HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrairie Lakes Community Health Board - Agendas - 02/05/2026 MEETING AGENDA
Prairie Lakes Community Health Board Wilkin County: Recycling Center, 505 8th St. S. Breckenridge, MN, or Teams Link
Thursday, February 5th, 2026 3:00- 4:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order and Welcome
a) Establish Quorum & Introductions b) Approval of Agenda (Action Item)
c) Approval of Minutes from January 7th, 2026, meeting (Action Item)
2. Governance and Board Development
a) General At-Large Community Member Appointment (Action Item) b) Board Training: “Public Health 101”- Kristi Goos (Informational)
3. Public Health Administration
a) CHS Administrator- provided by Kristi Goos i) Administrative Update (Informational Item)
ii) Dental Funds/Coordinator Agreement (Informational Item) iii) SHIP MOA (Action Item) iv) MOU between PNM, P4H and PLCHB (Action Item) v) Annual Community Member Stipend & Mileage (Action Item) b) Fiscal Update- Sandy King (Informational Item) c) LPHA Legislative Updates- Kristi Goos (Informational Item) 4. Community Health Assessment & Improvement- Andrea Demmer, Planner a) Community Health Assessment (CHA) Review (Informational Item) b) Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Update (Informational Item) c) Performance Management & Quality Improvement Updates (Informational Item)
5. Collaboration and Partnership Updates
a) Public Health Meetings (Informational Item)
i) LPHA Day at the Capital, Thursday, February 19th ii) SCHSAC, Thursday, March 12th (Virtual Only) b) County & Partner Sharing/Updates (Informational Item)
6. Upcoming Meetings and Events
a) Next CHB meeting April 2nd in person: Otter Tail County or virtual: Teams
Adjournment
MEETING MINUTES
PRAIRIE LAKES COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
OTTER TAIL LAKE ROOM, OTTER TAIL COUNTY OR VIRTUAL VIA TEAMS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM
Attendance
Otter Tail Wilkin Other
Jody Lien Maggie Wiertzema (V) Dr. Kristina England Kristi Goos Dennis Larson Joanna Chua
Melissa Duenow Rick Busko
Wayne Johnson (Chair) Dave Saylor Dan Bucholz
Lynne Penke-Valdes Chris LeClair
Sandy King
Kathy Simpson
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME
The Prairie Lakes Community Health Board Joint Powers meeting convened at 3:30 pm
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026.
Quorum established; Introductions made.
Election of Officers
Chair
CHS-Administrator Jody Lien Opened the meeting and requested nominations for the Prairie Lakes
Community Health Board Chair for 2026. A nomination for Wayne Johnson was offered by Rick
Busko, seconded by Dennis Larson. No other nominations were received. A Roll Call Vote was held
and Wayne Johnson was unanimously recognized as Chair for 2026.
Vice Chair
Chair Wayne Johnson requested nominations for the Community Health Board Vice Chair for 2026.
A Nomination was made for Rick Busko was offered by Dan Bucholz, seconded by Dave Saylor. No
other nominations were made, and Rick Busko was unanimously recognized as Vice Chair.
Secretary
Chair Wayne Johnson requested nominations for the Community Health Board Secretary for 2026. A
Nomination was made for Dan Bucholz was offered by Rick Busko, seconded by Dennis Larson. No
other nominations were made, and Dan Bucholz was unanimously recognized as Board Secretary.
Approval of Agenda
Chair Wayne Johnson called for approval of the Board Agenda. Motion by Dave Saylor, seconded
by Dennis Larson and unanimously carried to approve the Board Agenda for January 7th, 2026.
Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Dan Bucholz, seconded by Dennis Larson and unanimously carried to approve the
Board Minutes from December 4th, 2025.
MEETING MINUTES
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Dennis Larson, seconded by Rick Busko and unanimously carried to approve the consent
agenda items.
GOVERNANCE AND BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Board Appointments
Motion by Rick Busko, seconded by Dan Bucholz and unanimously carried to approve resolution
2026-1 naming Jody Lien the CHS Administrator, Dr. Kristina England as the Medical Consultant,
and to use Otter Tail County for Legal services.
