Partners in Public Health Conference
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Partners in Public Health Conference
The Local Public Health Association (LPHA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) launched a new, annual opportunity in 2024 for learning and connection: the Minnesota Partners in Public Health Conference. Stay tuned for the 2025 conference dates.
The 2024 conference explored new approaches for transforming Minnesota’s public health system. Minnesota public health workers forged and strengthened our partnerships and leveraged each other's expertise to develop strategies that improve the well-being of our communities.
November 13-15, 2024
Breezy Point Resort: 9252 Breezy Point Dr., Breezy Point, MN 56472
Registration is now closed. Please contact health.mpphconference.mdh@state.mn.us with questions.
Who attended?
- Local public health leaders and staff
- Tribal health department leaders and staff
- MDH leadership and staff
Conference purpose and objectives
Strengthen the partnership between local and state public health and create a shared understanding of what this partnership means.
By the end of the conference, attendees were able to:
- Describe the common mission/vision between local and state public health.
- Explain the importance of partnership between the Local Public Health Association (LPHA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as organizations and between local and state public health.
- Describe the strengths and assets that LPHA and MDH as organizations bring to the partnership.
- Identify positive outcomes of partnerships between local and state public health.
- List the unique traits that local and state public health bring to the partnership.
For questions about the conference, visit the frequently asked questions below or email health.mpphconference.mdh@state.mn.us.
The conference featured a mix of keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Learn more about the keynote speakers below.
Breakout session descriptions can be found here: Breakout Session Descriptions | 2024 (PDF)
Presentation and session materials can be found here: 2024 MPPH Conference Materials
Conference keynote speaker biographies
Tim Gard, CEO Tim Gard International
Introducing Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE, a Hall of Fame speaker renowned for blending humor with practical resilience techniques to enhance productivity and employee enthusiasm. With over 25 years as a professional speaker, Tim has captivated global audiences at over 3000 events, from Texas to Tasmania, leaving a lasting impact with his memorable and dynamic presentation style.
Starting his career as an eligibility caseworker, Tim developed resilience amidst high-stress situations, which led him to roles such as welfare fraud investigator and Management Analyst for Food Stamp operations. His "comic vision" philosophy, born from these experiences, underpins his approach to defusing and managing stress.
Tim holds the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional designation and is a celebrated author and inventor of stress-reduction products. His background as a US Navy veteran and business owner for over 20 years further enriches his connection with audiences, making his stress reduction and conflict resolution strategies universally relatable and effective.
Nora McInerny, best-selling author, creator, and host of podcasts “Terrible Thanks for Asking “ and “It’s Going to be OK”
How are you? Nora McInerny wants to know the truth. As the creator and host of the podcast “Terrible, Thanks For Asking” and the TED speaker known for her viral talk, “We Don’t Move On From Grief, We Move Forward With It,” Nora McInerny specializes in making space for emotional honesty and difficult conversations.
From her bestselling memoirs and essay collections to her pieces in The New York Times, TIME magazine, and The Washington Post, Nora’s work regularly touches on topics many would rather not discuss — death, loss, illness, mental health, trauma, and change–with disarming wit and earnest candor.
Michelle Nelson
Michelle has over 25 years of experience leading, managing, and training professionals in the human service industry. In addition to her leadership skills, she is well-versed in team, program, and organizational development, including strategic planning. She is a certified trainer for the Crisis Prevention Institute, The National Council for Behavioral Health, Motivational Interviewing, Thera International Rising (Drama Free Workplace), and Adverse Childhood Experiences. She has delivered numerous trainings at local, state, and national conferences. Michelle also provides consultation services for several private and public businesses. Michelle’s education includes a Master's in Management, a Bachelor's in Criminology/Sociology, and a certificate in Leadership and Change.
The conference took place November 13 to 15, 2024.
Agenda (PDF) (updated Nov. 6, 2024)
Thank you to our conference planning committee!
Kristin Bye, Otter Tail County
Kelsey Collier, Wright County
Sam Colston, MDH, Public Health Laboratory
Michelle Ebbers, Des Moines Valley Public Health
Amy Evans, Dodge County
Kelly Felton, MDH, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease
Karen Grasmon, MDH, Communications Office
Sara Lovett, MDH, Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Prevention and Control
Erin Melz, Aitkin County
Amy Nelson, MDH, Child Family Health
Gabby Nelson, MDH, Community Health Division
Sarah Reese, Polk County Public Health
Alicia Rodriguez, Local Public Health Association
Mary Lyon, Local Public Health Association
Mickey Scullard, MDH, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Stephanie Souter, Washington County
Frieda vonQualen, MDH, Environmental Health
Deanna White, MDH, Center for Public Health Practice
Thank you to our sponsors!
