Are you passionate about advancing health equity and inspired by the power of community leadership? You might be — or know someone who is — a great fit for the MDH Health Equity Advisory Leadership (HEAL) Council.
The HEAL Council has opened its application for the 2026-2028 term. The application period will run through Nov. 7.
The HEAL Council was created as part of a broader effort by MDH to address Minnesota’s inequities in health status and was formally recognized in state statute in 2023 (Minnesota Statutes, section 145.987). The duties of the council are to:
- Advise the commissioner on health equity issues and the health equity priorities and concerns of the following populations:
- African American and African heritage communities
- Asian American and Pacific Islander communities
- Latino communities
- American Indian communities
- disability communities
- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities
- people who reside outside the seven-county metropolitan area
- Assist MDH in efforts to advance health equity, including consulting on specific agency policies and programs, providing ideas and input about potential budget and policy proposals, and recommending review of agency policies, standards, or procedures that may create or perpetuate health inequities.
- Assist MDH in developing and monitoring meaningful performance measures related to advancing health equity.
Applications from individuals with relevant skills and experience that reflect a strong commitment to advancing health equity are welcome. Applicants are not required to identify with a specific community group to be considered. A variety of perspectives and experiences strengthen the council’s work and impact.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication of current council members whose expertise has guided meaningful impact over the past two years.