Motion by Dennis Larson, seconded by Rick Busko and unanimously carried to name Dave Saylor
as the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHAC) Representative.
Motion by Rick Busko, seconded by Dan Bucholz and unanimously carried to name Dennis Larson
as the SCHAC Alternate.
At-Large Community Member
Motion by Rick Busko, seconded by Dan Bucholz and unanimously carried to ask Renee
Frauendienst to consider taking the Community At-Large member of the Prairie Lakes Community
Health Board.
Review of Bylaws and Operating Procedures
The Board determined that this was strictly informational as the By-Laws and Operating Procedures
were reviewed at planning meetings leading up to this year. An annual review will be done at the first
meeting of every year.
Review of Public Health Statute 145A & Foundational Public Health Responsibilities
Reviewed handout as presented in the packet name Minnesota Local Public Health Act, Summary of
Minn. Stat. 145A.
PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
CHS Administrator’s Report
Meeting Dates & Locations: Board indicated support for alternating between Otter Tail and Wilkin;
virtual option available.
MCIT Insurance: Coverage estimate $5,489; Resolution 2026-2 (Workers’ Comp) and 2026-3 (MCIT
Participation)
Motion by Dave Saylor, seconded by Dennis Larson and unanimously carried to approve Resolution
2026-2 regarding workers’ compensation coverage for elected or appointed officials.
Motion by Dan Bucholz, seconded by Rick Busko and unanimously carried to approve Resolution
2026-3 regarding participation as a member of the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust.
Community Member Stipend & Mileage Policy
Motion by Rick Busko, seconded by Dennis Larson and unanimously carried to update the language
to include a $75 stipend for events attended by the community member; including milage that follows
the IRS mileage rate. Updates to the policy will be brought to the February meeting to include events
covered by the stipend.
Financial Reports: Draft budget reviewed; indirect fund use and shared costs discussion noted.
MEETING MINUTES
FOUNDATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES & PROGRAMS
Environmental Health
Motion by Rick Busko, seconded by Dan Bucholz and unanimously carried to sign the Provisional
Delegation Agreement and Addendum.
Discussion was held regarding the interim coverage MOA completed with Horizon Public Health if
necessary and hiring status for vacant positions.
COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP UPDATES
SCHSAC meeting updates from 12/11/2025 shared.
UPCOMING MEETING AND EVENTS
Next CHB Meeting February 5th, In person; Wilkin County Recycling Center or Virtual with Teams
included in the Calendar Invite.
AMC Legislative Conference March 3rd
Meeting Adjourned at 4:33 pm.
Memo
To: Prairie Lakes Community Health Board Members
From: Jody Lien, Community Health Services Administrator
Date: February 5, 2026
Subject: Recommendation for Appointment of At-Large Community Member
Recommendation
With input from the Public Health leaders and Board, I recommend the appointment of Renee
Frauendienst to serve as the general at-large community member on the Prairie Lakes
Community Health Board.
This recommendation is based on the following considerations:
• Public Health Leadership Experience:
Renee has extensive experience serving as both a Public Health Director and a
Community Health Services Administrator, with strong knowledge of Minnesota’s local
public health governance and statutory responsibilities.
• CHB Experience and Transition Support:
Renee is familiar with the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board structure and recent
changes impacting the CHB that will be valuable to the continued work of the Board.
• At-Large, Non-Resident Perspective:
As a non-resident of either Otter Tail County or Wilkin County, Renee brings an
objective, regional perspective that complements county-appointed members.
Requested Board Action
Approve the appointment of Renee Frauendienst to a three-year term as the general at-large
community member of the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board, effective February 5th,
2026, in accordance with the Joint Powers Agreement and Board Bylaws.
