A Catalyst for Collaborative Action in Carver County
Amid a backdrop of emerging cities, bustling farms, abundant natural resources and rural charm, Carver County is a diverse, rich tapestry with an excellent quality of life for most people. It is a fast-growing region with large numbers of families, youth, new immigrants and an aging senior population. Carver County is challenged, like many others in Minnesota, with combating common public health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, adult and youth obesity, and tobacco, alcohol and drug use.
In 2000, the Carver County Health Partnership (CCHP) was created as a community-based organization to serve as a catalyst for collaborative action to improve the health of Carver County communities. CCHP is now a robust and dynamic countywide collaborative of medical centers, clinics, public health staff, professional groups of health care practitioners, community service organizations, schools and faith communities. Based on good health data and the strong commitment of partners, CCHP has brought together existing resources to address critical county issues, including:
- Preparing for our region's future senior boom
- Reducing underage alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Helping to create healthy communities and workplaces
CCHP has delivered on its commitment to help improve the health of Carver County in several ways. CCHP and its adult/youth action teams have been a driving force behind creating senior commissions throughout Carver County, engaging youth to reinforce healthy behavior, helping employers with workplace wellness and bringing more than 700 families together over dinner via Eat. Talk. Connect! Our current focus is on engaging youth, empowering leadership and encouraging positive behavior.
We've Only Just Scratched the Surface
CCHP is having an impact, but our work has only just begun. CCHP is focusing its efforts on engaging youth and adult teams to take action in their communities as a way to increase social connectedness and broad-based participation. We're particularly reaching out to involve youth of diverse backgrounds and life circumstances.
On October 10, 2009, CCHP hosted the first-ever LIVE IT! Youth Summit, bringing together Carver County youth to empower active grassroots leadership in shaping their communities. The summit inspired a variety of youth-led activities such as service projects, mentoring programs, and the creation of youth commissions to engage and build leadership skills.
