Library

Reader recommended reports

Looking for new and notable information to help you dig deeper into an issue? Start with these reports recommended by our readers (send us your recommendation). To browse through our full selection of resources on Health, use the topic links on the right.

Bridges to a better bottom line
Citizens League, March 2009, 70 pp.
In response to the economic downturn, five foundations came together to find practical ways to improve public services and that cost less.

Immunization and health disparities
Minnesota Department of Health, February 2009, 62 pp.
This report analyzes the state of immunization and immunization disparities in Minnesota and provides a set of recommendations for achieving high overall immunization rates and eliminating disparities.

MInnesota's Children 2009
Child Welfare League of America, January 2009, 7 pp.
Compiles state data on the status of children on indicators of child protection, health, child care, education, violence, and income support.

Minnesota cancer facts and figures 2009
American Cancer Society, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Cancer Alliance, January 2009, 66 pp.
Summary of cancer statistics for Minnesota. The report includes information on trends, causes, rates, geographic distribution, screening, disparities and more on several types of cancer. A special section of the report is dedicated to information about colorectal cancer screening.

A Latino health report: Identifying barriers and solutions to reduce health care disparities
Chicano Latino Affairs Council, January 2009, 32 pp.
Presents the findings of eight health focus groups with Latino community members in Minnesota. The focus groups explored the causes behind barriers preventing urban and rural Latinos from gaining access to the health care system and to gather current information based on personal accounts to inform policy recommendations.

Methamphetamine in Minnesota: A Report on the impact of one illicit drug
Office of the State Drug Policy and Meth Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Health, July 2008, 51 pp.
This report compiles data from various state agencies and entities on trends and costs associated with use of the drug methamphetamine.

2007 Health care disparities report for Minnesota Health Care Programs
Minnesota Community Measurement, June 2008, 66 pp.
Presents Minnesota statewide and medical group rates of performance for patients insured through the Minnesota Health Care Program and reports on differences in medical group rates of care provided to MHCP patients as compared to patients insured through other purchasers.

Toward an injury-free and violence-free Minnesota: A Working plan for 2010
Minnesota Department of Health, May 2008, 112 pp.
Injuries and violence are leading causes of death and significantly impact health care spending. This report considers strategies to reduce and prevent injuries and violence in MInnesota.

Older Americans 2008: key indicators of well-being
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics, March 2008, 179 pp.
Provides an overview of the health and well-being of Americans age 65 or older. It includes data on the population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care.

The fall and rise of U.S. inequities in premature mortality: 1960-2002
Harvard School of Public Health, February 2008, 15 pp.
This report refutes the idea that health inequities inevitably widen or shrink as the overall health of a population improves. Instead disparities can rise or fall, dependent upon many factors. Findings from this report can be used to inform health policies and programs in America.

Promoting better heatlh for Minnesotans with disabilities: ending exclusion
Minnesota Department of Health, August 2007, 81 pp.
This plan was developed to promote the health of individual with disabilities and to prevent secondary conditions related to their disabilities. It is intended to become a tool for future policies and interventions in Minnesota.

Racial and ethnic disparities in children's mental health: Trends and issues
Wilder Research, October 2006, 16 pp.
Children from minority families are one-third to one-half as likely to receive mental health care as white youth. This briefing outlines some contributing factors and steps that can be taken to help reduce disparities.

Related web sites

State estimates of substance use and mental health
Data on drug, alcohol, and cigarette use, and mental health for people age 12-17, 18-25, and 26 and older for Minnesota, other states, and the United States.

Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health
Presents state and national data on children's health. Indicators include: overall health status, asthma, socio-emotional difficulties, preventive health and dental care, early childhood experience, repetition of grade, reading, and attending religious services.