Gov. Walz. and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 17, 2020

August 17, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, the Minnesota Department of Health announced new health equity grants for preschoolers. Working toward greater health equity is a key priority for the State of Minnesota, and a novel partnership with members of American Indian communities and communities of color seeks to accelerate that work with a new grant program focused squarely on improving outcomes for children in these communities.

The Community Solutions for Healthy Child Development grant program is a new approach where members of American Indian communities and members of communities of color play a lead role in selecting grantees based on the needs of children identified in their communities. The grant program will award approximately $1.5 million each year ($750,000 from the Preschool Development Grant) from state fiscal year 2020 through fiscal year 2023. The Minnesota Legislature made the funding available during the 2019 legislative session.

The grantees will be providing various services to the community to improve early childhood development for communities of color and American Indians. Some of the proposed projects include doula support for expecting and postpartum women and families, preschool services, culturally specific home visiting and parental support, parenting classes, connecting community to traditional practices and healing. All the initiatives are in partnership with community and made possible through secular and faith-based community organizations, volunteers and dedicated staff. 

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread. 
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations. 
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

Resources