Frequently Asked Questions about the Minnesota Institute of Public Health

What is the Minnesota Institute of Public Health (MIPH)?

MIPH is a private, nonprofit organization, founded in 1972.

What does MIPH do?

MIPH helps communities apply public health research and programming services in order to improve the health of the public. We do this through projects commissioned by federal, state and local agencies as well as foundations and other groups.

Who are the people behind the MIPH?

MIPH staff consists of public health specialists, communications experts, educators (including teachers, administrators and staff) and program evaluators as well as a network of consultants and a staff of technology, information and graphics design specialists, who all work to translate research findings into usable applications for our clients seeking effective prevention programs and services.

What qualifications/credentials do the staff and consultants carry?

We are an eclectic group, many of whom have earned advanced degrees and licenses including a physician and research scientists as well as a licensed school administrator and a licensed clinical social worker.

What are some of the projects MIPH administers?

CSAP's Central CAPT

The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's (CSAP) Central Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies operates out of MIPH. This project is funded by CSAP, a center within the Federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Although there is clear and convincing evidence showing that prevention works, few communities are in a position to apply research findings in their communities. Central CAPT staff work with states and local communities, policymakers and local leaders, agencies and task forces to put into practice the science-based prevention activities, programs, technologies and services that work. For more information, visit http://captus.samhsa.gov/central/central.cfm.

Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (MPRC)

MPRC, funded through a grant from the Chemical Health Division of the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, serves as the statewide information clearinghouse and services center supporting the efforts of people who work to prevent the problems caused by tobacco and drug use, underage alcohol use and the misuse of alcohol by adults as well as the related violence stemming from these situations. MPRC provides free and low cost print and video materials and is also known for its customer service, technical assistance and reference library services, newsletters and annual conferences - Program Sharing and Making Prevention Work - as well as for its facilitator training in its Walking the Talk program for parents who want help teaching their children about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. For more information, visit www.emprc.org.

Change Direction

Change Direction is an alcohol and other drug education program offered at many locations throughout Minnesota with funding from the Chemical Health Division of the State of Minnesota Human Services Department. The curriculum has been adapted to several cultural groups as well. It offers an effective diversion system for first time violators of alcohol, other drug and tobacco statutes. Judges, prosecutors, probation officers, social service agencies and others refer first time offenders to this proven and effective alternative to fines, probation or jail time. Change Direction, a recipient of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Pacesetter Award for outstanding drug education programming, assists and educates participants to make better choices regarding their use/nonuse of substances. For more information, visit www.miph.org/changedirection/.

Health Promotion Resources (HPR)

HPR is the special outreach division of MIPH. It covers a wide range of consulting services including but not limited to training, technical assistance, community readiness survey research, program evaluation and capacity building. HPR is well known for its ability to develop social marketing materials and services that promote healthy behaviors. Many HPR products are currently in use by prevention professionals throughout the United States. HPR activities are self-sustaining and enable the Minnesota Institute of Public Health to continue to be a private company with a public interest. For more information, visit www.miph.org/hpr/.

Interfaith Center for Health Issues

Research shows that the faith community can play an important role in health promotion. With that in mind, MIPH launched this center to provide useful resources to faith community leaders, their congregations and affiliated organizations so they can develop their roles as health advocates. For more information, visit http://www.miph.org/interfaithcenter/

Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline

The Helpline is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and is a statewide, toll-free, confidential, 24-hour Helpline to respond to Minnesota residents' requests for information and/or referral to services for problem gamblers and other concerned individuals. The Helpline number is 1-800-333-HOPE (4673). For more information and links to Gamblers Anonymous meeting sites and times as well as a list of state approved gambling treatment providers, visit www.miph.org/gambling.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Information Services

This project provides literature search, reference, acquisition, cataloging and other library services to the Center for Tobacco Reduction and Health Promotion of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

Are you a state agency?

No, we are a private nonprofit organization.

How do I get assistance from your organization?

To determine if you/your project is eligible for assistance from one or more of our projects/project staff, call our office: 763-427-5310 or 1-800-782-1878.

Range of Topics addressed

We have developed, tested, implemented and evaluated a wide range of public health and safety topics that encompass substance abuse, violence prevention, mental health, traffic safety, sexual health, environmental health (such as childhood lead poisoning prevention, waste management and pesticide control), alcohol and drug policy issues, problem gambling, parent and family education, nutrition education and access to health care. We have cut our teeth on the cutting edge issues of our time.