MISSION STATEMENT

Melpomene seeks to eliminate health disparities in Minnesota by empowering women and girls to lead active, healthy, full lives.

We work with community-based programs to promote overall health and wellness, ultimately leading to the prevention of chronic conditions that burden many ethnic communities around the state.

THE MELPOMENE MODEL

We are all caught up in the complicated interplay of economics and politics in discussions of health care reform. Melpomene Institute has taken a step back to consider what might reduce the toll that chronic conditions take on the delivery of health care. We believe that resources exist that have not been considered in the debate.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, and depression are among the chronic conditions that can be an extension of what people do . . . or do not do . . . as they go about the business of daily living. Yet, a large number of people do not see the connection between their actions and their health. And they are suffering consequences, particularly in communities of color. The disparity in mortality among different populations testifies to that.

The health care industry is not designed to address the way we lead our lives. A new model is needed that reaches deep into communities to give women and their families the power to take charge of the behavior that will maintain their health. Women need to see for themselves that they can be the decision makers. In order to do that, they must experience the payoff of changing daily health behavior.

We believe that Melpomene can help by bringing practical, free, behavior strategies to low-income women to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and reduce stress. Strong health habits, in turn, can prevent or manage chronic conditions.

There is a reservoir of energy, creativity and knowledge among young people that can be tapped to accomplish this. Melpomene Institute has historic ties to colleges and universities that give us access to interns studying in the health field who are eager to apply their learning in a creative manner in the real world.

Melpomene can be the catalyst for partnerships between academic institutions, community organizations, and health care interests to change the approach to chronic disease prevention at the grassroots level. We foresee a replicable model that could be initiated in many communities.

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DAN GJELTEN
Director, University Libraries
University of St. Thomas

LAURA KREOFSKY
Impact Advisors Healthcare Technology Consulting
Madison, WI

JAIME MILLER-LAMONTAGNE
Senior Marketing Manager
Cardiovascular AF Marketing Medtronic, Inc.

SHANNON LEAVITT
Owner, YogaLift, Inc.

PAT MORK
Director, Human Resources
Tapemark Company Inc.

ROSANNE NATHANSON (acting chair)
Judge, Second Judicial District
State of Minnesota

MELISSA OUSLEY
Senior Producer/Host
Minnesota Public Radio

STEVEN RESTAD
Business Faculty
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

BEATRICE “BEAN” E. ROBINSON, PH.D.
Associate Director & Associate Professor
Program in Human Sexuality Department of Family Medicine & Community
University of Minnesota Medical School

KYRA SCHMITT
Senior Public and Media Relations Manager
Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Medtronic, Inc.

LIBBY SHARROW
Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science
University of Minnesota

PATRICIA J. STOTZHEIM
Law Clerk, Tenth Judicial District
State of Minnesota

SHAUN K. WALSH
Girls Services Manager
Sports and Wellness Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis

MELPOMENE HISTORY: 1982 – 2006

Today's acceptance of the unique health needs of women would not have occurred without the women who, 25 years ago, demanded attention to what constitutes good health for women. Melpomene Institute for Women's Health Research became a recognized, national voice in making those demands.

Founded in 1982, by Judy Mahle Lutter, Melpomene built its reputation by answering women's questions about health that were not being addressed through conventional means. Interest in women's health and fitness as a distinct public issue began to build in the late 1980's spurred on by the implementation of Title IX. Research increased dramatically in the next ten years as did media coverage. The wide-spread adoption of the Internet made it possible for the latest concepts and studies on women's health to be available to everyone (see www.womenshealth.gov and www.girlshealth.gov as examples).

Over the years, Melpomene Institute for Women's Health Research enjoyed a strong reputation for bringing cutting-edge health research to ordinary woman and engaging them in leading healthy lives.

