Stratis Health announces the recipients of its 2019 Building Healthier Communities award, in conjunction with National Patient Safety Awareness Week. Five grant awards totaling nearly $70,000 were made to Minnesota nonprofit organizations. Stratis Health’s community benefit program supports initiatives that promote a culture of health care quality and patient safety in the state.

“All of Stratis Health’s grant awards this year advance health equity or patient and family activation,” said Jennifer Lundblad, PhD, MBA, president and CEO, Stratis Health. “Action in these two areas is essential for transforming care. These projects offer fresh approaches that will foster a culture of health and quality throughout Minnesota.”

Care Providers of Minnesota received funds to develop community advisory boards in assisted living at three pilot sites, working in partnership with the Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) and the State Ombudsman for Long Term Care. The pilots will build on best practices for engagement and inform a replicable statewide model.

CHI St. Gabriel’s Health in Little Falls, MN, will develop and implement a clinician-to-clinician education and coaching series using Project ECHO—a hub-and-spoke knowledge-sharing network model—for opioid prescribing providers who have been identified by the Minnesota Department of Human Services as needing performance improvement to modify opioid prescribing practices.

Circle in the Field Media will use its funds to help produce a short video for individuals who are making a decision about whether to become a caregiver for a loved one at end-of-life. Stories from a diverse group of individuals will offer support and encouragement. The video will offered free of charge.

Keane Sense of Rhythm will host four low-cost tap dance classes through St. Paul Community Education locations. Its Tappy Hour for Better Health dance program will use an Afro-American dance form to build brain power, balance, bone mass, and cardiovascular health among participants.

MAPS will work with Lakewood Health System to engage community members and patients to co-design processes and communication for improved diagnostic test management following an emergency department visit.

Stratis Health is a nonprofit organization guided by an independent community-based board of directors. It is committed to being a responsible and engaged community member and gives these annual grant awards as part of its commitment to foster a culture of improvement in health care. The award program aims to encourage creative community projects that support health care quality and patient safety.

Stratis Health board and staff members submit nominations for the annual grant award. Nominations must align with Stratis Health’s mission and vision, advance Stratis Health’s work and relationships, focus on Minnesota, and benefit the community by making lives better.