Item Description:
title
Healthy Aging Across the Lifespan in Hennepin County, with a Focus on Black/African American and American Indian Boys and Young Men - offered by Commissioner Conley
body
WHEREAS, Hennepin County was selected for the inaugural National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Health Leadership Academy (PHLA) cohort that engages county leaders on their role in public health, equips them with the skills needed to become public health champions in their communities, and empowers county officials to improve community health; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County’s NACo PHLA County Action Plan, written by Commissioner Angela Conley and Assistant County Administrator for Health Sara Hollie, identified healthy aging across the lifespan as a public health priority, with the goal of decreasing years of potential life lost for residents impacted by health inequities; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County residents of all ages deserve to live longer, healthier lives. The PHLA Action Plan aligns with the county’s vision of a community where all people are healthy, valued, and thrive; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County is committed to decreasing the years of potential life lost for residents impacted by health disparities. Disparities exist across communities by age, race, ethnicity, income, geography, gender, and sexual orientation and they impact everyone differently; and
WHEREAS, available data and information for children, youth and adults in Hennepin County deepened the understanding of the years of potential life lost for the population. Specifically, youth 10-19 years old were identified as the priority population, particularly Black/African American and American Indian young men and boys in Hennepin County; and
WHEREAS, in Hennepin County, data shows that Black/African American and American Indian males experience higher overall years of potential life lost compared to their peers. Over the past 10 years, more than one-quarter of American Indian males and more than one-third of Black/African American males who died between ages 10-19 died due to homicide, compared to four percent of White males of the same age; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County programs and services aim to eliminate disparities and support youth across the lifespan. This includes services supporting youth mental health, safe and supportive housing, connection points for youth in need of immediate support, supporting youth involved in the justice system, increasing access to public health programs and health care services, and the county’s ongoing commitment to sustain its health mentor program in schools and community settings.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners establishes healthy aging across the lifespan as a public health priority, with an initial focus on youth ages 10-19, particularly young men and boys from Black/African American and American Indian communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board directs the Public Health Department to review available data and information for children, youth, and adults in Hennepin County, with a specific focus on years of potential life lost for youth ages 10-19; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Public Health Department conduct an environmental scan and inventory of existing Hennepin County resources, activities, and partnerships focused on youth ages 10-19 by June 1, 2027; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Public Health Department prioritize youth voice and engagement, including exploring the establishment of a youth health community advisory board by December 31, 2027; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Public Health Department develop recommendations for a policy direction and an adolescent health action plan informed by youth in Hennepin County, with a focus on youth ages 10-19, young men, and boys by December 31, 2027.