Note from SHIP Lead Elizabeth Hagen

The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) is in full swing this summer with many projects happening across the county. We are excited to be working with so many community partners. Whether we're collaborating with schools, businesses, healthcare providers, or local organizations, your efforts are making a real difference in helping the people of Anoka County live longer, healthier lives.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to keep sharing your successes, challenges, and learnings. Together, we can continue to strengthen our relationships and expand the reach of SHIP to every corner of the county.

Joe Amerman, Senior Program Planner, Cannabis

I’m Joe Amerman, and I work as the Senior Program Planner for Cannabis at Anoka County. In this role, I help lead the County’s response to the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota. My work focuses on public education for adolescents and new or expecting parents, shaping local public health standards for cannabis businesses, and supporting cities as they navigate cannabis-related policy decisions. I collaborate with a wide range of partners — including schools, medical providers, city governments, and chemical health professionals — to promote safe, informed, and responsible use across our communities. In the coming weeks and months, we will be increasingly focused on efforts like retail licensing, safe storage, and supporting our local school staffs as the state begins to require drug prevention education in Minnesota schools. Learn more at our new website, Anoka County Cannabis