Overview
Goal: All people living in Minnesota will have optimum physical and mental health.
The saying "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything" holds true for our state and its regions as well. Quality of life in Minnesota is intrinsically tied to the health of its inhabitants. Individually, robust health makes people feel good physically and mentally,bolsters an optimistic outlook and extends life expectancy. Collectively, we all benefit when our citizens are strong and healthy.
What's happening
- The percentage of adult Minnesotans with diabetes more than doubled between 1995 and 2010. However, when compared to other states, Minnesota has a relatively low percentage of adults with diabetes (about seven percent).
- The increase in the obesity rate has become a national public health issue. About 1 in 4 adults in our state was obese in 2010, compared to 1 in 6 in 1995. Minnesotans are about as likely to be obese as adults across the nation.
- Minnesota ranked fifth best among all states in the percentage of residents under 65 who had health care coverage in 2011. Despite this, nearly 470,000 residents – including over 80,000 children – did not have health insurance.
- From 2009 to 2011, Minnesota’s rank in the percentage of children who had health care coverage dropped from 14th to 28th among all other states.
Making connections
A strong economy depends on the good health of its citizens. Businesses retain a vital and productive workforce, which attracts new economic growth to the region. Health care costs, and their burden to society, are reduced.
event spotlight
Minnesota Compass Annual Meeting
Meeting participants used principles of innovation introduced by keynote speaker Alex Cirillo to find new ways to address racial gaps in Minnesota.
Reducing Obesity: weighing the evidence
Obesity in Minnesota is becoming a major health concern. Learn about effective strategies your community can employ to reduce obesity.
