Community at the Helm: Shaping Minnesota's Future Health Data Landscape
At MN Community Measurement (MNCM), we’ve long believed that meaningful progress in health care begins with community—when those closest to the work and most affected by outcomes help shape the path forward. Discover how this effort will shape MNCM’s direction for the next five years.
Welcome to our Newest MNCM Board Member, Leota Lind!
Leota Lind is the Chief Executive Officer of South Country Health Alliance, Minnesota’s first multi-county County-Based Purchasing (CBP) organization administering Minnesota Health Care Programs benefits to over 21,000 members in seven rural Minnesota counties. Since its inception in 2001, Leota has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the county-owned health plan integrating medical services with county public health and social services programs. The plan thrives from her strong and compassionate commitment to the members we serve, built on her many years of experience in the field of mental health and chemical dependency. She was previously employed with Freeborn County Human Services and Fountain Centers. Leota holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University. We’re fortunate to have her on the Board!
Thank You, Tim Miller, for Your Service on the MNCM Board of Directors
MNCM extends gratitude to Dr. Tim Miller of South Country Health Alliance for his contributions while on the Board of Directors this year. We wish him the best in his future endeavors!
Upcoming Changes to the Optimal Asthma Control Measure
As part of MNCM’s routine measure review process, the Measurement & Reporting Committee (MARC) conducted an evaluation of the Optimal Asthma Control measure in June 2024. The committee identified several concerns regarding data collection burden and the measure’s relevance to providers. Consequently, MARC recommended the establishment of a measure redesign workgroup. Upon concluding its work in March 2025, the workgroup presented its recommendations to MARC. These were subsequently reviewed, and suggested changes were forwarded to the Board of Directors, who approved them in May 2025.
The following updates will take effect starting in measurement year 2026:
- The ACQ tool will be removed from the numerator definition.
- The AIRQ tool (for adults and children) will be added to the well-controlled component definition (a score of 0 to 1 indicates control).
- The AIRQ tool (for adults and children) will also be incorporated into the low risk of exacerbation component definition (a score of 0 to 1 indicates low risk of exacerbation).
- Results will be stratified into two rates per population (adults and children) – original tools (ACT, C-ACT, ATAQ) and new tool (AIRQ).
Statewide and medical group/clinic level results will be privately reported for measurement year 2026. Following the private reporting period, MARC will evaluate the uptake of AIRQ use and determine the appropriateness of the level of results that are publicly reported. Over three to five years, MARC will also evaluate the uptake of AIRQ use among clinics. Based on this evaluation, MARC will determine if it is appropriate to transition to calculating components by using only the AIRQ tool.
MNCM would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Steve Inman for his leadership as workgroup chair as well as the members of the workgroup for their guidance and expertise in this area.
Looking Ahead: Q3 Preview
Infographics
As part of MNCM's initiatives to partner data with community action, MNCM releases infographics through the year that correspond with health awareness months. These infographics provide easily digestible analyses of the findings within the data to enhance understanding of health outcomes across the state.
MNCM is planning these infographics in Q3:
- August: National Immunization Awareness Month
- September: Sexual Health Awareness Month
Virtual Community Event
September 24, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
MNCM has transitioned from an in-person conference to a shortened virtual community event. The virtual event is free and open to all community partners. The event will highlight MNCM's new strategic direction for the next five years and will feature sessions focused on the power of partnership in driving improvements in health care outcomes.
Registration and programming details will be shared in the coming weeks.
MNCM Podcast Series
To extend learning and connection throughout the year, MNCM will be launching a monthly podcast series focused in two key areas:
- Measurement, Reporting, and Community Engagement
- Data Infrastructure, Security, and Interoperability
Each episode will feature thought-provoking conversations with community members and subject matter experts. More details on launch dates and where to listen will be shared soon.
Regional Community Conversations
MNCM will be launching regional community conversations across six geographic areas to:
- Examine local trends in health care outcomes
- Identify barriers to better results
- Share strategies and success stories from community partners
We are actively seeking sponsors and host organizations for these events. If your organization is located in one of the following regions and is interested in hosting, please contact Ma Xiong at xiong@mncm.org.
| Region | Zip Code Areas |
| North East | 556xx, 557xx, 558xx |
| North West | 567xx, 566xx, 565xx |
| Central | 564xx, 563xx, 562xx, 553xx |
| Metro | 550xx, 554xx, 551xx |
| Southeast | 559xx, 55066 |
| Southwest | 561xx, 56066 |
In Case You Missed It
As we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, here’s a quick recap of the latest community resources released by MN Community Measurement (MNCM). These reports and insights provide valuable data to help improve health care quality, reduce disparities, and drive informed decision-making across Minnesota.
Health Care Disparities in Minnesota by Insurance Type
Released: May 23, 2025
MN Community Measurement (MNCM), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), released its latest report examining health care disparities across insurance types in Minnesota. The report, Health Care Disparities in Minnesota by Insurance Type, focuses on care delivered in 2023 and compares health care quality and outcomes between Minnesotans covered through state programs (Minnesota Health Care Programs Managed Care, or MHCP MCO) and those with private or Medicare Advantage insurance.
- Read Full Report Here
- Explore Statewide Data (Performance Hub | MNHealthScores)
Empowered by Data — Raising Awareness on Racial Health Disparities in Minnesota
Released: April 17, 2025
April is Minority Health Month. A blog post by MNCM's Vice President of Data Strategy & Analytics, Ma Xiong, MPH highlights the importance of raising awareness of racial health disparities in Minnesota, specifically in diabetes and vascular disease.
Infographic: Diabetes & Vascular Outcomes in Communities of Color
Empowered by Data — Mental Health Impact on Diverse Communities
Released: May 27, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A blog post by MNCM's Governance Manager, Maegi Yang, MPH, discusses the disparities in depression care across Minnesota.
Infographic: Adult Depression Outcomes in Minnesota
Ways to Support MNCM
The work MNCM does in the community is possible because of support from community partners like you. Please use the following links to learn more about the ways to engage and support MNCM. Together we can continue innovating and delivering meaning data that empowers health care decision makers and supports their efforts to advance improvements in health, and health care quality, equity, and value.
Health Plan Membership | Medical Group Membership
Mission Supporter Program | Individual Donors
We extend our sincere thanks to our current community partners:
