Theme: Public Health on the Horizon

MDH and SCHSAC invite you to broaden your public health horizon and reenergize your work at the 2014 Community Health Conference. Join local elected officials, tribal and community public health leaders, representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health, and partners from health plans, health care and other sectors in exploring policies and practices on the horizon of state, local, and national public health.

Depending on your vantage point, some public health issues seem to approach at breakneck speed, like public health investment and value, mental health as a public health issue, workforce development and transition, health equity, and health in all policies. Other public health issues are slowly emerging on the horizon, and we can anticipate their arrival further in advance. We continually expand our knowledge and gain new perspectives on concepts like accreditation, performance management, evidence-based or trauma-based practice, and culturally informed practices.

While adjusting for new and emerging issues, we won't lose sight of the important work we do every day to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans as it relates to public health infrastructure, healthy communities and healthy behaviors, infectious diseases, environmental health and environmental resource protection, emergency preparedness, response and recovery, injury and violence, and the quality and accessibility of health services. We continue to gather inspiration and knowledge to meet the public health challenges of the future.