About Program

EDA is committed to fostering health equity in underserved communities, particularly in the Twin Cities area. We recognize that achieving true equity goes beyond addressing social and economic disparities—it also requires tackling the systemic health challenges faced by marginalized populations. Our Health Equity Program is designed to empower individuals and organizations to improve health outcomes, build capacity, and create sustainable, inclusive solutions.

What is Health Equity?

Health equity means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, race, or socioeconomic status, has access to the resources and opportunities needed to achieve their best possible health. It involves eliminating avoidable health disparities and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent communities from receiving equitable care and support.

At EDA, we are working to bridge these gaps by addressing two critical areas: improving compliance and quality in specialized healthcare services and promoting mental health awareness and support.

Our Focus Areas

1. Chapter 245D Compliance Project

Licensed minority healthcare providers play a critical role in delivering essential services to individuals with complex behavioral and developmental needs. However, many providers face challenges in meeting the stringent requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245D, which governs intensive support services.

Our Chapter 245D Compliance Project focuses on:

• Capacity Building: Providing resources and training to minority providers to improve compliance with Chapter 245D requirements.
• Infrastructure Development: Helping providers build the operational systems needed to enhance the quality of their services.
• Improved Accessibility: Enabling providers to accept clients with high behavioral needs by strengthening their operational capacity.

Through this initiative, EDA aims to ensure that providers can deliver high-quality care to vulnerable populations while promoting sustainability and growth within these organizations.

Key Highlight:

EDA partnered with the Black Business Enterprises Fund (BBEF) to secure $219,000 in funding to support minority providers in meeting compliance requirements.

2. Mental Health Program

Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it remains a deeply stigmatized and underfunded area in many underserved communities. EDA’s Mental Health Program is designed to raise awareness, provide education, and create supportive environments to address mental health challenges holistically.

Program Components:

• Awareness Campaigns: Hosting events and discussions to normalize conversations about mental health, such as our 2024 World Mental Health Day event.
• Community Support: Collaborating with local organizations and mental health professionals to provide resources, workshops, and training for individuals and businesses.
• Advocacy: Working to break the stigma around mental health and advocating for better mental health policies and funding in underserved communities.

EDA’s mental health initiative focuses on all aspects of mental health—at home, at work, and in the community. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone in the Twin Cities has access to mental health resources that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and effective.

Join Us in Creating Health Equity

EDA’s Health Equity Program is a vital step toward building healthier, stronger communities in the Twin Cities. Whether it’s empowering providers to deliver quality care or ensuring mental health is a priority in underserved communities, we are dedicated to creating sustainable and impactful change.