In a move supporting citizen health and lower health care costs, the 2009 Minnesota Legislature authorized an innovative public health program called the State Health Improvement Program, or SHIP. SHIP tackles the top three causes of chronic health problems among Minnesotans; obesity, tobacco use, and inactivity. SHIP will combine research-proven projects with goal of changing policies, environments and systems in Minnesota communities that will have lasting health benefits for our citizens. The goal of SHIP is to get "upstream" of these health problems by encouraging lifestyle choices that lead away from disease, and toward healthier lives.
Northeast Minnesota has received a large grant to work on five research-based ways to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease in our communities. Seven counties in the northeast including Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Itaska, Carleton, Koochiching, and Aitkin are working together to improve and enhance school nutrition, active living, tobacco-free post-secondary campuses, improving breastfeeding policies and support, and working to create more workplace wellness policies. The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is also taking part in a multi-tribal grant focused on assessing the needs of the community.
These grants were made possible through state legislation that created a new innovative public health program called the State Health Improvement Program, or SHIP. SHIP tackles the top three causes of chronic health problems among Minnesotans; obesity, tobacco use, and inactivity. SHIP will combine research-proven projects with goal of changing policies, environments and systems in Minnesota communities that will have lasting health benefits for our citizens. The goal of SHIP is to get "upstream" of these health problems by encouraging lifestyle choices that lead away from disease, and toward healthier lives.
In Cook County, SHIP is administered by Cook County Public Health, the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, and the Grand Portage Health Service. Kristin DeArruda Wharton is the contact for Cook County SHIP and can be reached by email or phone, 218-387-2330, or 218-387-2273, ext 633.
April McCormick is the contact for Grand Portage SHIP and can be reached by email or phone, 218-475-2235.
A performance of Pirates of the Carrot Bean, a show about healthy living, was given on Jan. 26 in the Community Ed Gym. Check out a video about this fun production!
Check out the current Grand Marais Active Community Action Plan. This is a document which has grown from the Safe Routes to School group and that continues to grow and change.
Community Partners: Law Enforcement, Cook County Schools, Great Expectations School, Grand Marais City Council, Cook County Public Health, County Highway staff, business owners, CCLEP, parents, Early Childhood Coalition, Cook County EMS and Hospital, ISD 166 PTA, Community members, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.
For more information on the Community Action Plan contact Kristin DeArruda Wharton, Cook County SHIP Coordinator, kwharton@isd166.k12.mn.us or 387-2330 ext 150.
