The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) uses grants to local communities to reduce the burdens of chronic diseases associated with tobacco use and obesity through policy, system and environmental (PSE) changes. Each community collaborates with schools, worksites, service providers and health care organizations.
Through the Improve Group’s SHIP evaluations in over 20 counties, we have seen the changes that have been implemented and the impact they make for people across Minnesota. We were very excited to hear MN Governor Mark Dayton touch on the health impact that SHIP grants have provided for counties in the State during his State of the State Address on April 30th, 2014. In his address, Gov. Dayton highlights the tale:
“Here in Minnesota, we greatly enhanced the well-being of many of our citizens by passing into law last year’s Marriage Equality legislation.
However, there is always more that we can do. Better school physical education programs will encourage children and youths to enjoy physical exercise and appreciate its benefits. The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) helps people of all ages to become healthy and to stay healthy.
Under SHIP, the Cities of Frazee and Fergus Falls have adopted “Complete Streets” policies, making it easier for residents to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
In Fairmont, SHIP has helped community leaders create Safe Routes to Schools. They have installed wider crosswalks, additional safety guards, pedestrian and bike safety education, and a “Walking Tuesday” program at four elementary schools.
Farm to school/ Healthier food programs have taken off under SHIP. In just four years, 29 percent of Minnesota’s schools have implemented Farm to School strategies, providing access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 272,000 students.
In Kelliher [in Beltrami County], for example, SHIP has brought healthier food to the public schools with more fresh fruits and vegetables and more local foods. Kelliher’s Superintendent reports that for the first time in 20 years, the school’s hot breakfast and lunch budgets are in the black. Last year, at this time, they were between $30,000 and $40,000 in the red.
Healthier habits, lower costs and supporting local economies. That’s what SHIP is about.”
It has been so great to see the successful work of our different clients and the state as a whole since SHIP originally began in 2009. We continue to see community health improvements across the state and are very excited to see and document the changes still to come. To read Gov. Dayton’s full address, you may visit here.