Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) supports community-driven solutions to expand opportunities for active living, healthy eating and commercial tobacco-free living, helping all people in Minnesota prevent chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

SHIP communities are thriving communities

SHIP helps build thriving communities, creating opportunities for all people in Minnesota to live longer, healthier lives. Ninety percent of the nation’s health care costs are for people with chronic conditions, and the majority of those costs are preventable.

How SHIP works

Thanks to SHIP, Minnesota communities are:

• increasing access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, local corner stores, emergency food programs, mobile markets and other food retailers
• serving healthier foods and increasing access to physical activity opportunities at schools and child care facilities
• making biking and walking easier in Minnesota towns and cities
• taking steps to make multi-unit housing sites smoke free
• working with small- and mid-sized employers to improve workers’ health and productivity
• working with health care sites to strengthen connections to community to ensure that patients are referred to evidence-based programs in their area
• supporting new moms so its easier for them to breastfeed after they return to work or school
• and more.

SHIP = local leadership, local partners and local expertise

SHIP work is directed by local community leadership teams that bring expertise and connections to the table. The complex, comprehensive nature of this work requires strong relationships, partnerships and expertise at the local level.