Horizon Public Health announced the receipt of a substantial three-year Community Reinvestment Grant from PrimeWest Health. 

The grant, a testament to Horizon Public Health’s commitment to community well-being, will fuel innovative initiatives aimed at addressing social determinants of health and bolstering food security in the five counties it serves, it was stated in the news release.

Horizon Public Health is set to partner with prominent healthcare entities in each of the five counties, fostering a collaborative approach to health and wellness. Healthcare partners include Glacial Ridge Health System in Pope County, Stevens Community Medical Center in Stevens County, Alomere Health in Douglas County, Lake Region Healthcare in Grant County and Sanford Wheaton in Traverse County.

The core focus of this grant is the implementation of standardized screening for social determinants of health in annual and well-child doctor visits, creating clinical-community linkages for referrals between healthcare providers and community organizations, and implementing innovative strategies to address food insecurity so together we can comprehensively address the diverse health needs of our population.

This significant collaboration aligns with Horizon Public Health’s  mission “to promote, protect, and improve the health and well-being of all people in our communities.”  By partnering with major healthcare providers, “we are ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare that goes beyond traditional clinical settings,” it was stated.

“We are grateful for the support from PrimeWest Health, which allows us to take significant strides in addressing social determinants of health and improving food security in our communities. This collaboration with our healthcare partners is a testament to the power of collective action in building healthier, more resilient communities,” said Ann Stehn, Administrator at Horizon Public Health. Together with our healthcare partners, we look forward to making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the residents in our five counties.

PrimeWest Health, headquartered in Alexandria, is a Medical Assistance (Medicaid), MinnesotaCare, and Medicare Advantage Special Need Plans health plan with nearly 60,000 members and is owned and governed by 24 rural Minnesota counties, including Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens, and Traverse. PrimeWest Health provides grants through its Community Reinvestment Program to qualified organizations for projects designed to improve the health and social wellbeing of its members.