Health Equity Advisory and Leadership (HEAL) Council
The Health Equity Advisory and Leadership Council was created in 2018 as part of a broader effort by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to address Minnesota’s disparities in health status – particularly those persistent disparities across various ethnic, racial, and regional groups. The HEAL Council represents the voices of many communities most severely impacted by health inequities across the state, including racial and ethnic minority groups, rural Minnesotans, Minnesotans with disabilities, American Indians, LGBTQIA+ community members, refugees, and immigrants. The council was formally codified in state law in 2023 under Minnesota Statute 145.987.
The HEAL council assists MDH in carrying out the efforts outlined in the department’s strategic plan and its Advancing Health Equity report, including advising on specific MDH policies and programs. The council also aids MDH in developing strong performance measures related to advancing health equity. Each year, the council prepares and submits reports to the Commissioner of Health summarizing the activities of the council and specific objectives the group will pursue during the upcoming year.
Members represent multiple communities and organizations working to advance the health of those most impacted by health inequities in Minnesota. They bring expertise on a range of health topics and the lived experiences of their respective geographic/cultural communities. The knowledge and wisdom of council members enhances the work of MDH in advancing health equity for all communities in Minnesota.
Current council members
- Rox Anderson
- Matthew Arries
- Dr. Tracine Asberry
- Atum Azzahir
- Jerome Evans
- Jose Rodolfo Gutierrez-Montes
- Monica Ibarra
- Ivette Izea-Martinez
- Dr. Luqman Lawal
- Kathy Manlapas
- Becky Timm
- Dr. Grace Totoe
- Diane Tran
- Deqa Sayid
- Hadija Steen Mills
- Dr. Antony Stately
- Nina Vongpheth
- Kathy Zeman
Meeting information
HEAL council meetings are open to the public. The council meets monthly on the second Wednesday of each month from 3-5 p.m. For more information, contact Allison Larson at Allison.Larson@state.mn.us.
Recommendations to Commissioner of Health
2020
HEAL Council Letter to the Commissioner of Health on COVID-19 (PDF)
Commissioner's Response to Health Council Letter on COVID-19 (PDF)
2019
In January 2019, the HEAL council released a memo to Commissioner Malcolm identifying critical issues and recommending solutions for the agency to address as the state moved into a new gubernatorial administration. The memo is available through the link below:
HEAL Council Memo to Commissioner of Health (PDF)
In April 2019, the Commissioner of Health sent a response to the council chairs and members to thank them for their recommendations, share current work related to the council's recommendations, and to pledge her full support in the important work of advancing health equity. The commissioner's response is available through the link below: