A series of conversations to inform the Minnesota Department of Human Services on priorities to improve the health and opportunity of American Indian communities.
Engage! Pathways to Racial Equity in Medicaid Series
The 2024 Engage! Pathways to Racial Equity in Medicaid Series
- Brought together 382 community members across Minnesota
- Two statewide virtual events and three-in person events in Duluth, Minneapolis, and Bemidji
- A collaborative undertaking between Marnita’s Table and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Designed to extend the relationship building efforts of the department with American Indian communities in the state of Minnesota in order to gather community insights, priorities and guidance on American Indian experiences with healthcare and Medicaid.
Project Overview
- Community participants provided feedback to the department for the purpose of incorporation into the forthcoming Pathways to Racial Equity report, its associated call-to-action, and ongoing efforts toward racial equity in Medicaid services.
- Hosted by Marnita’s Table and DHS team members, guests of the series had the opportunity to learn more about Medicaid in Minnesota and where to go for more information about renewal processes.
- Participants also engaged with the Department of Human Services’ ongoing work on racial equity in Medicaid during the community conversations, which featured in-depth small group engagement during the Mindstorm guided discussion sessions.
- Participants of these discussion groups described their experiences with Medicaid (and telehealth options), shared cultural, spiritual and ceremonial health practices they value, identified key priorities for policy development and support, and enumerated challenges they face when seeking healthcare, with many electing to share personal stories and first-hand perspectives on the topic.
Final Report Available
The 360 Report
Minnesota Department of Human Services – Engage! Pathways to Racial Equity in Medicaid
Facilitated by MTI
Event Dates: 14 May, 28 May, 5 June, 11 June, 13 June 2024
Cultural practices are preventative care practices!
You can find the full written report by clicking the orange button below.
Report Publication Date: Friday, 31 July 2024
Lead Evaluator: Elexis Trinity, Director of Research & Projects
“Patients want to be healthy AND well within the larger social context.”
Final Report - Slide Deck
Click on the above image to access to the Final Report Slide Deck.
About the Project
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking community guidance to co-create a report to develop priorities in policies and structural changes to improve the health of American Indian community members in Minnesota healthcare programs and find ways Minnesota Medicaid can support tribal nations and American Indian urban communities in their health and wellness efforts. The report will guide the Department of Human Services, legislators, elected officials, healthcare leaders, and clinicians in better serving the American Indian community through their policies and practices.