MELPOMENE TIMELINE

MELPOMENE’S ACHIEVEMENTS:

Research
• The Melpomene Journal of academic research published for twenty years
• The Bodywise Woman published in 1990 and still available
• Academic internship program for 25 years with over 215 interns to date
• Small grants to encourage research among Master's Degree students

Dissemination of Research
• Two conferences per year for health professionals and interested women
• Fact sheets, information packets, and videos on specific topics
• Speaker's bureau to address community members as well as health professionals

Pilot Projects
• After-school running club for sixth grade girls
• Training program in self-defense for young victims of sexual assault
• Strength building programs for older women to prevent osteoporosis
• Annual 5K run/walk to motivate women to be physically active

ARCHIVED RESEARCH

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MELPOMENE FOUNDER: JUDY MAHLE LUTTER


Founder and former President of Melpomene Institute for Women's Health Research, Judy Mahle Lutter is a national authority on the effects of exercise on women. In 1982, she founded Melpomene Institute in space in one room of her attic. Word quickly spread that a new organization was looking at women’s issues related to health and physical activity. Female researchers and volunteers explored the questions that women were asking but conventional medicine had ignored.

Judy Mahle Lutter received Masters degrees in educational psychology and American studies. She researched and co-authored The Bodywise Woman, the most reliable source of information about physical activity and health for women. She has been invited to be a contributing writer for numerous academic books, literary anthologies, and national publications. Of Heroes, Hopes and Level Playing Fields is a compilation of her best columns published while a columnist for the Sunday Sports Page of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Her extensive speaking experience as well as board and advisory positions have exposed her to a wide variety of audiences from California to New York. Winner of numerous awards in the health and fitness arena, she remains a competitive athlete in her division in running, cross-country skiing and triathlons.

MELPOMENE'S RACE: A 5K TRADITION

The first Melpomene race took place in 1983 when there were few women who thought about competing in a road race. Men greatly outnumbered women in that first year. As the work of Melpomene in bringing the benefits of physical activity to women grew, so did interest in the race. Today, it is an anticipated event on the annual race calendar.

Serious runners and race walkers, families and kids, casual runners, and teams all enjoy a beautiful spring morning on the banks of the Mississippi. Some competitors have run every race since 1983. Others are there for the first time. Veteran racers now bring their children. With a family walk, race walk, kids race, and men’s and women’s 5K, there has been something for everyone.

MELPOMENE INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH 2006 – 2007 ANNUAL REPORT

In September of 2006, after an extensive strategic planning process, Melpomene Institute adopted a new course for the future. Today, our mission is to:
help women and girls achieve adequate nutrition, physical activity, rest, and personal safety by removing barriers at the policy level and by introducing innovative practices at the community level.

We plan to achieve our mission by building on the foundation built by Judy Mahle Lutter over the past 25 years. We will expand on the reputation and experience of Melpomene Institute to bring opportunities for better health to women and girls of limited means

2006-2007 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MEGHAN M. BROWN, CHAIR
Sr. Group Human Resources Manager
Marketing/Legal & Brands/Target.com
Target Corporation

MARY E. SCHWIND, ESQ., VICE CHAIR
Shareholder
Leonard, Street and Deinard Professional Association

PAT MORK, SECRETARY
Director, Human Resources
Tapemark Company

CONNIE FOSTER, TREASURER
Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies
University of Wisconsin – River Falls

2006-2007 MEMBERS

DAN GJELTEN
Director, University Libraries
University of St. Thomas

JAIME MILLER-LAMONTAGNE
Senior Marketing Manager
Cardiovascular AF Marketing Medtronic, Inc.

ROSANNE NATHANSON (acting chair)
Judge, Second Judicial District
State of Minnesota

MELISSA OUSLEY
Senior Producer/Host
Minnesota Public Radio

STEVEN RESTAD
Business Faculty
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

BEATRICE “BEAN” E. ROBINSON, PH.D.
Associate Director & Associate Professor
Program in Human Sexuality Department of Family Medicine & Community
University of Minnesota Medical School

KYRA SCHMITT
Senior Public and Media Relations Manager
Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Medtronic, Inc.

