Minnesota Commissioner of Health Ed Ehlinger on Tuesday said he thinks Freeborn County is poised to make significant strides in the area of public health.

“You’re really set up to do a lot of good stuff here in Freeborn County,” Ehlinger said.

The comment from Ehlinger, the state’s top official with public health, came after a series of visits in the county, meeting with city and local health officials.

He said he was impressed with the collaboration he saw here.

“Freeborn County is nicely situated,” he said. “You’re a nice size county with good collaboration.”

In the afternoon, Ehlinger hosted a game of horseshoes with the county commissioners and other community leaders at Alden’s North End Park. As they threw horseshoes, they talked about local public health issues.

While in Freeborn County, Ehlinger also spoke with the Freeborn County commissioners, toured Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, saw the Morin Lake restoration project, visited the LaVerne Carlson Fitness Center and met with members of the National Vitality Center leadership team.

“I think it’s wonderful that he’s coming to the communities and wanting to hear from the people in the community,” said Alice Englin with the Freeborn County Partners in Prevention.

She said she was able to voice concerns about youth alcohol use and things that could be helping on the state level to reduce this problem.

Other issues discussed were Albert Lea’s biking and walking paths, the recent smoke-free initiative at the Freeborn County Fair, changes made to the lunch program at the local schools and the effects of the Statewide Health Improvement Program locally.

“It’s been great to share all the good things Freeborn County has to offer,” said Public Health Director Sue Yost.