Office of African American Health 
Announcements

The African American Health State Health Advisory Council Welcomes New Councilmembers

The Office of African American Health, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, has completed appointments for the 2026-2028 term of the African American Health State Advisory Council (AAHSAC). 

The Office of African American Health led the recruitment effort, opening applications in November 2025 and vetting candidates before making recommendations. The Governor's Office then formally issued the appointments for the new term.

The Office of African American Health and the AAHSAC collaborate using a shared leadership and community-centered approach. Together, staff and council members identify effective strategies, support culturally responsive public health initiatives, and strengthen system-wide capacity to address health disparities.

The council meets regularly and is charged with the following responsibilities:

• Identify and examine health disparities and contributing factors affecting African American Minnesotans.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to the Commissioner of Health on policies, programs, and strategies that promote health equity.
• Engage with community members, organizations, and stakeholders to ensure lived experiences and community priorities inform statewide health planning.
• Meet regularly to conduct advisory activities, review committee work, and collaborate with MDH staff and partners.
• Submit an annual report to the Commissioner of Health that summarizes the activities of the Council, identifies disparities specifically affecting the health of African American Minnesotans and makes recommendations to address identified disparities.

The current council includes three returning members, with the remaining members newly appointed. 

Recent accomplishments include the 2024 and 2025 State Advisory Reports, which highlight key issues, priorities, and recommendations for improving health outcomes in African American communities. 

The Office of African American Health works in close partnership with AAHSAC, with both organizations building a coordinated, community-centered system that advances health equity in Minnesota. Staff and council members work together to:

• Identify and invest in what works to improve African American health outcomes.
• Build capacity in public health systems to respond to disparities.
• Support communications and policy infrastructure that uplift Black voices.
• Track progress and ensure transparency in outcomes.

This collaboration is supported by three Council subcommittees focused on Health and Wellness, Outreach and Engagement, and Policy and Legislative Advocacy. These subcommittees work alongside the Office of African American Health staff to co-develop recommendations to the Minnesota Department of Health and to drive systems change at both the community and state levels.

Current council members include: 

• Abdou Manjang
• Carol Houston
• Christopher Smith
• Cindy Devonish
• Demitrea Kelley, MBA, MHA
• Dr. Inih Essien
• Dr. Joel Boyd, MD
• Gage Urvina
• Iman Ibrahim
• Jamie Hackett
• Kiora Kamara
• Lola Muhammad
• Matthew Arries
• Susan McPherson