Makeda Norris appointed to National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities’ Region V Health Equity Council

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity and the HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Together, these documents represent the federal commitment for addressing health equity and closing the health gap for racial, ethnic, and underserved communities. The National Stakeholder Strategy calls for ten Regional Health Equity Councils whose members serve as leaders and catalysts to strengthen health equity and enhance collaboration between stakeholders, align initiatives and programs, and leverage assets to more effectively accomplish health disparity reduction goals. The Councils include individuals from the public, non-profit, and private sectors who are knowledgeable about and possess expertise regarding the social determinants of health. Council members represent communities impacted by health disparities, state and local government agencies, tribes, healthcare providers and systems, health plans, businesses, academic and research institutions, foundations, and other organizations.

Makeda Norris is one of three Minnesotans appointed to the Region V Health Equity Council. The other Minnesotans include Jose Gonzales, Director of Office of Multicultural and Minority Health – MDH, and Monte Fox, Director of Health – White Earth Nation.

Ms. Norris is a Social Entrepreneur and Lead Consultant and Trainer for her business, Impetus – Let’s Get Started (www.impetuslgs.com). She uses her educational background, extensive expertise and experience in Health Equity and Social Justice, Adolescent Health Education and Youth Development, Leadership Development and Coalition Building, and Program Planning and Administration to consult and advise, train trainers and provide health education and leadership development coaching to community based health and youth serving agencies. Ms. Norris received vocational education in practical nursing from MCTC (formerly Minneapolis Technical College) and Emergency Medical Technician certification from Hennepin Technical College. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications from St. Cloud State University. She has resided in Minnesota for 40 years. Ms. Norris will serve on the Region V Health Equity Council’s governance committee.

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