Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

February 15, 2016

MHA Newsline: Feb. 15, 2016

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 Reportreturn 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 brochurereturn 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 Centerreturn to top