Our History

As a part of the Raise It for Health Coalition, the Center helped pass a $1.60 per pack increase in the price of commercial tobacco. This was projected to have significant impacts, including preventing 47,700 Minnesota kids from becoming addicted as adults and saving Minnesotans $1.65 billion in long-term health care costs. 

Acting on the commitment to improving underrepresented health outcomes, the Center funded 13 initiatives that aimed to reduce commercial tobacco use, increase access to healthy food and make active living easier for communities that face the greatest challenges to health in Minnesota.

The Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum helped schools teach children how to safely walk and bike in their communities, including lessons on crossing the road, traffic laws and responsible riding. These lifelong skills helped make active living easy, safe and fun for Minnesota kids. 

As a member of the Move MN Coalition, the Center participated in an effort to raise awareness about transportation needs across the state and to push for a comprehensive funding solution that included considerations for pedestrians and people on bikes. 

The Center awarded more than $3 million in funding to nine organizations and their efforts to increase access and reduce barriers to physical activity. These initiatives worked hard to improve the health and livability of communities across the state.