Item Description:
title
Approval of the Birth Justice Community Advisory Board governing bylaws and committee summary
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approve the Birth Justice Community Advisory Board governing bylaws document, attached and dated September 8, 2025; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approve the Birth Justice Community Advisory Board Committee Summary, attached and dated September 8, 2025.
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Background:
The Birth Justice Community Advisory Board was created by Hennepin County Board Resolution 24-0527, adopted December 12, 2024 to:
1. Provide advice and recommendations to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners on maternal health equity matters affecting the county, including, but not limited to:
• Identify and uplift priority strategies for advancing maternal health
• Implement and test collaborative strategies for improved outcomes, experiences, and systems change
• Collectively review and share data and stories across sectors and culture to advance, expand and replicate the work
• Advocate for and advance culturally centered models of care as it pertains to birthing and postpartum care; and
• Report out progress and outcomes for pilot programs and initiatives within the Black and American Indian communities
2. Work closely with county departments and agencies to provide input and recommendations on maternal health equity policies and initiatives.
That the committee shall be comprised of:
1. Thirteen (13) to nineteen (19) members. The Board shall seek diverse membership through representation of Black and American Indian communities most impacted by maternal health disparities in Minnesota, geographic distribution from across the county, and various stakeholder groups, including professional birthing providers and community-based birth and cultural providers. Members should have:
• Connection with local Black and/or American Indian communities
• Experience/expertise in maternal health and birth justice
• A commitment to racial and health equity
• The ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse perspectives and experiences; and
• The ability to represent the geographic and demographic diversity of Hennepin County
2. The Birth Justice Collaborative (BJC) shall have the ability to recommend individuals to participate on the advisory board. Seats on the advisory board may include at least two (2) and up to six (6) BJC members.
3. The remaining seats shall be filled using the county’s open appointment process; preference will be given to Hennepin County residents.
4. The members will be appointed to the advisory board for two-year terms that run from March 1st through the end of February and are eligible for reappointment.
5. The advisory board will bring recommendations to the Hennepin County Public Health (HCPH) department, and HCPH will bring forward recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and/or other county departments.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval