(Eagan, Minnesota) December 13, 2016 – Beginning in January 2017, newly appointed members of the Willmar Community Table will begin to meet and explore new and innovative approaches to improving health at the community level. The Community Table is part of a multi-year, multi-pronged community health initiative, funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, which focuses on reducing barriers to good health and building connections within the community.
“We’ve heard that people in Willmar are facing significant barriers to good health, but this is also a place where community members are eager to take action and make positive changes,” said Janelle Waldock, vice president of community health and health equity at Blue Cross. “We are excited to create a space for passionate individuals to collaborate and explore new approaches. We believe the Community Table can serve as a catalyst for the types of changes that will make Willmar a healthier place for everyone who lives, learns, works and plays here.”
From the outset, one priority of the Community Table was to ensure it was comprised of a diverse group of people who may not have had the opportunity to serve in formal, community leadership roles previously. Members were selected through an application process which took place earlier this year, and will have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and build relationships, while working together to improve health in Willmar. Community Table members include:
Liban Aden, who has lived in Willmar since 2014 after moving from Colorado. Liban is eager to participate in the community table, and sees it as an opportunity to listen and learn from fellow community members, and to encourage understanding of the many cultures within Willmar.
Jerson Chelene, who moved to Willmar in March of 2016. Jerson is looking forward to being involved in the community table as a way to have important conversations across cultures, to learn about other community members and share his own experiences.
Doris Cogelow, who has lived in the area most of her life. Doris believes that for a community to be healthy, it is important that people feel they belong and are welcome. She is eager to be involved as a way to help all community members work, live and play together.
Annette Derouin, who has lived in Willmar since 1990. Annette is passionate about building cultural awareness and increasing access to healthy food, and is eager to be able to discuss these and other topics within the community table.
Fardowsa Ibrahim, who moved to Willmar in 2015 after living in New York, Kentucky and Minneapolis. Fardowsa sees Willmar as a small city with big opportunities, and is looking forward to learning more about fellow community members and sharing her experiences, in an effort to help make the community healthier.
Arfon Mohamud, who has lived in Willmar since 2014. Arfon believes that to improve the health of a community, it is essential that resources and solutions are tailored to the specific needs of different community members, and looks forward to tackling issues like these within the community table.
Fatuma Omar, who has lived in Willmar since 2014. Fatuma sees the community table as an opportunity to engage with different people in different ways, and to embrace innovative approaches to finding solutions for the community.
Manuel Pinto, who has lived in the Willmar area since 2000. Manuel is passionate about working together to make the community better for all people, and believes that in order for people to know fellow community members care, they need to see them taking action.
Analu Reigstad, who first lived in Willmar as a student teacher in 2012, and returned to the community this past July. Analu believes that a healthy community is one where everyone has the freedom to work, play and learn, and she is eager to help contribute toward a healthier Willmar.
Hilsida Tersteeg, who has lived in Willmar since 1997. Hilsida is eager to seize this opportunity to further contribute to the community, drawing on her experiences in Willmar and help create a healthier future.
Lul Yusuf, who moved to Willmar from Seattle in 2006. Lul believes that a healthy community can look different to people depending on their culture and history, but a common thread is taking care of each other.
“When we first announced this opportunity, I was inspired by how many community members wanted to be involved,” said Wendy Foley, senior health improvement project manager at Blue Cross. “Willmar is a very engaged community, and the Community Table is a great way to continue building connections and find ways to address the barriers faced by community members.”
The Willmar initiative is part of an ongoing effort by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota to improve health and advance health equity within communities throughout Minnesota. Blue Cross believes that all people, regardless of race, income, zip code or other factors, should have opportunities to live the healthiest lives possible, and strives to reflect this in its community-based initiatives and business practices.