Minnesota Agencies

The MDH HEAL Council serves to advise the Minnesota Department of Health. MDH will rely on the advisory council to provide forthright and constructive feedback on the strategic direction of the Center for Health Equity and MDH. Goals include evaluating short- and long-term priorities and ensuring that MDH interfaces successfully with communities most impacted by health inequities.

By February 15, 2019, and annually thereafter, the HEAL Council will prepare and submit a report to the commissioner that summarizes the activities of the advisory council. The report will also describe specific objectives that the group will pursue during the next year.

A note in the the 2017 Annual Compilation and Statistical Report of Multi-member Agencies states: "Formerly this was under the Eliminating Health Disparities Statute (145.928), however the HEAL Council will be broader in scope and falls under the Commissioner's authority as the Commissioner of Health."

The Council will have a minimum of 15 members but not more than 25 members. Members will be representatives of community groups or professional stakeholder organizations that can have an influence on the health of various populations.