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2023 MN SOPHE Annual Summit Guest Speakers

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Advancing Equity through Systems Change

Plenary 1 from 8:45-9:45a

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Dr. Halkeno Tura, MA, MPH, CHES, PhD 

Assistant Commissioner of Health, Minnesota Department of Health


Overview: 

Dr. Halkeno Tura oversees the Center for Health Equity, Office of American Indian Health, and serves as the department’s lead for proactive and strategic health equity partnerships and work to advance equity in its day-to-day services and programs. His research focuses on maternal and child health, community health, gender and health, domestic and intimate partner violence, fatherhood and child health. 


Abstract: 

Systems change is the process of shifting narratives, relationships, and power in order to foster equity. True systems change efforts do not merely change inequitable structures, but strive to transform the underlying power dynamics, narratives, and histories that built these structures and enable them to thrive. An equity lens is essential to systems change efforts to avoid change efforts that reinstitute the status quo or replace one systemic inequity with another.


Objectives: 

  • Build a shared understanding of systems for equity is. 

  • Learn about the pathway for adapting systems change approaches to include equity.


Impact on Public Policies on the Mental Health System

Plenary 2 from 10-11a


Sue Abderholden, MPH

Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota


Overview: 

Sue Abderholden is the Executive Director of NAMI MN and is responsible for providing direction and leadership toward the achievement of NAMI’s mission and leads public policy efforts. She has over 40 years of experience in public policy.


Abstract: 

Review why we have not built our mental health system and learn about the recent positive changes.


Objectives: 

  • Gain knowledge of the barriers to building the mental health system.

  • Learn about the recent positive developments for the mental health system.





Let’s Talk Commercial Tobacco, Vaping and Nicotine Dependency

Plenary 3 11:00a-12:00p

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Pat McKone

Senior Director – Public Policy and Advocacy, American Lung Association


Chelsey Bad Moccasin, CHES  

Specialist- Advocacy, American Lung Association


Overview: 

Pat McKone has worked tobacco control for over 45 years, including tobacco cessation programs for youth and adults, limiting youth access to tobacco, public and school-based education, raising awareness of the impact of tobacco in those with mental/illness and/or substance abuse disorders, as well as advocacy around limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, smoke free housing, point of sale, and e cigarettes.


Chelsey Bad Moccasin has engaged in tobacco control work while a student at Minnesota State University – Mankato as part of the Mavericks for Clean Air committee that worked to update their commercial tobacco policy to include e-cigarettes and better address compliance for the campus policy. Since starting her current position in August of 2022 with the American Lung Association, she has worked on the Lung Mind Alliance project addressing commercial tobacco use among those with mental health and substance use disorders within Minnesota.


Abstract: 

This session will include background information on the history of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, how they work, what is in the liquid, how it affects mental health, what has changed since they were first introduced and what is happening around regulation. Information on nicotine dependency treatment and the recent Minnesota law expanding reimbursement and eliminating barriers to FDA approved medications for those with Medicaid coverage will be shared, along with an update on work in Minnesota to restrict access to all flavored commercial tobacco products.


Objectives: 

  • Determine ways vaping devices have been modified to deliver higher doses of nicotine.

  • Understand how use of vaping devices affect mental health and wellbeing of individuals.

  • Understand the new Minnesota law around expanding reimbursement to commercial tobacco treatment and eliminating barriers to FDA approved medications for those with medical assistance.

  • Understand why restricting access to all flavored commercial tobacco products in Minnesota is important.


Wellbeing in the Workplace

Plenary 4 12:45-1:45p


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Samantha Lo, JD, MPH 

Community Health Services Administrator, Pine County Public Health


Jessica Fehlen 

Public Health Supervisor, Pine County Public Health


Overview: 

Samantha Lo has been a director and supervisor for 6 years and conducted assessments of staff pre/post various employee wellbeing interventions, along with literature reviews of current research in workplace wellbeing interventions.


Jessica Fehlen has been a supervisor for 4 years and conducted assessments of staff and literature reviews of workplace and wellbeing interventions.


Abstract: 

Are once-a-year pizza parties not cutting it when it comes to supporting your staff, or are you struggling with turnover and burnout? Or maybe you just need a wellbeing program with bigger impact. Then come learn more about what Pine County Public Health did that noticeably improved their staff’s mental health and wellbeing. Samantha and Jessica will share their perspective and experience, data from their staff pre/post implementation, and concrete tools leaders can take back to more intentionally build a culture that builds connection, support, purpose, and wellbeing. In addition to the presentation, there will be time and opportunity for questions.


Objective: 

  • Be able to identify four strategy areas to impact employee wellbeing.








A Call to Action! Let’s Support the Digital Wellbeing of Young People

3:00-4:00p 

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Maree Hampton, M.ED, CHES 

Co Executive Director, LiveMore ScreenLess


Overview: 

Maree Hampton is the Co Executive Director and Co Founder of LiveMore ScreenLess, a Minnesota based nonprofit established in 2019. As a health educator, program evaluator, healthy youth development and health equity advocate, Maree brings multiple perspectives to the work of promoting balanced and intentional use of technology for and with young people. The strategies LiveMore ScreenLess uses to promote Digital Wellbeing are based in best practices, youth voice data and research.



Abstract: 

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released an advisory on Social Media and youth Mental Health (2023) with an urgent call to address concerns about technology on mental health, pointing especially to the significant mental health risks associated with widespread child and adolescent use of social media and technology. Though we often hear we are more "connected" than ever because of technology, loneliness rates have risen, and young people are spending significantly less time socializing in person. Dr. Murthy states, "Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connections the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that is healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected." LiveMore ScreenLess is focused on primary prevention of the harms young people experience from technology. Come learn about Digital Wellbeing resources and training for Minnesota communities.  You will identify steps your community can take to apply these tools in your role as health educator and public health professional. LiveMore ScreenLess will share youth voice and educator data.  You will leave with a deeper understanding about why Digital Wellbeing is essential to the wellbeing of young people and how you can promote it.


Objectives: 

  • Learn about the effects of overuse and misuse of technology on the wellbeing of young people resulting in an increase in knowledge about the research on the harms of technology and our need to act to support young people.

  • Learn about best practices for engaging with young people on the issue of technology use, resulting in increased knowledge and skills which can be used to promote the Digital Wellbeing of young people.


Contact us at sopheminn@gmail.com



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