Request for Proposals: Regional Health Equity Network Grant
Deadline: Friday, October 28
The Minnesota Department of Health requests proposals to strengthen regional and community partnerships that advance health equity. This is component of the Regional Health Equity Network project, and will fund activities and projects that shift conditions that hold inequities in place and open pathways to advancing health equity. All funded projects must intentionally build relationships that are foundational for successful public health partnerships. Eligible applicants include nonprofit community-based organizations, tribal governments, public health departments, and community health boards advancing health equity in their communities or within their region in Minnesota. Funding will be allocated through a competitive process. There is no match requirement for this grant. Proposals are due October 28, 2022.
For more information, visit: Request for proposals: Regional Health Equity Network grant
Sustainable Agriculture Grant Funding Available
Apply by: Thursday, December 8
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) anticipates awarding up to $250,000 to demonstrate and publicize the energy efficiency, environmental benefit, or profitability of sustainable agricultural techniques or systems, from production through marketing. The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant program will accept applications through 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8.
Proposals are required to be submitted through the online application system.
For more information, visit the AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant webpage.
Request for Proposals: 2022 Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative
Deadline: Monday, December 19
The Minnesota Department of Health Center for Health Equity released a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI), a grant program established to provide direct investments in organizations focused on improving the health and wellbeing of American Indians and people of color.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in at least one information session or access a recorded video of the webinar. Questions and answers from the information sessions will be posted online after each session. Please note that staff will not be able to help with the actual writing of applications or critiques of drafts, but can answer general questions about the process and requirements. The webinar will take place on Friday, October 14, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and will be recorded and posted online.
Bivalent Boosters
Bivalent vaccines are updated booster vaccines that protect against the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variants currently circulating. Updated COVID-19 boosters can both help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination and provide broader protection against newer variants. People age 12 and older are now recommended to get an updated bivalent booster dose at least 2 months after their final primary series dose or last booster shot. There are several options for where to get a bivalent booster. Check with your regular health care provider or local pharmacy to see if appointments are available.
Minnesotans can make appointments at state-run vaccination sites:
• NEW: St. Paul Midway Community Vaccination Site
• Mall of America Community Vaccination Site
• Duluth (DECC) Community Vaccination Site
• Moorhead Community Vaccination Site
• Rochester Community Vaccination Site
Use the Find Vaccine Locations map to find vaccine providers near you. Providers will update their information as appointments are available. Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer). Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at other community locations around Minnesota.
Share Your Story: Why I Got the COVID-19 Vaccine
There are a lot of reasons to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) wants to hear from Minnesotans about their reasons. MDH is asking people to share why they got themselves or their children vaccinated for COVID-19 to help encourage others to do the same. Maybe you recently got your updated bivalent booster to be better protected before seeing vulnerable family members for holidays in a couple of months. Maybe you wanted to make sure your children were protected for a new school year. Whatever your reason for getting vaccinated, MDH wants to hear from you. Visit Share Your Story: Why I Got the COVID-19 Vaccine for more information and instructions for submitting a story.
Finally, I hope you are all getting a chance to enjoy the beautiful October weather. I highly recommend exploring Minnesota Grown’s pumpkin patch directory and guide to Minnesota apples to get the most out of the autumn season!