Minnesota Institute of Public Health

MIPH has played a significant role in substance abuse prevention for over thirty (30) years. Substance abuse prevention addresses the addictive and illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

For most of our 36 years, MIPH has earned praise and great reputation for our skills in social marketing planning, campaign development, and training.  Social marketing combines communications arts with public health and safety science to figure out HOW to say what needs to be said.  It is carefully developed and tested messages designed to motivate people to positive behavior change PLUS nurturing strategic alliances in the community.  And, its about behavior change.

Violence is commonly defined as words or actions intended to hurt people.  In addition to physical violence such as assault, mugging, beating, rape, there are many violent experiences such as threats, sexual harassment including assault and rape, bullying, teasing, taunting, humiliating, and ostracizing a person.  Violence can affect us in many ways including reducing feelings of safety and security, happiness and well-being, productivity, and freedom, among other things.

Being physically active and eating a balanced diet contribute to overall health and have been found instrumental in keeping oneself healthy.  These steps help keep your heart healthy, prevent obesity and generally improve one’s quality of life.  MIPH collaborates with other organizations in addressing the important issues of physical activity and nutrition.

Many people are living with chronic (sometimes referred to as long-term) conditions that can impact the quality of life, performance at work or school, and relationships with family and friends. Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis are serious health conditions that require careful medical management and personal lifestyle choices so a person living with one of these conditions can lead a productive and fulfilling life.

Gambling has rapidly become an acceptable and regular part of recreation in our society. Recreational gambling requires an understanding of the characteristics of low-risk gambling, as well as the signs of a gambling problem. Problem gambling is a life-threatening disorder.

Mental health is an important and complex issue, worth the effort to achieve and maintain. It relates to how a person thinks, feels, and acts when faced with life’s situations. Its how people view themselves, their own lives, and the lives of others – how they examine and address their challenges and problems. It’s a condition achieved in part when choices are explored, stress is managed, and making good decisions becomes a pattern in taking good care of oneself.