LIBBY SHARROW
Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science
University of Minnesota

PATRICIA J. STOTZHEIM
Law Clerk, Tenth Judicial District
State of Minnesota

SHAUN K. WALSH
Girls Services Manager
Sports and Wellness Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis

IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN

The new strategic plan called for a dramatic change of position for Melpomene Institute. As Melpomene enters a new era, we are asking the question: if given the chance, will all women act to become healthier? Our new mission calls on us to address circumstances and confront policies that create barriers, especially for girls and women with few life opportunities, to learning the components of good health and gaining access to the means to achieve them.

Nurturing Our Strengths. The connections to academia, fostered over 25 years, will be nurtured to grow into strong working partnerships in the future. We foresee colleges and universities working directly with Minnesota’s diverse communities with Melpomene Institute providing the link that transforms study into practical application and experience.

Testing Concepts of Plan. When Otto Bremer Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant for implementation, they suggested that Melpomene test the concept of creating links and partnerships in the community by establishing some pilot projects with communities of color. Pilot projects are operating with West Side Boys & Girls Club, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Brian Coyle Community Center, and the Girl Scouts in Rochester, MN.

Redesigning the Melpomene Website. A key feature of the strategic plan has been to change the image of Melpomene Institute from a research organization to one that brings practical, accessible solutions to healthy living for our target audience. A major overhaul of the Melpomene website (www.melpomene.org) created the most visible way to present Melpomene’s new direction. A monthly e-newsletter keeps friends and supporters updated on our progress. While work continues on the website, it now reflects our new mission.

Ensuring Credibility. In January of 2006, Melpomene Institute received Certification by Charities Review Council. Fifty documents were prepared, over four weeks, for submission to the Charities Review Council. Melpomene met all of the criteria of the Council and received the seal of approval which is good for three years. See it on our homepage at www.melpomene.org.

STUDENT PROJECTS

In accordance with the strategic plan, student interns and student groups played a key role in reaching into ethnic communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The interests of interns were matched with community interests.

Community Mapping. Nursing graduates from the College of St. Catherine explored the availability of and access for physical activity for women of limited means in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul.

Attitudes Toward Physical Activity. Interns from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health sought out women in welfare-to-work programs to try to assess their perceptions of physical activity as well as perceptions of how to engage in physical activity.

Website Research. Allison Harford, also of the U of M School of Public Health, researched health topics to be included on the new website.

Kids Training For The Melpomene Race. Two groups of undergraduate student volunteers from the University of Minnesota prepared children from the Brian Coyle Center and Marcy Open School to participate in the Kid’s Fun Run on May 5. A third group of College of St. Catherine Nursing students trained children at Randolph Heights Elementary.

Collaboration With Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church. Jessica Burke, dance student at the University of Minnesota, conducts a yoga session each Monday with women of the parish.

2007 Summer Projects. Projects got underway in June 2007 with West Side Boys & Girls Club, the Girls Scouts in Rochester, MN, City View Elementary School, and Brian Coyle Center.

MELPOMENE RESEARCH

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT FOR 2006 -2007

Women Bound To Be Active
Investigator: Jennifer White, Ph. D
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Minority women in North and South Omaha report the highest levels in Nebraska of “no leisure-time physical activity reported.” Women Bound to be Active takes a unique approach, a women’s book club, to increasing physical activity among these populations. Women have long expressed that being a part of a group or having a support network is integral to their involvement in physical activity. This project brings women into a comfortable group first and then introduces physical activity. One of the books assigned is Bodywise Woman by Judy Mahle Lutter.

For the women participating in the Women Bound to Be Active, safety is a major barrier to physical activity. They live in a community where it is not safe to walk down the street and there is no free community center nearby. It is necessary to find alternative resources and innovative ideas that can be done at home. This has been a challenge for the project and the participants.

But the project goes beyond measuring activity levels. Researchers are tracking eight factors including self-efficacy, self-esteem and self-management skills. The data has not been analyzed yet. The researchers plan to extend the project for another year with an emphasis on following up with the original participants.

