Area residents have been named to the steering committee of a new multi-partner health collaborative dedicated to making North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.

The Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota, American Heart Association and North Dakota Health and Human Services launched the Multi-Partner Health Collaborative and announced the formation of the group’s steering committee in a news release.

The steering committee includes 32 members from an array of professional backgrounds, including health care, education, finance and the nonprofit and foundation field. Members include Megan Langley, executive director for Strengthen North Dakota, and Stephanie Jay, public health manager for the Turtle Mountain Public Health Department.

“Members’ expertise and dedication to promoting public health and addressing health disparities make them an invaluable addition to the team,” said Pam Gulleson, former vice president of public affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and current coordinator for MPHC, in the release. “We are confident their contributions will greatly enhance efforts to improve the health and well-being of all North Dakotans.”

The steering committee will hold its initial meeting today and Thursday in Bismarck.