Public health leaving its mark on state health reform.(Reshaping health): An article from: The Nations Health

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IN MAY 2008, when Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed a bill bringing widespread health reform to his state, the top of the legislation clearly read: "Article 1, Public Health." For Sanne Magnan, the state's commissioner of health, the placement not only underscored public health's role in reform, but reflected advocates' perseverance in telling the oft-unheard public health success story. Almost a year later, work at the Minnesota Department of Health is well under way toward achieving quality and accessible health care for all Minnesotans, and public health remains front and center.