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QUARTERLY ARTICLE
Become the Healthiest State in the Nation? Challenge Accepted.
Written by: Ann Fritz, NDDEQ Environmental Justice / Nondiscrimination Program Manager and Multi-Partner Health Collaborative Steering Committee member
Where you live matters for all aspects of your health. Well-being is not just the quality of the medical care you receive or the food you consume, but also the air you breathe, the quality of the water you drink and the environment in which you live. That’s why I’m excited to have been selected to be on the Multi-Partner Health Collaborative (MPHC) Steering Committee.
On June 10, 2024, three key organizations - the American Heart Association, Foundation for Healthy North Dakota, and North Dakota Health and Human Services – came together to improve the lives of North Dakotans through an innovative grass-roots initiative. This collaboration resulted in the formation of the MPHC; a private-public initiative dedicated to advancing North Dakota toward a shared vision: becoming the healthiest state in the nation. The MPHC’s goal is to bring together non-traditional partners to address critical health challenges. By focusing on sustainable resources and equitable access, the MPHC seeks to uplift all North Dakotans and foster wellness across every community.
I am the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s first Environmental Justice and Nondiscrimination Program Manager. The DEQ’s mission is to conserve and protect the quality of North Dakota’s air, land and water resources following science and the law. My passion and my work are the intersection of healthy people and a healthy environment to eliminate environmental injustices and inequities. I’m excited that the vision of MPHC aligns with my personal vision and DEQ’s mission.
The DEQ is the environmental regulatory agency for North Dakota. The purpose of environmental regulations is to ensure breathable air, drinkable water, and livable land in our communities. I bring to the MPHC Steering Committee knowledge of state and federal environmental regulatory systems and naturally occurring hazards that can impact a person’s environment. Examples of naturally occurring hazards are elements such as radon or arsenic. Although “natural,” they can still have a negative impact on a person’s health. I’m excited to begin this important work and use the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) as a guide to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.
Being healthy isn’t just about the medical care we receive, but also the environments we live in and protect. That’s what the MPHC is about—bringing people together to address challenges and find solutions that help every North Dakotan thrive. Whether you’re a community leader, a neighbor or someone who just wants to make a difference, there are many ways you can get involved. I invite you to connect with the MPHC or share its mission with others. You can be part of the effort to build a healthier, stronger future for everyone in our state. Working together, we can make North Dakota the healthiest state in the Nation.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CHAMPIONS
Pam Gulleson, MPH
Written by: Hayden Kemp, Community Engagement Coordinator, MPHC Executive Leadership member
For Pam Gulleson, working to improve her community isn’t a new venture. As the Coordinator of the Multi-Partner Health Collaborative (MPHC), she’s helping bring people and organizations together to address North Dakota’s health priorities. “The MPHC is designed to be a public-private collaborative, partnering with communities, tribal nations, businesses and other sectors to equitably enhance health and wellness in North Dakota,” Pam explains.
Pam’s commitment to this effort comes naturally. Growing up on a farm and working as a public health nutritionist and policymaker, she’s always had a deep connection to North Dakota’s rural communities. In her role as the MPHC Coordinator, she’s focused on addressing the big-picture conditions that affect our lives—such as access to health care, healthy food and safe housing.
“It’s truly a first-of-its-kind effort to drive solutions by impacting the conditions where we live,” she explains. “This community-driven approach is all about bringing local groups, health care providers and families together to make lasting change.”
In a previous role at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation, Pam led a significant project aimed at understanding the various factors that impact health in North Dakota. As a result of her work, a study was produced “Health and Well-Being in North Dakota—A Social Determinants of Health Perspective” that provided insights into the barriers people face.
“The findings give us a clear picture of what’s working and where we need to do better,” Pam shares. “They’re a key starting point as we bring everyone together to build community-driven solutions.”
Changing habits and addressing long-standing barriers isn’t easy. Pam knows that helping people live healthier lives means building trust first. “Health behaviors are deeply rooted, and convincing people to adopt healthier lifestyles can be difficult,” she acknowledges. For this reason, the MPHC’s approach involves local leaders who hold the trust of their communities. Pam believes that sharing success stories and demonstrating the benefits of change will be key to building healthier futures in North Dakota.
Pam’s leadership in the MPHC is setting a new standard for community-driven health improvements in North Dakota. Her dedication to bridging resources and addressing the things that impact our well-being beyond just health care, creating pathways for healthier, more resilient communities. Congratulations to Pam Gulleson for her remarkable contributions and ongoing commitment to making a difference across the state!
Carlos Miranda, MD
Written by: Hayden Kemp, Community Engagement Coordinator, MPHC Executive Leadership member
Dr. Carlos Miranda believes health care isn’t just about treating patients; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives and building stronger communities. As a pediatric cardiologist at Sanford Health in Fargo, he’s dedicated to treating children with heart conditions and operates a specialized clinic focused on the early prevention of heart disease, extending his impact and influence beyond the hospital walls. Dr. Miranda also works with adult cardiology teams and leads a collaborative group focused on ensuring everyone in North Dakota has access to quality health care.
“These roles allow me to address cardiovascular health comprehensively—both at the patient level and on a broader, systemic scale,” he shares.
When he’s not busy in the clinic, Dr. Miranda is frequently found volunteering at and serving on the board of Gigi’s Playhouse, a non-profit organization that operates the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers worldwide. He’s proud of how programs, like Gigi’s on the Go, are helping families across the state, beyond the Fargo center’s walls.
“What keeps me going is seeing the difference we can make when everyone—doctors, families and whole communities—work together,” he explains.
One project Dr. Miranda is especially proud of is expanding cholesterol screenings for children in the region. By working closely with pediatricians, he has helped raise awareness and improve the rates of early detection of heart disease among North Dakota’s youth.
“Screening cholesterol in children is one of the most impactful and preventative measures we can take,” he says.
Thanks to his efforts, more children are getting the care they need early, setting them up for healthier futures. There have been challenges along the way, such as aligning different health care systems. Dr. Miranda addressed this by providing pediatricians with the right tools and support to feel confident in changing their approach. Now, he’s focused on bringing more people together—from pediatricians to dietitians—to address larger challenges such as childhood weight-related health.
“Having a shared plan is key to improving children’s long-term health,” he adds.
Dr. Miranda’s dedication to his work is evident in every aspect of his career, from his clinical practice to his community involvement. His commitment to early prevention and community health exemplifies the difference one person can make when they bring together health care providers, families and organizations for a common cause. Congratulations to Dr. Carlos Miranda on his remarkable achievements and the lasting impact he’s creating in North Dakota!
Justin Bohrer, MPH
Written by: Khadija Mustafa, ND HHS Graduate Intern
Justin Bohrer is a dedicated advocate for community engagement. During his 11 years at Fargo-Cass Public Health (FCPH), Justin led many initiatives to address the needs of the community and ensure these efforts reach the populations facing the greatest challenges.
Justin’s passion for service shines through in his commitment to harm reduction and community support. At FCPH, he orchestrated impactful outreach initiatives, creating a series of videos that highlighted the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and those dealing with substance use disorder. His efforts not only provided essential resources but also enhanced the community's understanding of these issues.
Additionally, Justin's leadership exemplifies his dedication to public health and community well-being. He actively collaborates with local leaders to enhance public health awareness and demonstrates how integral these services are to fostering a healthy community.
Justin is truly deserving of the Health Equity Champion designation. His unwavering commitment to health equity inspires us all to engage and lead with compassion. Congratulations, Justin, on this well-earned recognition!