MEMO
To: Prairie Lakes Community Health Board Members From: Jody Lien, Community Health Services Administrator Date: February 2026 Subject: CHS Administrator Update
This update highlights key administrative and operational work completed over the past month to support Prairie Lakes Community Health Services. Key Activities Administrative Each county board approved appropriate signatures for the final outstanding agreements: PLCHB Delegation Agreement and the Data Sharing & Records Retention Agreement. Additionally, Wilkin County staff transitioned into the Otter Tail County PhDOC database. Communications
Work continued to refine Prairie Lakes messaging and branding, including public-facing language, Board webpage, and internal communications. Efforts focused on improving clarity around Prairie Lakes’ role alongside county-based public health services and inventorying materials by program area
in need of updating. A communications plan and further examples of this work will be brought to the April CHB meeting. Staff Engagement Engagement with staff across both counties emphasized working as Prairie Lakes for the shared services denoted in the delegation agreement, while maintaining county public health responsibilities where applicable. Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP) Preparation Initial preparation for 2026 CHIP work is underway, including timeline review and coordination planning across counties. This will be expanded on at the February 5th Board meeting. Fiscal Operations and Financial Transition Work progressed on financial infrastructure for Prairie Lakes, including billing and receipting processes, coordination between grant managers and accounting, and working through final invoices and balances associated with P4HCHB activities. There are several grant workplans & budgets to be completed that will further define the 2026 CHB budget.
Looking Ahead Upcoming priorities include continued staff communication, completion of financial transition items, and
preparation for strategic planning and governance activities.
STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) Memorandum of Agreement
This agreement is made and entered into by and between the Partnership4Health Community Health Board (P4HCHB), the Prairie Lake Community Health Board (PLCHB).
WHEREAS, P4HCHB and PLCHB desire to continue a collaborative partnership to implement the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Of�ice of Statewide Health Improvement Initiative as awarded November 1, 2025, thru October 31, 2030, and
WHEREAS, SHIP grant dollars are awarded to Community Health Boards to support community-driven solutions to expand opportunities for active living, healthy eating and commercial tobacco-free living, and
WHEREAS, P4HCHB will serve as �iscal agent of SHIP grant dollars that support the counties of Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin.
NOW THEREFORE IT IS AGREED THAT: 1. Either P4HCHB or PLCHB may hire SHIP staff, as mutually agreed upon by both parties, and absent such agreement, P4HCHB shall serve as the default hiring entity. 2. SHIP staff will be responsible for working with partners including schools, workplaces, healthcare, communities, and human service organizations in Becker, Clay, Otter Tail, and Wilkin Counties to address the following objectives: a. Address the leading preventable causes of illness and death such as tobacco use or exposure, poor diet, and lack of regular physical activity, and other issues as determined by the commissioner through the statewide health assessment; and b. Promote the development, availability, and use of evidence-based, community level, comprehensive strategies to create healthy communities; and c. Measure the impact of the evidence-based, community health improvement practices, which over time, work to contain health care costs and reduce chronic diseases. 3. SHIP staff will perform activities approved in the SHIP work plan by completing a SHIP Overall Assessment and Prioritization plan, recruiting potential partners, convening meetings, and assessing & prioritizing needs to implement evidenced based strategies that impact sustainable healthy behavior change. 4. SHIP staff may perform work duties from any participating county of�ice location within the partnership, subject to local policies and space availability.
5. County funds shall not be used to purchase or provide of�ice supplies, furniture, equipment, or technology for SHIP staff, unless employed by that county, or otherwise expressly approved in writing by the Parties. Each party may cancel this agreement at any time, with or without cause, with at least ninety (90) days’ notice prior to the end of a SHIP �iscal year in writing, delivered by mail, electronically, or in person. The agreement shall be effective on the 1st day of January 2026 and remain in effect until October 31, 2026. Authorized Representative of Partnership4Health Community Health Board Date Authorized Representative of Prairie Lakes Community Health Board Date
Restated Memorandum of Understanding
This memorandum of understanding is between Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Board (hereinafter referred to as PNM CHB), P.O. Box 403, Crookston, MN, Partnership 4 Health Community Health Board (hereinafter referred to as P4H CHB), 715
North 11th Street, Suite 303, Moorhead, MN and Prairie Lakes Community Health Board (hereinafter referred to as PLCHB), 560 W Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.
