States Seeks Members for African American Health State Advisory Council

November 16, 2023

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) invites healthcare providers and other community members to apply to serve on the new African American Health State Advisory Council. Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 17, but MDH will accept and review applications until all spots are filled.  

The council will work closely with the new Office of African American Health and play a key role in shaping the African American Health Special Emphasis Grant Program passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023. The council will engage in the following activities:  

• Identify health disparities and contributing factors found in African American communities. 

• Recommend review of any statutes, rules or administrative policies or practices to the commissioner of health that would address African American health disparities. 

• Recommend policies and strategies to the commissioner of health to address disparities specifically affecting African American health. 

• Submit a report to the commissioner of health that summarizes council activities and identifies and makes recommendations to address those disparities. 

As outlined in Minnesota statute, the council will include 12 to 20 members representing or serving the African American community. Along with healthcare providers, this may include college students, patients or those who receive services, elders or older people, health and human services professionals, health equity researchers, and others.  

Members are asked to serve a minimum of two years and will receive $55 per meeting, as well as possible reimbursement for expenses. To apply to join the council, please visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Boards and Commissions Open Positions portal. The application process will remain open until all seats are filled. The initial deadline for the electronic application is November 17, 11:59 p.m.  

Once the secretary of state application is submitted, MDH will email a supplemental application for completion by November 27 at 11:59 p.m.