Susan Thurston-Hamerski uses storytelling to advance public health

By AI, Created 10:22 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Susan Thurston-Hamerski, MALS, is a communications leader at the Minnesota Department of Health who blends storytelling, data and collaboration to support public health work. Her profile highlights more than 26 years in education, publishing and public service, plus a long record of mentoring writers and building community through the arts.

Why it matters: - Susan Thurston-Hamerski’s work connects public health messaging with behavior change, community engagement and chronic disease prevention. - Her career shows how strategic communications can support state health efforts, strengthen partnerships and translate research into action. - Her profile also reflects the growing role of creative storytelling in public service, education and civic engagement.

What happened: - Influential Women featured Susan Thurston-Hamerski, MALS, as a communications leader advancing public health storytelling. - Thurston-Hamerski serves as Planner Principal for Communications at the Minnesota Department of Health. - In the Office of Statewide Health Improvement Initiatives, she develops and implements communication strategies focused on healthier lifestyles and chronic disease prevention. - The profile says her work spans education, publishing and public service over more than 26 years.

The details: - Thurston-Hamerski’s background includes journalism, marketing and mass communication. - Her approach combines creativity with data-driven strategy. - She previously held roles at the University of Minnesota, where she led alumni and donor engagement initiatives. - Thurston-Hamerski also taught at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. - Outside institutional roles, she works as an independent editor and writing coach. - She has guided numerous authors toward award-winning publications and mentors emerging communicators. - Thurston-Hamerski is a published author and poet. - Her novel, Sister of Grendel, earned recognition at the Sedona International Film Festival Screenplay Competition. - She serves on the board of Illusion Theater, supporting creativity and social awareness through the arts. - Thurston-Hamerski participated in the Fundamentals of Implementation Science in Global Health program at the University of Washington. - The program reinforced her focus on bridging research and practice. - Influential Women included her profile.

Between the lines: - The profile frames Thurston-Hamerski as a communicator who treats storytelling as a tool for measurable social impact, not just branding or outreach. - Her mix of public health, higher education and literary work suggests a career built around translating complex ideas for broad audiences. - The emphasis on authenticity, curiosity and collaboration points to a leadership style grounded in trust and team performance.

What’s next: - Thurston-Hamerski says young women entering editing and grant writing should focus on precision, persistence and purpose. - She encourages building strong writing and critical thinking skills and forming authentic relationships. - Her continued work in public health communication, mentorship and the arts suggests an ongoing focus on community-centered impact.

The bottom line: - Susan Thurston-Hamerski’s profile presents public health communications as a blend of evidence, creativity and human connection.