rice Memorial Hospital.
The city of Willmar in west central Minnesota has a large population of
Hispanic and Somali immigrants who may speak a language other than English or
may have cultural beliefs that do not align with preventative care. The ReYou
Wellness Program at Rice Memorial Hospital is striving to bridge the barrier
between Willmar’s diverse populations and the concept of community wellness.
ReYou began in 2013 as part of Allina Health’s “Healthy Community Partnership”
grant program. To reach Willmar’s minority population, ReYou coordinators
enlisted the help of Willmar’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, with a goal
of connecting with adults who were enrolled in English as a Second Language
(ESL) classes.
In 2014, ReYou offered four separate biometric screenings throughout the year
to ABE students, reaching 54 people. The screening checked each person’s blood
pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. With the assistance of
interpreters, people who attended the biometric screenings were able to have
their results explained to them in a comfortable environment. Suggestions were
given as to how they could improve their health, and those with immediate needs
were encouraged to follow up with their doctor as soon as possible.
From the data obtained at these biometric screenings, it became evident that
women, especially Somali women, were not exercising on a regular basis. The
most common reason given was that they did not have a comfortable setting where
they could exercise.
To meet this need, ReYou started a free, women-only exercise class that was
held in the City Auditorium, a convenient location within walking distance for
many. Participants met once a week for one month and had fun letting loose in a
comfortable, familiar environment. They enjoyed learning simple calisthenics,
stretching and playing soccer – their favorite sport!
Visit the MHA website to learn more and read the full 2015 Community Benefit Report. return to top
CentraCare
Health to host conference on managing aggressive behaviors in health care
CentraCare Health will host a conference to provide innovative
approaches to managing aggressive behaviors in health care on Tuesday, May 10,
from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Gorecki Center at the College of Saint
Benedict in St. Joseph.
The conference is designed for health care administrators, executives, board
members, nursing leaders, social workers, law enforcement, other health care
professionals and community partners. It will define a strategic approach for
mitigating the risk of behaviorally challenging situations in a health care
environment and provide professionals with information and tools to address
health care incidents of aggressive behavior toward caregivers.
To learn more or to register, view the brochure. return to top
Results
of legislative special elections
Two special elections were held on Tuesday, Feb.
9. Republican Chad Anderson won the House special election in Bloomington to
replace State Rep. Ann Lenczewski. Former Republican State Rep. Jim Abeler was
elected to the Senate to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of State
Sen. Brandon Peterson in the Anoka area.
The 2016 legislative session is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 8.
Lawmakers must complete their work by Monday, May 23.
Legislators appreciate hearing from constituents with personal expertise about
health care's complex issues and the issues affecting their hospital. MHA
encourages members to meet with local legislators in their home districts prior
to the start of the legislative session. For resources, visit the MHA Member Center. return to top