Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services

Network member spotlight: Meeker-McLeod-Sibley (MMS) Community Health Services

View the full April newsletter: MN Health Equity Networks April 2024 Newsletter

Meeker-McLeod-Sibley (MMS) Community Health Services has been working on data-driven health equity initiatives for almost a decade. However, their current work stems from a data gap realized through their most recent Health Equity Data Analysis (HEDA). HEDA focuses on identifying health inequities among specific groups. The analysis showed that Hispanic residents were underrepresented in their area’s data collection.

MMS staff responded by ensuring that the questions used in the HEDA tool were translated and culturally appropriate. They considered the cultural connotations of the tool’s word choices when conducting the survey. The staff collecting responses worked to establish trusted relationships with the Hispanic community with the goal of collecting the most accurate data possible and connecting with community members who might not otherwise participate.

“We’ve had a great response from community members in learning and growing together.” – Vlada Gladis, Health Educator, Sibley County Public Health and Human Services (Meeker-McLeod-Sibley CHS)

Photo of Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Healthy Services staff. Photo courtesy of MMS CHS.

Through these conversations, MMS staff deepened their understanding of the Hispanic community and the health barriers its members often face, such as poor nutrition, limited exercise options, language barriers, immigration status, access to and quality of health care, transportation, mental health issues, and racism.

“We were able to learn a lot about the Hispanic members in our communities. For example, that Hispanic is the preferred term when describing and referring to the culture.” – Vlada Gladis

MMS staff understood that to create lasting connections and improve their data, they had to include the community in the entire process. They took the time to follow up, share results, and ask if there was any other information to give. Vlada said that they consistently focus on making sure that when staff connects with a community member, that connection is beneficial for all parties in the present and into the future.

Using Regional Healthy Equity Network Grant funds, the MMS Community Health Services focused on building community connections and educating the public on health equity. They have organized events and led discussions on how to address community needs. MMS Community Health Services recently sponsored a “Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop, which will be followed by more training for community stakeholders. Dr. Terry Wu presented information on the neuroscience of belonging in his presentation of “Us vs. Them,” and MMS will soon host a Poverty Simulation event in partnership with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP).

“At each event, we learn of more members in the community who have the desire to collaborate to advance health equity.” – Vlada Gladis

Vlada says, “We are striving to develop a network of these amazing individuals who can collectively move our communities forward.”

The project also includes building connections with other cities and counties where collaboration already has established momentum. They plan to continue gathering information from community members and use it to create a framework that addresses needed change.

“We’re planning to give individuals from all backgrounds seats at the table. We hope that individuals will share their insights, contribute in a way that they find meaningful, and create bridges to meet the needs in our communities.” – Vlada Gladis