The above names are designated representatives in providing collaborative services for and within the MDH Strong Foundations - Collaborative and Innovation Infrastructure (Cross Jurisdictional Communications) funded projects.
WHEREAS, the parties acknowledge P4H CHB has reorganized and is now operating as two separate entities (P4H CHB and PLCHB), creating a need to restate this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); Whereas, the above said parties have public health staff or external subject matter experts who are qualified to provide the needed public health services within each of the counties and/or cross-jurisdictionally. Whereas, the above said parties desire to clarify funding sources and continue to collaborate as identified. Now, therefore, in consideration of the natural promises and agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
Professional Services: Each CHB’s member health departments employ staff to deliver the services described in the approved program work plans and budgets. PNM CHB shall
reimburse P4H CHB and PLCHB member health departments for allowable personnel expenses incurred in providing such services using grant funds from (1) Strong Foundations – Collaborative and (2) Innovation Infrastructure (Communications), at the
providing agency’s actual salary and fringe benefit rates, supported by appropriate documentation, and shall not exceed the amounts included in the approved grant budgets. Fees for Service and Expense Reimbursement: Mileage shall be reimbursed at the then-current IRS standard mileage rate. Reasonable and necessary expenses related to program operations shall be reimbursed at actual cost (or an agreed-upon “fair share” amount, as applicable), subject to the approved grant program budgets. The invoicing party shall maintain itemized invoices, receipts, and supporting documentation sufficient to substantiate the expenses and shall make such documentation available upon request by the paying entity, in the event of an audit, or as otherwise reasonably required. Reimbursement shall be made within sixty (60) days after receipt of a complete and accurate invoice submitted by either party.
Insurance: Each party will maintain general liability and automobile liability with coverage limits not less than those prescribed under Minn. Stat. 466.04; and Workers' Compensation
Insurance coverage or self-insurance in accordance with the MN statutory requirements. Said policies shall be kept in effect during the entire time of this agreement. Data Privacy: P4H CHB, PLCHB and PNM CHB agree to abide by the applicable provisions of the MN Data Practices Act, MN Statutes, Chapter 13, HIPPA requirements and all other applicable state or federal rules, regulations or orders pertaining to privacy or confidentiality.
Records Retention: Involved parties shall keep pertinent business records pursuant to this agreement. Records shall be maintained and all accounting records will be kept within
accepted accounting practices. Both parties shall have the right to audit and review all documents and records at any time upon reasonable notice and are subject to examination, duplication, transcription and audit by either P4H CHB, PLCHB or PNM CHB in accordance
with Minnesota Statute 16C.05. This restated MOU shall be effective January 1, 2026 and will continue throughout the duration
of the joint grant projects. Reviewed annually and amended in writing as needed. No payments will be made to P4H CHB or PLCHB until this MOU is fully executed. By ____________________________________________ Date __________________ Chair or Administrator, PNM CHB
By ____________________________________________ Date __________________ Chair or Administrator, P4H CHB
By ____________________________________________ Date __________________
Chair or Administrator, PLCHB
2026 Prairie Lakes Community Health Board Community Member Stipend and Mileage
Purpose This document establishes the annual stipend and mileage reimbursement for community members serving on the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board (PLCHB) to support participation and recognize the time and travel associated with health board service. Stipend Authorization Community member representatives shall receive a __$75___ stipend per attended PLCHB meeting, and approved board-related activities. Stipends are intended to offset time and
incidental expenses related to board service and do not constitute employment compensation.
Mileage Reimbursement Community member representatives shall be eligible for mileage reimbursement for travel to and from Prairie Lakes CHB meetings and approved board-related activities at the IRS mileage rate in effect at the time of travel. Effective Period This stipend rate is effective for the period of: January 1, 2026, through December 31,
2026, unless amended by Board action.
Reimbursement Process Mileage reimbursement requests must be submitted using the approved reimbursement form within 60 days of travel and include date, purpose, and miles traveled. Reimbursements will be processed through the PLCHB fiscal agent, Otter Tail County. Annual Review Community Member stipend and mileage reimbursement provisions shall be reviewed annually by the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board and documented through Board action and execution of this authorization.
