Learn more about RHI: Who We Are || RHI History || Board of Directors || Staff

In its nearly ten years of existence, the Rainbow Health Initiative has worked hard to protect the health and well-being of Minnesota's LGBTQ communities. Much has been accomplished...and there is much to be done.

· 2000:
Rainbow Health Initiative (RHI) was formed by a dedicated group of community activists, physicians, and health advocates who noted the significant health disparities facing members of Minnesota's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. They came together with the common goals of improving the health of queer Minnesotans.

· 2004:
-RHI conducts GLBT community health survey at Pride festival.

· 2005
-RHI conducts GLBT community health survey at Pride festival, with 650 respondents.
-(Dec) RHI holds first annual health forum at Minneapolis Convention Center. More then 125 people attend seminar and recognition dinner. Dr. Eli Coleman of the University of Minnesota is presented with the inaugural RHI Health Advocate Award.
-RHI releases tobacco report: Creating an Effective Tobacco Plan for Minnesota's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Communities

· 2006:
-(Jun) RHI holds inaugural Speakers Health Forum. Alex Nelson from District 202 speaks on GLBT homeless youth challenges.
-(Jun) RHI conducts its 5th health survey at the Pride Festival.

· 2007:
-(Jun) RHI conducts its 6th health survey at the Pride Festival.
-RHI is awarded lead agency in the TLC collaborative with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield

· 2008:
-(Mar) RHI opens office in Uptown and hires staff to coordinate the Tobacco-free Lavender Communities (TLC) collaborative.
-(Jun) First annual substance-free Fruit Bowl is a big success with over 300 people in attendance at Elsies bowling alley in Northeast Minneapolis
-(Jun)RHI conducts its 7th health survey at the Pride Festival.
-RHI hosts health and wellness areas at several festivals around the state.

· 2009: RHI funds several community projects.

· -(Jun) Second annual substance-free Fruit Bowl at Elsie’s bowling alley in Northeast Minneapolis
-(Jun)RHI conducts its 8th health survey at the Pride Festival. Other highlights include the addition of two research projects: The LGBTQ Pregnancy Project and Smoking Cessation for PLWHA.

· 2010 RHI has continued successfully increasing the amount of health assessment surveys collecting at MN LGBTQ events. RHI launched efforts to team up with local fellowship to pass tobacco free outdoor policy.

· 2011 By hosting health and wellness areas in all major Pride celebrations in MN, RHI collected over 1,600 health assessment surveys. RHI successfully assisted in the passing of approximately 15 policies related to tobacco and or health. RHI received funding from the MN Department of Health to develop a young adult lead tobacco control program called SHIFT focusing on media and policy strategies. RHI also continues to fund community organizations to expand their capacity to address tobacco use, healthy eating, and physical activity in LGBTQ communities.

· 2012 RHI welcomes our new Executive Director, Joann Usher in February. Planning is underway for RHI staple events as well as our education, outreach and research strategies for the year... stay tuned!