Source: Minnesota Prevention Resource Center

Recorded on September 21st, 2021

About the Series:

The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) is an anonymous statewide school-based survey conducted to gain insights of student experiences with mental health, substance use, and relationships. Survey results are used to monitor trends, assess disparities among student groups, obtain federal and state funding, and assist local communities and schools. This 3-part mini-series will inform attendees about the benefits of the MSS, strategies to increase MSS involvement, and learn from local communities how to use MSS data to elevate youth health and wellness.

About Session 1:

Panelists will describe the benefits of participating in the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), share talking points to address school districts’ concerns, and share examples of how the data are used at the state-level to inform decision-making. One panelist will share examples of how they’ve used their district-level data to improve the lives of young people in their schools and community. Additionally, participants will receive one-page handouts that can be used to promote participation among their local school districts.

Meet the Panelists:

MEGAN LOEW - Megan Loew, PhD (she/her) is a Sr. Research Analyst for the State of Minnesota in the Dept of Human Services Behavioral Health Division. She identifies as a health and wellness researcher with extensive experience in behavioral health and work culture project initiatives, development, implementation, and evaluation to promote relationship building and effective programming. She has worked in academic medical centers on clinical and research teams aimed to advance integrated health care efforts in chronic diseases such as HIV and Sickle Cell Disease barriers to health care and health promotion. She has been active in this field for 7+ years and has published research papers on health care quality improvement and has delivered national conference presentations and workshops on various aspects of healthcare and wellness.

MELISSA ADOLFSON - In her position as a Research Scientist at Wilder Research, Melissa regularly uses MSS data to help communities assess needs, prioritize and plan, and track changes in youth perceptions, behaviors, and experiences over time that result from prevention and promotion efforts. She currently supports Minnesota communities engaged in youth substance misuse prevention, suicide prevention, addressing adverse childhood experiences and building resilience. Melissa holds a Master of Science in Population Health Sciences from the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

LIZ COREY - Liz Corey is an Evaluator with the Injury & Violence Prevention Section of the Minnesota Department of Health where she leads evaluation efforts for overdose and ACEs prevention programming. Liz completed her Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health, along with a minor in epidemiology, at the University of Minnesota where she focused her studies on maternal mental health and adverse childhood experiences.

HOLLY MAGDANZ- Holly Magdanz, MPH, MSW, is the Adult Enrichment and Community Partnerships Coordinator at Hopkins Public Schools. In Holly's eight years working with Hopkins Community Education and the One Voice Coalition, she has coordinated the administration of the 2013, 2016, and 2019 Minnesota Student Surveys (MSS) for Hopkins Public Schools and led presentations of the results to a variety of school and community stakeholders. By analyzing and sharing risk and protective factors in our student data results, Hopkins Schools utilizes the MSS to shape trainings, programs, policies, and resources to better support its youth and families.

TIFFANY PAO YANG - Tiffany Pao Yang is the Research and Technical Assistance Manager for the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (MPRC). She provides research and technical support in substance use prevention for prevention advocates and professionals in Minnesota. Tiffany received her Master of Public Health at the University of Minnesota where she studied Maternal and Child Health.