Community-Clinical Linkages
Strengthening connections among health care, public health and community partners
More and more health care systems across Minnesota are coordinating with local public health to help residents lead healthier lives through community-based prevention services.
When connections among health care systems, public health – through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership – and community partners are strengthened, patients have better access to services and resources in their community to prevent or manage diseases and improve their quality of life. Plus, health care and public health are stronger when they work together.
Creating healthy communities
Chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke take a personal toll on our families and have a significant economic cost as well. Health care partners are key to providing referrals that connect patients with evidence-based programs that are proven to work in preventing or managing chronic diseases.
Research indicates that patients are more likely to check out a resource referred by their health care provider.
Among the examples of community-based prevention efforts:
• National Diabetes Prevention Program
• Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
• Baby Café or similar breastfeeding support initiatives
• Dementia Friendly Communities
• Pediatric and adult obesity