Adopted by the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board on February 5th, 2026. ______________________________________________________________ Chair, Prairie Lakes Community Health Board ______________________________________________________________ CHS Administrator, Prairie Lakes Community Health Board
Supporting Minnesota’s Local Public Health System
LPHA supports continued, stable investment to support local and Tribal public health foundational responsibilities.
Local and Tribal health departments vary greatly in size, resources, and capacity. The Minnesota local and Tribal public
health system must be strong, resilient, and connected so that every person, no matter their zip code, race, ethnicity,
age or income has access to high-quality public health services. Sustained state funding is essential to ensure every
community can maintain core functions such as health-threat assessment and surveillance, data analysis,
communications, and community partnership development. Minnesota’s local public health system is under pressure
from emerging diseases, shifting federal funding priorities, and rising community health concerns such as mental health.
Maintaining and growing key funding sources supports the workforce, strengthens prevention, and ensures critical
responsibilities like infectious disease control and emergency preparedness continue without interruption. Equally
important is a secure, connected data-sharing system that allows local and state partners to exchange timely
information, coordinate responses, use limited resources effectively, and protect personal information. Investing in
prevention, data infrastructure, and stable funding reduces long-term costs and strengthens systems that keep
Minnesotans healthy and safe.
Strengthening Minnesota’s Infectious Disease Infrastructure
LPHA supports sustained and flexible state investment in Minnesota’s local and Tribal public health infectious disease
infrastructure to ensure rapid detection, response, and prevention of emerging and ongoing threats.
Local and Tribal health departments are Minnesota’s first line of defense against infectious disease, carrying out
mandated responsibilities such as investigating cases, managing outbreaks, coordinating testing and vaccination
efforts, and communicating critical information to their communities. Their work prevents localized outbreaks, such as
tuberculosis or pertussis, from becoming statewide emergencies and ensures local voices and community partnerships
guide response strategies. As vaccination rates decline, communities experience increased vulnerability to
preventable diseases, including rising cases of measles, placing additional strain on local capacity. Despite these
growing threats, Minnesota provides no dedicated state funding for local infectious disease infrastructure, leaving
health departments reliant on unstable federal funding and limited local resources. Unstable funding undermines the
ability to sustain a skilled workforce, maintain modern data and surveillance systems, and deliver timely and accessible
vaccines. Sustained investment in infectious disease infrastructure at both the state and local levels is critical to prevent
localized outbreaks from escalating, ensure vaccines reach communities efficiently, and protect the health of all.
Responding to Public Health Workforce Shortages
LPHA supports policy changes that enable local health departments to fill open positions and retain current employees.
Persistent workforce shortages across the state, limited funding, and competing demands make it difficult for local health
departments to recruit and retain qualified professionals. Sustained state investment in workforce development, training,
loan forgiveness, and recruitment is essential to ensure every community has the expertise needed to respond quickly
and effectively to public health threats. Under Minnesota Statute §145A, each community health board must secure a
physician-licensed medical consultant, yet statewide provider shortages make this requirement difficult to meet. LPHA
supports HF 2393/SF 3402 to broaden the definition of a medical consultant to include other qualified prescribing
providers, strengthening local capacity. LPHA also supports expanding the roles of Community Health Workers and
Community Paramedics, to meet community-specific needs.
Addressing Community Health Needs
LPHA supports policy and funding to address ongoing community health needs.
Local public health is mandated to address their community’s health needs through an assessment and improvement
planning process. This process plays an important role in mitigating social and economic factors that have a direct link to
poor health outcomes. Local public health will continue to serve a leading role in preventing challenges before they
occur and seeking solutions to ongoing community needs such as food insecurity and healthy eating, access to health
services, housing challenges, transportation, violence, higher rates of addiction, and mental health challenges.
LPHA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that works to achieve a strong public health system through leadership and collective
advocacy on behalf of Minnesota’s county, city and Tribal local public health departments. The Association represents public health directors, supervisors and administrators throughout the state. LPHA is an affiliate of the Association of Minnesota Counties.