PROPOSED RESEARCH PROJECT FOR 2007-2008
Unequal Opportunities, Unequal Outcomes: Reducing Physical Inactivity in Populations of Ethnic Minority Girls

Investigators:
Chelsey Rodd
School of Kinesiology
University of Minnesota

Nicole M. LaVoi, Ph.D
Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sports
University of Minnesota

The long-term goal of this research is to reduce the disparities in health and well-being outcomes for girls of ethnic minorities.

The primary task of the project is to forge new connections and create synergy among U of M researchers, the Tucker Center for Girls & Women in Sport, the Melpomene Institute, and community members in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN Metro Area in order to identify barriers and antecedents that prevent and limit girls’ participation in physical activity within their communities.

KEY RESEARCH QUESTION: How can community members and organizations better promote opportunities for girls of ethnic minorities to participate in physical activity?

KEY DESIGN OBJECTIVE: Using collaborative partnerships to obtain grounded information that will identify inequalities and barriers for ethnic minority girls that prevent or limit their physical activity participation.

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MELPOMENE

Melpomene Institute for Women’s Health celebrated is 25th anniversary with the running of the 25th Melpomene 5K Walk/Run for Everyone. Nine hundred participants registered for the Melpomene 5K events on May 5, 2007. There were five events that morning: 5K Race Walk, 3K Family Walk, Kids Fun Run, Women’s 5K and Men’s 5K. This compares to 650 entries in May, 2006. Nearly half of the participants were children, a welcome addition to the festivities. The Friends School and St. Anthony Park Elementary brought groups of 90 and 110 respectively.

Four companies sponsored the Melpomene race activities: Medtronic Foundation, a first-time sponsor, and three loyal supporters, Tapemark Company, Ameriprise, and St. Croix Orthopaedics. Melpomene Institute truly appreciates their interest in women’s health.

LOOKING AHEAD

Melpomene recognizes the link between the basic factors of good health and the fundamentals of empowerment for women.

We believe that local organizations and government programs can learn to accommodate women who are already burdened with working long hours for little pay, bearing sole responsibility for families and often extended families, and risking their health in the process. Melpomene can work in partnership with these entities to explore new ways to engage these women to give them the chance to be healthier.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Melpomene Institute for Women’s Health gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions made from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007

$10,000 +
Otto Bremer Foundation
Community Health Charities of Minnesota

5000 – 9,999
Hugh J. Andersen Foundation
The Medtronic Foundation *

2500-4999
Dye Family Foundation
Tapemark Company *

1000-2499
Ameriprise *
Health Partners
Dr. Helen Horstmann
St. Croix Orthopaedics *
St. Paul Travelers **

500-999
Meghan Brown
Alan Flory
Connie Foster

250-499
Sandra Butler
Kathleen Mock
M P Noonan
Margaret Shulman
Jane Winter

100-249
Anonymous
Mary Anderson
Eva Auchincloss
Connie Barry
Cathy Bergland
Louis Buron Jr.
Penny Chally
College of St. Catherine
Donald Craighead
Mary Darling
Lauren Giammar
Lael Berman Gerding
Miriam Goldfein
Myra Greve
Carol Haller
Kathy Hendricks
Allyson Kimbrell
Linda Krach
Wendy Lutter
Judith Mahle Lutter
Melissa Ousley
Sally Patterson
Kathleen Peter
Steve Restad
Marjoire Snyder
Lillian Tallman
Deborah Thorp
Carol Truesdell
Maxine Wallin

