The Trusted Messengers program is a unique partnership built on trust and provides an opportunity for long-term sustainable relationships with community partners. Trusted Messengers represent the diverse cultural groups and geographic areas in Hennepin County that have experienced the starkest disparities. The most effective messengers are experts and trusted leaders in their communities. This program aligns with and supports the Hennepin County’s mission, vision, and core values, and prioritizes disparity reduction and climate action work.
The Trusted Messengers are focused on prioritizing communities impacted by racial disparities and social determinants of health (personal, social, economic, and environmental factors). The aim is to address the root causes of racial and health disparities fostering more equitable conditions, improving mental well-being, and outcomes in communities affected by these issues.
Trusted Messengers have four guiding principal roles:
Consultant
Participate in focus conversation meetings and other means of communication to provide feedback, address disparities, gaps, and serve as an advisory role or subject matter expert on Hennepin County departments project and initiatives.
Communicator (two-way communication)
One of the most important aspects of the Trusted Messengers program is that it has established two-way communication between the county and the community.
Convener
Trusted Messengers build bridges between community and Hennepin County staff regarding programs, services, and solving problems. Trusted Messengers are positioned to break-down barriers, mistrust, and misinformation regarding county services.
Connector
Trusted Messengers be the bridge and help community members connect to resources, for example, health care, employment, food, housing, childcare, and legal services etc.
View the 2024 Trusted Messengers (PDF)