125 Charles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103-2108 | 651-789-4354 | www.lpha-mn.org
2026 Legislative
Action Priorities
All Minnesota Community Health Boards (CHB) are required to participate in an assessment and planning process
to determine local public health priorities and focus local resources on the greatest community and organizational
needs.
The Community Health Assessment (CHA) serves to:
Examine current health status and trends across the CHB
Identify and prioritize health issues affecting the population
Assess how life factors, like housing, jobs, and healthcare, affect people’s overall health and
opportunities for good health.
Engage residents and partners in a meaningful and participatory way in the process
Provide a foundation for the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
Partnership4Health, in partnership with stakeholders and the community, collected, analyzed, and used data to
determine overall community health status and health concerns.
Partnership4Health 2025
Community Health Assessment Summary
MAR. 2023–JAN. 2024
Planning & Partnership
Building
Convened CHA workgroup,
developed project plan,
identified data sources
and partners
SEP. 2023–SEP. 2024
Data Collection
Collected secondary data,
implemented survey, and
conducted focus groups
OCT. 2024–JUN. 2025
Data Analysis
Analyzed quantitative and
qualitative data, identified
emerging themes and
disparities.
AUG. 2025
Reporting &
Dissemination
Finalize CHA document,
distribute findings
to stakeholders and
the public.
STAKEHOLDERS & COLLABORATION
The CHA process was a collaborative effort that
involved cross-sector partnership to ensure a
comprehensive and representative assessment.
Key Stakeholders include:
Sanford Health
Essentia Health
Perham Health
Lake Region Healthcare
CHI St. Francis Health
Astera Health
Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Local public health department staff from
Becker, Clay, Otter Tail, and Wilkin Counties.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Community focus groups were conducted across the
CHB in Detroit Lakes, Hawley, Parkers Prairie, Pelican
Rapids, and Breckenridge communities to gather
community input from those with lived experience on
relevant community health topics.
Additionally, Sanford Health created a community
survey that was distributed to residents across the
CHB. A total of 1,723 individuals participated in the
survey. Participants were asked to share feedback on
healthcare services.
ASSESSMENT TIMELINE
Partnership4Health 2025 Community Health Assessment
COMMUNITY SURVEY
Healthcare services liked to see offered or
improved in
Behavioral Health (68%)
Addiction Treatment (40%)
Walk in/Urgent Care (32%)
Dental Care (32%)
Long Term Care & Nursing
Homes (25%)
Barriers to Receiving Care
Cost/Inability to Pay
Wait Time for Appointments
Lowest Rated Community Services
Affordable housing
Access to daily transportation,
Childcare, daycare & pre-school
quality
FOCUS GROUPS
Motivations for Living Here
Family
Community
Environment
Quality of Life
Job Opportunities
Cost of Living
Safety
Describing a Healthy Community
Family
Access to good food
Opportunities for physical activity
Strong community bonds
Mutual support and care
Top Health Concerns
Healthcare Access & Affordability
Transportation
Community Engagement & Supports
TOP HEALTH CONCERNS IDENTIFIED
Access/affordability to healthcare (physical,
mental, and behavioral)
Transportation
Community engagement/supports
Affordable housing
Quality of childcare/daycare/preschool
Mental health
USE OF FINDINGS
The findings from this assessment will directly inform
the development of a Community Health Improvement
Plan (CHIP). The CHA also supports ongoing planning,
policy development, and cross-sector action to improve
population health outcomes and to reduce health
disparities across our region.
NEXT STEPS
Partnership4Health Community Health Board is in the
process of transitioning into two separate Community
Health Boards. As a result, the process of identifying
and selecting final community health priorities will
occur independently within each separate CHB
structure.
Each CHB will use the selected priorities to develop a
CHIP that reflects their distinct population health goals,
strategies, and partnerships moving forward.
Thank you to the community members and partners who
have shared their voices throughout this process. We
appreciate your time, insights, and commitment as we
continue working together to build a healthier community
for all.
