GRIT Award Winner 2024: Jess Miehe

Jess Miehe, Advocate

Jess Miehe embodies the spirit of the SBHA GRIT Advocate! 

From the time she connected with the MN SBHA Board 5-6 years ago for advisement on basic SBHC start up issues (then as a NP doctorate student) she has worked tirelessly to build a solid foundation to a fully functioning new SBHC.

She studied best practices, sought out and built relationships with key partners, showed the value of the model by starting small and local, and garnered wide support for a model of healthcare for students not seen before in the White Bear Lake ring suburb.

She has spoken at the state Legislature on behalf of the vital role of SBHCs to student whole health and has spoken to the value of the MN SBHA as a hub of collective expertise as the state expands this important model of healthcare for students.

Jess has been a significant and consistent presence in the MN School Based Health Alliance. Her diligent work in securing 501c3 status and incorporation for the organization is alone worthy of recognition. Add it to her respected educational leadership for school clinic staff and young nurses, and her ability to calmly solve clinic operations challenges and you have a true leader in the advancement of student health in Minnesota.