1-99
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Beverly Anderson
Gail Baker
Amy Bergeron
Ira Burhans
Coralyn Carl
Mary Carlson
Jeanne Davis
Linda Davis-Delano
Marjorie Earl
Fay Goldstrand
Veronica Guevara
Janet Hall
Susan Hamamoto
Rebecca Hamilton
Joan Higinbotham
Norah Hoff
Joan Hutchinson
Evelyn Jaffee
Sophie Jonas
Phyllis Kahn
Kim Kazimour
Marjorie Kelly
Ruth Knight
Lorraine Kohler
Kowalski’s Market **
Elizabeth Lee
Deborah Matuska
Debra Mehr
Joyce Michaelson
Elizabeth Moore
Mimi Murray
Catherine Niewoehner
Carrie Mikulich
Ogren Edward Owens
Jodene Pope
Beatrice E Robinson
Mary Therese Schertler
Deborah Schnur
Leona Shannon
Joanne Silverman
Ginger Stolzenberg
Debra Sunderman
Eleanor Swanson
Christina Thill
Jane Truesdale
Nancy Werning
Gay Wiliker
Jane Winter
Sandra Worthing
Elisa Wright
* Melpomene Race Sponsor
** in-kind contribution

Important dates in Melpomene Institute’s history

1982
first Melpomene conference establishes the pattern of exploring emerging issues for women

1983
first annual Melpomene 5K race
first edition of The Melpomene Journal

1984
Melpomene Journal expands from 8 to 24 pages
$15,000 grant from Tambrands for amenorrhea study
video documentary, Brittle with Age, produced
national exposure on the Donahue TV show

1985
Billie Jean King speaks at Melpomene conference

1986
Over 300 attend Melpomene conference, “Body Image: Choices”
major article on Melpomene appears in Runner’s World
Ann Bancroft receives Melpomene’s first Outstanding Achievement Award
packets on women’s health topics developed

1987
Melpomene and Junior League of St. Paul sponsor conference for high school girls
Billie Jean King receives Outstanding Achievement Award

1988
Melpomene opens computerized Resource Center

1989
Medtronic funds walking program for seniors
Jacqui Banasynzski receives Outstanding Achievement Award

1990
Melpomene Journal sells out for the first time
The Bodywise Woman is published

1991
publication of One in 9:  One Woman’s Response to Breast Cancer
Joan Benoit Samuelson receives Outstanding Achievement Award

1992
Breast Cancer: A Handbook is published
Jane Brody speaks at 10th Anniversary celebration
Melpomene’s newsletter, On the Move, becomes a regular publication

1993
video “Heroes: Growing Up Female and Strong” premieres on KARE-11 TV

1994
“Heroes” receives a National Educational Film and Video Festival award
research on girls and body image with SHAPE Magazine
Founder Judy Lutter becomes guest columnist in St. Paul Pioneer Press

1995
“Heroes” wins a National Health Information award
Bonnie Blair receives Outstanding Achievement award

1996
Heroes, Hopes & Level Playing Fields, a collection of Judy Lutter’s newspaper columns, is published
second edition of The Bodywise Woman is published
health information packet, Physical Activity, Health, & Women of Color, receives National Health Information award
publication of Cancer de mama: Un Manual

1997
publication of Let’s Get Moving!
Melpomene receives the Ann Bancroft Award
Jackie Joyner-Kersee receives Outstanding Achievement Award

1998
Melpomene collaborates with Runner’s World magazine on menopause study
Playgrounds: Encouraging Active Play for Girls and Boys! is published
Judy Lutter becomes monthly columnist for Minnesota Women’s Press and Medical World News

1999
“Role Models and Mentoring” project is launched
Title IX: Providing Equal Opportunity for Girls is published
The American Journal of Health Promotion publishes Melpomene’s research on worksite motivation

2000
“Taking Time to Move:  Finding Balance through Strength and Movement” is launched
Melpomene’s website receives  med411.com  award

2001
Grant from Kate Risley Foundation expands “Role Models and Mentoring” project
“Attitudes Toward Competition” study begins with 900 surveys at the USA Cup Soccer Tournament

2002
Melpomene celebrates 20th Anniversary as a nationally recognized voice for women’s health

2005
Planning begins for a new direction for Melpomene Institute

2006
Melpomene Institute moves from a health research organization to a health advocacy organization.

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