From regional convenings to community-rooted solutions, Fatuma Youb is championing equitable access to health care in Central Minnesota—starting with transportation.
As one of six community leaders selected for the 2024–2025 Project REACH (Rural Experts Advancing Community Health) cohort, Fatuma brought deep experience in public health, equity, and systems change. She serves as a Health Equity Network Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Health’s Minnesota Health Equity Networks, a statewide initiative funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based in the central region, Fatuma convenes cross-sector partners—including Local Public Health, Tribal Public Health, and community organizations—to advance equitable health outcomes across jurisdictions.
Fatuma made a significant impact in a short amount of time. She focused her policy work on a critical challenge in Cass County: increasing access to medical transportation services for pregnant individuals, particularly those at risk of or experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Her proposal aims to reduce transportation barriers that prevent patients from consistently attending prenatal care and substance use treatment appointments—especially among American Indian communities, who are disproportionately affected by NAS.
Fatuma’s approach emphasized listening, collaboration, and grounded community engagement. Over the course of her project, she met with a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from Cass County Public Health, Region Five Development Commission, CentraCare, and the Regional Transportation Coordinating Council. These conversations uncovered transportation gaps—like unpaved roads on the Leech Lake Reservation—and highlighted promising models such as Project H.E.A.L., a CentraCare initiative that helps rural residents access medical care.
Her engagement extended to mental health and prevention services across the region, where she connected with suicide prevention coordinators, Statewide Health Improvement Partnership staff, and outpatient program leaders to build a clearer picture of the needs and opportunities in Cass County and beyond.
“This project has significantly enhanced my ability to advocate with greater confidence and efficiency through policy research. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with my learning partners, who provided invaluable guidance, insights, and constructive feedback throughout the process. I also appreciate the wealth of resources, education, training, and knowledge that this program has offered,” said Fatuma.
Fatuma’s Project REACH experience reflects the essence of the program: empowering rural leaders to drive meaningful policy change in their communities. Through her leadership and dedication, she is helping to lay the foundation for more equitable transportation—and ultimately, healthier outcomes—for families across Central Minnesota.
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