From its founding in 1998, the National Institute of Health Policy (NIHP) has been a resource for using the performance of Upper Midwest health care systems and leaders to influence national health policy.

Currently the University of St. Thomas (UST) is seeking to develop a new funding base to continue and grow the institute. During this redevelopment phase, the institute’s policy forums, seminars, and policy development work has been suspended. Senator David Durenberger continues to be active at the Opus College of Business in influencing national policy and in educating national and regional policy leadership through his popular monthly commentaries, public speaking and media efforts.

Originally a partnership effort by UST and the University of Minnesota, the NIHP included 38 health care organizations from the Upper Midwest region. Representation included hospitals, clinics, doctors, health insurance plans, professional associations, employers and consumers. The NIHP produced policy-specific forums and seminars which attracted national speakers and produced significant white papers and reports.

Historically, the NIHP has provided a neutral forum for collaboration on complex health care policy issues by providing leadership and vision. By bringing health care leaders, front-line staff and influential policy makers to the table, NIHP members and staff explore these issues and find common-ground solutions to foster health system transformation.

The NIHP has facilitated various activities to accomplish its objectives:

• convened diverse groups to discuss critical and emerging health policy issues,
• collected and synthesized policy analyses and research findings,
• created non-partisan forums for dialogue and development of policy alternatives,
• developed innovative public education models to better inform the community about effective public policy in healthcare.