June's meeting is rescheduled to June 12 in honor of Juneteenth.
"Racism exists in all of the institutions and structures in our community..." Rural Public Health Professionals' Identification of Structural and Systemic Health Inequities
Health disparities remain a persistent challenge across rural Minnesota (MN), largely driven by structural inequities that limit access to healthcare, workforce resources, and essential wellness infrastructures. In collaboration with the Minnesota Public Health Association’s (MPHA) ongoing rural health equity project conducted through a mixed-methods approach, the focus of this research specifically analyzes the qualitative responses of the online surveys distributed to rural MN public health professionals. Results identified participants’ experiences in rural Minnesota of systemic barriers hindering health equity efforts. The themes that emerge include structural racism and bias, accessibility of resources and services, and centering the rural community. Preliminary findings reveal how workforce shortages, funding constraints, geographic isolation, and multiple forms of discrimination, including structural racism, internalized bias, and financial-based barriers, shape health outcomes and services in rural communities. Many respondents reflected on the experiences of working with marginalized populations and the importance of self-reflection, cultural humility, and equity-focused training within the rural public health workforce. These insights align with national and global research on social determinants of health and point to the urgent need for community-informed solutions that are both collaborative and sustainable. By amplifying frontline voices, this research contributes to the broader movement for equitable policy change, just resource distribution, and the transformation of rural public health systems in MN and beyond.
Speaker Bios:
Connie Pajntsha Vang recently concluded her position as a Visiting Instructor and Practicum Coordinator at St. Catherine University in the Master’s of Public Health Program. A long-time Katie, Connie received her undergraduate degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, and her Master's of Public Health in Global Health from St. Kate’s. She is a qualitative researcher and has a great interest in collaborating with immigrant and refugee populations, with a focus on women’s and children’s health and accessibility. She is deeply passionate about global health and aspires to engage in international projects, specifically in Southeast Asia. This upcoming academic year, she is applying to medical school and will be traveling to Thailand to partner with the School of Global Health at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand on various new and ongoing research projects.
Tatianna Lopez recently earned her Master of Public Health from St. Catherine University, where she also completed her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Certificate in Community Health Work through the College for Adults program. Her passion for global health was solidified during an international study experience in Havana, Cuba, where she conducted independent research comparing maternal health systems in Cuba and the United States. Tatianna currently serves as a Project Specialist at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where she is dedicated to improving access to dental care for children and underserved communities. She remains committed to advancing health equity both locally and globally.
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MPHA Health Equity Committee meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Currently all meetings are virtual. Meetings are open to MPHA members and non-members who want to learn more and take action on advancing health equity in Minnesota.
For more information about the Health Equity Committee, please email healthequity@mpha.net and we will get back to you! The committee is co-chaired by Madison Anderson, Erica Fishman, and Sara Rogers.