Programs

Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP)

Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) supports community-driven solutions to expand opportunities for active living, healthy eating, mental well-being and commercial tobacco-free living, helping all people in Minnesota to prevent chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Where SHIP works

Communities
Schools and child care
Workplaces
Health care

How SHIP works
SHIP Coordinators collaborate with organizations to support and implement policy, system, and environmental changes to improve the health and well-being of our community. SHIP funding is intended to make lasting change that will affect large segments of the populations, with a priority on equity and for those with greater need.

NEW: Support Youth Biking and Inclusive Sports

Click the buttons below to learn more or reserve equipment.

Checkout Multisport Wheelchairs

Multisport Wheel Chairs
Borrow multisport wheelchairs at no cost for schools, healthcare organizations, fitness facilities, nonprofit organizations, and community organizations.

Checkout Youth Bike Fleet

Youth Bike Fleet
Our Youth Bike Fleet is perfect for group rides, bike skills practice, and community biking events. Free checkout is available for schools, nonprofit organizations, and community organziations.

NEW: Anytime, Anywhere Breastfeeding Initiative

The Anytime, Anywhere Initiative works to increase awareness, acceptance, and support of breastfeeding families wherever they choose to feed their children.

Make Breastfeeding Welcome Here

Businesses, organizations, and public spaces can show their support by taking the Breastfeeding Welcome Here – Anytime, Anywhere Pledge.

By taking the pledge, your organization demonstrates its commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding families.

Participating organizations will receive a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” window cling, featuring the international breastfeeding symbol, to display prominently at their location. The cling lets families know that they are welcome and supported.

Educate Your Staff

Creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment also means making sure employees and staff understand the rights of breastfeeding families. We encourage participating organizations to share information about Minnesota breastfeeding laws with their teams and help ensure that breastfeeding families are treated with respect and support.

Download Anytime, Anywhere Resources

Use and share these resources to help make your organization breastfeeding-friendly:

Believers in Breastfeeding Coalition Letter
Breastfeeding Flyer
Breastfeeding Infographic
Breastfeeding Resource List
Breastfeeding Business Pledge

Take the pledge, display your support, and help create a community where families feel welcome to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

Breastfeeding Classes and Other Resources

SHIP Success Story

Wheaton Rolls Out Free Bike Share
With support from Horizon’s SHIP funding, the City of Wheaton has launched a fleet of 5 bicycles—completely FREE for public use!

Check out a bike through the app at no cost, then hit the town, enjoy the outdoors, and stay active.

📍 The bikes are located outside the Wheaton Community Library and are available for checkout Spring–Fall.

Community Resources

Farmers Markets
2026 Farmers Market Guide

Community Resource Map
View the Map

Physical Activity Resource Lists

Douglas County
Grant County
Pope County
Stevens County
Traverse County

Walking Maps

Grant County
Elbow Lake Walking Map

Pope County
Glenwood Walking Map
Glenwood Barsness Park Walking Map
Lowry Walking Map
Pope County Bike Map
Starbuck Walking Map
Villard Walking Map

Stevens County
Morris Biking Map
Morris Walking Map

Traverse County
Browns Valley Walking Map
Wheaton Walking Map (coming soon)

Horizon SHIP Project Examples

Increasing access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables through work at local farmers markets, small stores and food shelves.
Making it easier and safer to get around through Safe Routes to Schools grants, community bicycle fleets, access to physical activity equipment at local schools and walking and biking maps.
Providing local businesses and cities tobacco free signage.
Creating large campaigns to spread the message of kindness and well-being throughout the community and workplace.
Connecting with local healthcare systems to support new moms so it’s easier for them to breastfeed after they return to work.
and many more.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health to explore how SHIP makes a difference for everyone by creating health and well-being in your community.

Contact Information

Interested in partnering with SHIP in your organization or community? Connect with a Horizon SHIP Coordinator to get started.
Maggie Johnson
[email protected]
Sophia Grabow
[email protected]

Horizon Public Health receives support from the Minnesota Department of Health to address these issues locally. Learn more about the work of Horizon SHIP by visiting the community resources section below or connecting with us on Facebook.

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