
Public Health and Health Care
Promoting the conditions for individuals, families and communities to live healthy lives.
Wilder Research staff have extensive knowledge of the evolving public health landscape, particularly in Minnesota, and the programs and initiatives that support population health. We work with community organizations; health care systems; professional associations; local, state and tribal public health departments and other state agencies; and funders to conduct actionable, meaningful, and measurable research that centers the experiences of people most affected by a program or policy.
Our expertise includes studies to understand factors that contribute to health disparities, assessments to describe the health priorities of residents, and evaluations of programs and initiatives working to improve health and well-being, and improve the quality and access to care.
Services include:
- Community Health Needs Assessments
- Health Impact Assessments
- Program, process, outcome and developmental evaluations
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Primary and secondary data analysis
Understanding food insecurity in Minnesota


Rising Food Insecurity in Minnesota: Community and Policy Responses and How You Can Help
Feeding America suggests more than 54 million people, including 18 million children, may experience food insecurity nationwide in the wake of COVID-19. What's happening in Minnesota to address it? Read the article »Featured health research
Health Power: Investing in Community-Led Solutions
Summary of the impacts of investments in community-led solutions to advance health equity through policy, systems, and environmental changes. Read the report »Advance Care Planning in Rural Communities: A Report for MercyOne PHSO
Results of a study examining barriers to completing an advance directive in two Iowa counties. Read the report »Read stories of our work with partner organizations

Wilder Research Helps St. Louis Park Understand and Find Solutions to Food Insecurity
Food insecurity—not having reliable and sufficient amounts of affordable, nutritious food—may be an unfamiliar term, but the problem is not new. Food insecurity is tied to poverty, but is also impacted by transportation, low wages, ...More about this story »