Community Health Improvement Plan Overview
What is a Community Health
Improvement Plan?
A Community Health Improvement Plan, or CHIP, is a long-term plan created with the community that explains how the
community will work together to improve its
most important health issues.
The CHIP translates data, community input, and partnerships into clear priorities, goals, and actions designed to improve population
health.
Who develops a CHIP?
All Minnesota Community Health Boards
(CHBs) are required to participate in
assessment and planning to determine
local public health priorities and focus local
resources on the greatest community and
organizational needs. Under the Minnesota
Local Public Health Act (Minn. Stat. §
145A), CHBs must submit a Community
Health Improvement Plan to the Minnesota
Department of Health (MDH) at least once
every five years.
How is the CHIP connected to the
Community Health Assessment?
The CHIP is directly informed by the
Community Health Assessment (CHA). The
CHA identifies and describes community
health needs, disparities, and assets. The
CHIP builds on this information by selecting
priority issues and defining what actions the
community will take to address them.
How is a CHIP Used?
A CHIP helps communities:
• Focus limited resources on the most
pressing health priorities
• Align partners around shared goals
and strategies
• Move intentionally from assessment
to action
• Improve accountability and
measurable outcomes
• Address health inequities and social
determinants of health
Once adopted, the CHIP serves as:
• A guide for action for public health,
partners and coalitions
• A tool for grant alignment and
funding decisions
• A framework for monitoring progress
and making course corrections
• A living document that can be
updated as conditions or
opportunities change
.
Performance Management & Quality Improvement Overview
What is Performance Management?
Performance Management (PM) is a systematic
process for setting expectations, measuring results,
reviewing progress, and using data to improve
organizational performance and outcomes.
In public health, PM ensures that:
• Programs are aligned with strategic priorities
• Resources are used effectively
• Services are delivering intended results
• Data informs decision-making at all levels
• The CHB is transparent and accountable
Core Components of a Performance Management System
- Results and Standards: Clear expectations for programs, processes, and
outcomes (e.g., goals, objectives, benchmarks).
- Performance Measures: Quantitative or qualitative indicators used to track
progress toward standards.
- Reporting: Regular review and communication of performance data
(dashboards, reports, meetings).
- Quality Improvement: Structured efforts to improve performance when
targets are not met or opportunities exist.
What is Quality Improvement?
Quality Improvement is the deliberate use of data and proven methods to improve
processes, efficiency, effectiveness, and outcomes.
QI focuses on:
• Improving how work is done
• Reducing variation and inefficiencies
• Strengthening outcomes for populations served
QI is not a one-time project—it is a continuous, repeatable approach
How does Performance
Management and Quality
Improvement Work Together?
Performance Management and QI
are mutually reinforcing:
• PM identifies what should be monitored and where performance gaps exist
• QI addresses why gaps exist
and how to improve them
Why do PMQI?
Performance Management is done to
ensure work is aligned, effective, and
producing the intended results.
Performance management provides
a structured way to:
• Translate strategic priorities into measurable actions
• Monitor progress toward goals
and objectives
• Identify performance gaps, inefficiencies, and inequities
• Use data to inform decisions and allocate resources
• Improve accountability and
organizational effectiveness
• Support continuous quality improvement
• Use public resources
responsibly
In practice, performance
management helps organizations
move from activity-focused work to
results-focused outcomes.
Is PMQI Required?
Yes. Performance Management and
Quality Improvement (PMQI) are
required in local public health.
PMQI is required because:
• Local health departments
must track and improve their
work as part of the
Foundational Public Health
Responsibilities
• The Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH) requires annual
reporting which is based on
national standards from the
Public Health Accreditation
Board (PHAB). Both the
PHAB and MDH requirements
includes PMQI components
Building a Culture of Continuous
Improvement
A strong PM/QI culture includes:
• Transparency with data
• Security to identify problems
• Continuous learning
• Recognition of improvement efforts
• Integration into everyday work
PM/QI is most effective when it is
embedded into operations—not
treated as an add-on.