State Community Health Services Advisory Committee
2024 SCHSAC Retreat
Wednesday, Oct. 9 through Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024
St. Cloud, MN
The goal of the 2024 SCHSAC retreat is to deepen the connection between SCHSAC members and local and state public health leaders, build on our collective knowledge and experience, and inspire us to continue strengthening and transforming the public health system for all Minnesotans for the 21st century. Our aim is to unify elected officials, the Minnesota Department of Health, and local public health to efficiently and effectively promote and protect the health of all people in Minnesota.
To accomplish this goal, we will:
- Connect: Create a deeper connection between individuals, community health boards, and regions
- Educate: Increase knowledge about public health, system transformation, and the role of SCHSAC
- Inspire: Create excitement about public health and system transformation
- Strengthen skills: Develop and practice skills to support public health system transformation
- Create: Identify key opportunities and next steps to advocate for transformation
Registration is now closed. If you have not registered and wish to attend or need to make changes to your registration, please contact Deanna White at health.schsac@state.mn.us.
Wednesday, Oct. 9 to Thursday, Oct. 10
Rivers Edge Convention Center (10 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN)
In-person-only, no option to join virtually
Plan to arrive in St. Cloud by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to start the retreat with hosted networking lunches (at your own expense). Retreat registration will open at noon. The formal agenda will begin at 1 p.m., and the retreat will end by 3 p.m. on Oct. 10.
A note about the hosted networking lunches: You will be asked to sign up for the lunch when you register for the retreat. You will be grouped with others based on your community health board size. Your group will be assigned to a restaurant close to the convention center once we know the number in your group. A member of the Executive Committee will host each lunch. Lunch cost is not part of the retreat registration and is at your own expense. Please watch for an email with instructions the week before the Retreat.
This is an in-person-only event. SCHSAC members, SCHSAC alternates, CHS administrators, local public health directors, and Minnesota Department of Health executive and division leadership are invited to attend. Others will be allowed on a space-available basis.
Please consider carpooling with members, alternates, administrators, and directors in your area.
The rooming deadline has passed, and the block of rooms held at the Best Western Kelly Inn has been released. If you have not made your reservation, you are encouraged to call the hotel directly at 320-253-0606 and ask if they have rooms available. If you mention the “SCHSAC Retreat Room Block,” they may be able to honor the group rate if rooms are available.
When you register, you will have the opportunity to indicate some meal preferences and be asked to indicate any food allergies. We will do our best to respect your requests and your preferences. Menus are subject to change.
The information you provide helps us plan meals more accurately and ensures that we do not waste food or money.
Wednesday, Oct. 9:
- Lunch: The retreat will begin at 11 a.m. with hosted networking lunches at assigned restaurants in St. Cloud. You will pay for these lunches at your own expense.
- Dinner: Your retreat registration includes a group dinner held on the evening of Oct. 9 at the Conference Center. You will have the choice between:
- Sauteed chicken breast topped with roasted garlic served with rosemary herb roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus. OR
- Yankee pot roast with mashed potatoes, gravy, and asparagus.
- Vegetarian option: Roasted portobello with mozzarella, basil pesto, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and aged balsamic served with rosemary herb-roasted fingerling potatoes.
- Gluten-free option: The chicken option can have an alfredo-based sauce, OR Yankee pot roast can be served without gravy.
- Beverages: Coffee, tea, and water will be provided. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle and/or mug.
- Snacks: Light snacks will be provided during the afternoon break.
Thursday, October 10:
- Breakfast: Breakfast is on your own.
- Snacks: Light snacks will be provided during the morning break.
- Lunch: Your retreat registration includes a box lunch You will have the choice between:
- Turkey or beef sandwich box served with chips and a cookie.
- A salad box of several options and a cookie.
- Vegetarian option: Vegetarian salad and a cookie.
- Gluten-free option: a salad or sandwich box can be made with gluten-free bread and dessert options.
- Beverages: Coffee, tea, and water will be provided during the meetings and breaks. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle and/or mug.
The retreat counts as the third SCHSAC meeting of the year. As such, SCHSAC members are entitled to request reimbursement for expenses related to attending the retreat, including mileage, some meals, and lodging.
Alternates may only apply for reimbursement if they are attending in place of the SCHSAC member. An updated reimbursement form will be sent out in advance of the retreat. A handout containing general information about reimbursement policies and procedures will be sent with the reimbursement form.
Deanna White
Contact Deanna White at health.schsac@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-201-4834