Fostering greater cross-agency collaboration to improve one health in Minnesota

The One Health movement seeks to foster interdisciplinary approaches to minimizing harms and maximizing benefits from the co-management of human, animal and environmental health. One Health approaches may involve different collaborative models across and within countries, but regardless of approach, the aim is to increase efficiency and effectiveness in managing health threats through cross-disciplinary collaboration. In Minnesota, the One Health approach is embodied by what some term the “Minnesota Model,” which highlights the interconnectedness between Minnesota's Department of Agriculture (MDA), Department of Health (MDH), Board of Animal Health (BAH), and the University of Minnesota in achieving greater food-borne disease surveillance. This model of collaboration across government agencies and academia is credited with making Minnesota one of the top states in detecting and responding to food borne disease outbreaks. The Department of Natural Resources has also been a key collaborator with the other state agencies in controlling wildlife disease risk to domestic animals and humans. The goal of this project was to pilot test in Minnesota the One Health Self-Assessment Guide developed by the Stone Mountain Working Group to evaluate the guide's applicability and utility for all relevant agencies. Data collection methodology involved the use of semi-structured key informant interviews, focus groups, surveys, organizational mapping, and in-person workshop. Preliminary themes identified for Minnesota's One Health success include proximity of agencies, strong personal relationships, and collaboration as an intuitive process.