MMA member physicians are striving to make Minnesotans the healthiest in the nation with much of this work accomplished through a rich public health agenda. We collaborate with community organizations, lawmakers, the Minnesota Department of Health, and others to influence policy and promote health at the population level.

Alcohol Abuse The MMA supports an increase to the tax on beer, wine and spirits to decrease alcohol consumption and recommends use of these funds for prevention, treatment and public safety services related to alcohol abuse.

Cancer The MMA is part of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance, a coalition of health organizations dedicated to reducing the state's cancer burden.

Environmental Health The MMA has long been involved in environmental health issues such as: advocating for the safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste or helping to revise the state's lead clinical guidelines.

Obesity The MMA seeks to prevent and treat obesity through policy, legislation, and resources and information for physicians and their patients.

Public Health Infrastructure The MMA is committed to improving the public health infrastructure at the local, state, and federal level.

Tobacco The voice of doctors remains critical as tobacco continues to threaten health statewide. The MMA supports the Freedom to Breathe Act that protects residents from secondhand smoke, increasing the tobacco tax, and smoking cessation programs for patients.

Vaccine-Preventable Illness The MMA is committed to providing physicians information and resources to help them fight vaccine-preventable diseases such as: influenza, measles, and pertussis.

For more information, contact Britta Orr at 612/362-3735.

Federal Reform Investments in Public Health MMA fact sheet about the federal reform law's investments in public health (July 2010).

Statewide Health Improvement Program SHIP aims to help Minnesotans live longer, healthier lives by reducing the burden of chronic disease.