Olmsted County earns national achievement award for joint study on race and racism as a public health issue
August 1, 2023
At the August 1, 2023, Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting, it was announced that Olmsted County’s joint study on race and racism as a public health issue was recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with a 2023 NACo achievement award in the “health” category. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
Olmsted County was one of only two Minnesota counties to pass a resolution directing work on this issue. This resolution, passed in 2020, directed two of Olmsted County’s volunteer advisory groups – the Public Health Services Advisory Board and the Olmsted County Human Rights Commission – to jointly study and investigate racial disparities that result from systemic racism as a public health issue.
“Research shows centuries of racism in America have had a negative impact on communities of color. It impacts all parts of a person's life, including their physical and mental health and economic well-being. It creates inequities in access to social and economic benefits like housing, education, wealth, and employment,” said Olmsted County Public Health Services Director Denise Daniels. “These conditions – often referred to as social determinants of health – are key drivers of health inequities within communities of color, placing those within these populations at greater risk for poor health outcomes.”
The joint study project spanned two years and included collaboration with staff, community partners, and residents.
“Nine community volunteers supported by two county employees worked tirelessly, during a pandemic, to review and identify opportunities within the scope of Olmsted County operations,” noted Olmsted County Deputy Administrator Travis Gransee. “This led to a final report, with 42 action-oriented recommendations accepted by the board of commissioners in October 2022. The board further directed staff to evaluate each recommendation, including an inventory of existing or planned work, and bring specific actions forward for approval and implementation.”
“The method used by the board of commissioners was a novel approach, asking two advisory groups to do an internal review and report back on findings and recommendations related to county government operations and partnerships,” explained Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Gregg Wright. “We are grateful to receive a 2023 NACo Achievement Award which celebrates the tremendous efforts of everyone involved in this initiative.”
To ensure continued progress, the county has a management analyst leading this work and liaising with responsible departments and board committees with governance oversight. The analyst will also work with residents to continue engagement through a new community council as part of our One Olmsted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. As this work continues, the joint study project will now be referred to as the Olmsted County Racial Equity Initiative.
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to recognize innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards demonstrate excellence in county government and the commitment to serve our residents every day,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This year’s winners represent some of the most innovative and collaborative efforts we have seen in over 50 years of presenting these awards.”
More details about Olmsted County’s Racial Equity Initiative (previously known as the joint study on race and racism as a public health issue) is available at www.olmstedcounty.gov.
Details about NACo’s Achievement Awards are available on the NACo website.
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Media contact: Rachel Wick, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6537