Stratis Health Thought Leadership Blog – July 7, 2024
Funding for community-based health care nonprofit organizations is not just crucial; it’s transformative. It improves access to equitable and affordable health care services for communities that need them the most. These organizations are not just service providers; they are lifelines, addressing the unique needs of local communities, providing preventive care, managing chronic diseases, offering mental health support, and assisting people in navigating and coordinating health needs and care.
However, securing the capital to create health equity is a continual challenge for many nonprofits. In a July 2022 Minnesota Council of Nonprofits survey of member organizations, 60% of respondents said they could operate at their current funding level for another year before financial pressure might force decisions about cuts to staff and service levels. Additional financial support for these organizations can give them the breathing room they need to help create more equitable health care for vulnerable populations, making a real difference in people’s lives.
Since 2007, Stratis Health’s Building Healthier Communities Awards has provided 63 small grants totaling more than $870,000 to mission-aligned organizations that cultivate health equity and quality in the community. While Stratis Health leads health improvement work nationally, the Building Healthier Communities program is focused on Minnesota, where Stratis Health is based. The Stratis Health board of directors commits funds each year from organizational reserves to support the program.
Below are profiles of the 2024 Building Healthier Communities awardees and comments from leaders at these organizations.
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate (HPHC)
HPHC educates health professionals, the public, and policymakers about structural racism as a cause of disproportionate climate change impact on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). HPHC will use this award to grow its statewide presence by supporting activities such as speakers’ bureaus and community forums on climate, equity, and health issues.
“Thirty-two percent of Minnesotans live in areas with health risks from air pollution, whereas Minnesotans from low-income communities have a 46% chance of health risks from air pollution, and BIPOC communities have a striking 91% chance of health risks,” said Kelley Skumautz, HPHC executive director. “Dismantling racism and systemic oppression belong at the center of health equity and climate justice.”
Mi CASA
The Familia Saludable Initiative promotes healthy lifestyles and mental health in the Hispanic community. This Shakopee-based nonprofit will use its award to promote holistic health and wellness education among Latino families in Scott and Carver Counties by providing culturally tailored programs and services that address prevention of type 2 diabetes prevalence and direct patient care.
“Health equity remains a significant challenge, especially within our Latino community where diabetes rates are disproportionately high,” said Mary Hernandez, Mi CASA executive director. “Addressing these disparities requires a concerted effort to provide accessible health care, culturally relevant education, and supportive resources. It’s crucial that this information is communicated by people who look like us and in our native language to build trust, understanding, and engagement. Mi CASA, in collaboration with our local county public health department, is actively working to bridge these gaps and ensure everyone in our community has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.”
Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital
This rural northern Minnesota critical access hospital in Ely has begun a journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion. The hospital will use the Stratis Health award to launch more formal efforts to increase awareness and education, offering training to staff, campus partners, and community members.
“Thanks to the funding we received, our hospital has invited international speaker and leadership coach Dr. Jermaine Davis to advise our staff on how to recognize and manage unconscious bias and improve workplace civility, inclusion and respect,” said Rochelle Sjoberg, hospital human resources director. “By partnering with our local school district, we’ll also have Dr. Davis speak to the community during a free evening program.”
Two 2024 grantees have already begun collaborating.
Recently, HPHC connected with fellow “Building Healthier Communities” grant recipient, Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. HPHC presented information on how electrification reduces air pollution and ill health effects on vulnerable and outstate populations. “This connection will hopefully prompt further community-led examinations of concerns related to climate and health equity in Northern St. Louis County,” Kelly Skumautz, HPHC executive director, said.