Somali Community Condemns Health Commissioner

A Somali health organization announced Monday that members of the Twin Cities Somali community would gather Friday to express a “vote of no confidence” for Minnesota Health Commissioner Edward Ehlinger.

The press conference is being organized by Isuroon—a nonprofit founded by Hopkins resident Fartun Weli that provides health education and advocacy for the local Somali community.

Weli said Somali families face a shortage of programs tailored to their needs and a lack of understanding of their culture and religion. She cited a 2010 study that found:
•40 percent of Somali women don’t know where they can get their health questions answered.
•20 percent don’t know where to go for health care.
•61 percent of Somali households and 70 percent of Somali female-headed households live in poverty.

“This has gone on for too long,” a release quoted Weli.

The no confidence vote will take place at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Sabathani Community Center (310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis).

http://hopkins.patch.com