Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP)

Our Work

How SHIP Creates Health in Our Communities

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. 

SHIP is Statewide 

SHIP is a comprehensive health strategy coordinated across all of Minnesota's 87 counties and 10 tribal nations. SHIP is statewide, with the Minnesota legislature providing $17.5 million in funding per year to support critical primary prevention activities led by local public and tribal health partners. 

SHIP’s Seven Settings

• Active Living in Community 
• Food Access in Community 
• Commercial Tobacco Free in Community 
• Health Care 
• Child Care 
• Schools 
• Workplace 

Core Components of SHIP 

SHIP’s framework is rooted in public health best practices and a commitment to quality improvement. The core components of SHIP include: 

• Relationship Building 
• Capacity Building 
• Technical Assistance and Training 
• Evaluation 
• Assessment and Surveillance 
• Community Engagement and Voice 
• Health Equity 
• Communications 
• Trauma Responsiveness in health departments 

How SHIP Works 

Thanks to SHIP, Minnesota communities: 

• Increase access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, corner stores, food programs, and mobile markets.
• Offer healthier foods and more physical activity options in schools and childcare centers.
• Make biking and walking easier in Minnesota communities.
• Create smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing.
• Help small and mid-sized employers improve worker health and productivity.
• Connect health care sites with community programs to ensure patient referrals to evidence-based services.
• Support new moms so they can breastfeed more successfully after returning to work or school.

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. 

We All Are SHIP

SHIP funding supports public health projects involving:

• All 87 counties plus the cities of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Minneapolis, and St. Paul (with Ramsey County) 
• 10 Tribal Nations
• 2,172 unique collaborative partnerships (2024 and 2025)
• 850 engaged community leaders (2023-2024) 

Learn More

Interested in partnering with SHIP in your community? Connect with your local SHIP contact to get started.

What is SHIP? - Crow Wing Energized

Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) - MN Dept. of Health