Olmsted County Commissioners Presented With National Award

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)  - Olmsted County has been awarded a national honor for its joint study on race and racism as a public health issue.

The 2023 National Association of Counties achievement award was announced during today's meeting of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. The two-year study was recognized in the "health" category as an innovative, effective County government program.

A news release says Olmsted County was one of only two counties in Minnesota to approve resolutions directing work on the issue of racism as a public health issue. The Olmsted County Public Health Services Advisory Board and Human Rights Commission volunteered to investigate and study racial disparities resulting from systemic racism is a public health issue.

The final report, which was presented to the County Commissioners last October, includes 42 action-oriented recommendations. The County Board then directed County staff to evaluate the recommendations and bring specific actions forward for approval.