Community Health Improvement

CentraCare is dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. In order to address population health needs, CentraCare is committed to cultivating partnerships with a broad spectrum of local organizations to assess and plan around the changing needs of our communities. To do this work well, we focus on:

  • addressing gaps in health and care
  • increasing access and connection to care
  • developing strategic partnerships to better serve our patients
  • modifying care delivery to achieve equitable outcomes and reduce health disparities

Our Community Health Improvement team is a key driver in meeting CentraCare’s population health goals and is a large pillar of support to our entire health system and to the communities we serve across Greater Minnesota.

Community Health Improvement works to improve access to care and creates community connections to address social drivers of health and improve health outcomes and serve as the bridge from clinic to community to meet patients where they are at.

How to Partner with Us

The Community Health Improvement team at CentraCare works closely with local organizations to promote health education, improve access to care, and support disease prevention efforts.

We welcome opportunities to collaborate and align efforts that address the evolving health needs of our communities. By working together, we can reduce duplication and create meaningful impact through strategic partnerships.

Interested in partnering?

Connect with us at communityhealthimprovement@centracare.com.

Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) and CentraCare - Community Health Improvement have partnered to create amazing chronic health seminars, where individuals with Somali and Spanish backgrounds can learn about specific health conditions that have an impact on their communities ...
— Saharla Diriye, Community Health Worker, CAIRO
These courses differ from others since it is entirely taught in each community's respective native tongue by medical professionals who can respond immediately to any questions the students may have ...
— Saharla Diriye, Community Health Worker, CAIRO
There is a saying that the first stage in any process is awareness. That is exactly what these classes are providing to participants: awareness of their health and any condition that might affect them.
— Saharla Diriye, Community Health Worker, CAIRO

Our Areas of Focus

Disease Prevention

Improving health outcomes with access to preventive services and primary care.

Community Health Nursing Outreach

St. Cloud Community Outpost (COP), 603 13th St. S, St. Cloud, MN
CentraCare is committed to helping individuals find, understand and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Our nursing team is at the COP House once a week and can:

  • Discuss preventative health and wellness
  • Provide chronic disease education
  • Triage service and direct patients to an appropriate level of care
  • Facilitate scheduling of appointments and connection to care
  • Connect to Social Drivers of Health (SDoH) Resources

English, Somali, Spanish and other languages available as needed.

Project H.E.A.L
Project H.E.A.L. (Health, Education, Access, Link) is an outreach program of CentraCare Coordinated Care Services. Project H.E.A.L. offers free health screenings and basic care at various locations across Central Minnesota for those who have little or no insurance.

Mental Health & Well Being

Supporting the link between healthy minds and healthy bodies through continued awareness, education and tools for people of all ages to overcome trauma, build resiliency and strengthen social connectedness.

Health Promotion & Education

Empowering people to take control over their health by increasing awareness of health and wellness issues, providing health education, promoting healthy behaviors and advocating for wellness for all in the community.

  • Access to Care
  • Chronic Disease
  • Health Equity
  • Health Care Navigation
  • Tar Wars Training (Tobacco Risk Education)
80% of what drives health outcomes happens outside of hospital and clinic walls