Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger is hitting the road for the sixth summer in a row to hold “Pitch the Commissioner” events around the state. He invites community members to share their best ideas about how to improve health in their community while playing a friendly game of horseshoes.
Fillmore County Public Health will host a pitch event at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, July 31 at the Preston Park/Pool, located at 117 Park Street, Preston, Minn. Commissioner Ehlinger will be present to collect ideas and launch the Preston Bike Share Program.
“Health is created in communities, and community members typically have the best sense for what their areas need to improve and sustain health,” Commissioner Ehlinger said. “Pitch the Commissioner events are fun opportunities to get out into communities and meet people, and they provide us with insights that we can turn into policy priorities. I look forward to hearing some great ideas on how we can work together to make their communities stronger and healthier.”
This is the sixth summer of horseshoe pitching, and previous events have covered all corners of the state from Winona to Worthington to International Falls. While pitching, participants have the opportunity to share their ideas with Commissioner Ehlinger about how local and state government can help to improve the health of their community. Past events have included conversations ranging from the importance of adequate mental health services to health care workforce development to safe sidewalks. Minnesota Department of Health staff work with local public health officials to develop unique events that highlight community-level initiatives and resources.
For more information about the Preston event, contact Brenda from Fillmore County Public Health at (507) 765-2636 or email bpohlman@co.fillmore.mn.us