Working with and for Community – The East Side Health and Well-Being Collaborative

The East Side Health and Well-Being Collaborative, convened by Fairview Health Services since 2015, is a community health equity initiative supporting the East Side of Saint Paul. It unites over two dozen community-based organizations with diverse expertise addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Through deep listening, partnership, and leveraging collective expertise, the Collaborative co-creates impactful programs that uplift the community and optimize resources. This session will highlight the Collaborative’s model, showcase successful initiatives, and explore the power of community-centered approaches to advancing health equity and advocating for positive change.

Speaker: Christina McCoy, MA, Manager, Community Health Equity Initiatives, Fairview Health Services, christina.mccoy@fairview.org 

Christina McCoy has devoted over 25 years to nonprofit leadership in the Twin Cities. In her current role as the Manager of Community Health Equity Initiatives at M Health Fairview, she oversees essential community partnerships in the East Metro area, particularly focusing on the hospitals and surrounding communities of Woodwinds, St. John's, and the recently launched Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub and M Health Fairview Center for Community Health Equity. Within her position, Ms. McCoy is deeply involved in supporting systemwide initiatives that promote justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Prior to joining M Health Fairview, Ms. McCoy made significant contributions to various local nonprofit organizations, including the Minnesota Community Action Partnership, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, Community Action of Minneapolis, the YWCA St. Paul, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, HIRED, and others, all dedicated to assisting marginalized communities on their journey out of poverty and toward greater resiliency and self-sufficiency.

Christina holds a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development. She is also a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP), a Validated Quality Consultant, an IDI Qualified Administrator, and a national trainer in Results Oriented Management and Accountability.

At M Health Fairview, Ms. McCoy is actively engaged as the Co-Chair of the Black Initiative Network Employee Resource Group (ERG), a core member of the recently formed LEAD ERG for Latine-identifying employees and serves as the Chair of the Leadership Development Committee for the Cross-Cultural Leadership Network. Christina McCoy's extensive experience and her dedication to advancing community health equity make her a valued contributor to the Twin Cities' nonprofit sector.

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MPHA Health Equity Committee meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Currently all meetings are virtual. Meetings are open to MPHA members and non-members who want to learn more and take action on advancing health equity in Minnesota. 

For more information about the Health Equity Committee,  please email healthequity@mpha.net and we will get back to you! The committee is co-chaired by Madison Anderson, Erica Fishman, and Sara Rogers.