Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Toolbox 
Social Determinants of Health

Rondo Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Plan

The Rondo neighborhood, the historic heart of St. Paul's African American community, was physically divided by the construction of Interstate 94 in the 1960's. This disruption has caused long-lasting harm, contributing to health inequities. Today, Rondo residents face higher rates of chronic disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. Despite these challenges, Rondo is a neighborhood with strong roots and active community movements. Resources and support are needed to address mistrust and racial bias in health care, strengthen social connections, improve built environment, and create health equity. 

MDH partnered with key community leaders in Rondo including residents, local business owners, and representatives from neighborhood churches and community organizations to create a plan that addresses social determinants of health in Rondo (Rondo SDOH Plan). 

MDH connected with other partners, including the City of St. Paul's Public Works Office, University of Minnesota Extensions, and Ramsey County Public Health, to increase the plan's visibility and invite collaboration. 

Rondo SDOH Accelerator Plan strategies

There are six strategies in the Rondo SDOH Plan, which are categorized into social connectedness and the built environment. 

Social connectedness

1. Improve collaboration between non-profits, mobile and primary care clinics, and government that are focusing on trauma-informed behavioral health, including substance use and homelessness, to increase access to Rondo Neighborhood resources.
2. Increase the number of Community Health Workers/CHWs throughout Rondo to support residents in accessing and navigating services.
3. Strengthen intergenerational social connections during community events, volunteer activities, educational programs, and wellness initiatives in the Rondo Neighborhood.
4. Launch and sustain a communications and messaging campaign focused on wellness resources. 

Built environment

1. Collaborate with City of Saint Paul Public Works to develop and execute strategies aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities in Rondo Neighborhood.
2. Amplify Rondo voices in local and state policy discussions on the built environment. 

To learn more, read the full Rondo SDOH Plan (PDF). 
Visit Reconnect Rondo for additional information.

SDOH Resources

• Alzheimer's Association: Social Determinants of Health and Dementia Risk - A summary of the science and the public health impact.
• Alzheimer's Association: Associations between structural/social determinants of health and vulnerability for resilience against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
• Brain Health: Social Determinants of Health and Dementia - The conditions of places where people are born, live, work, and play are known as social determinants of health.
• Centers for Disease Control: Healthy Aging at Any Age
• National Institute on Aging: Increased Understanding of How Social and Physical Environmental Factors Affect Dementia Risk and Disparities
• TIME: Where You Live Can Shape How Alzheimer's Affects You