Jill Krueger, J.D., serves as Director, Climate and Health. Her current work involves climate adaptation and mitigation, the Farm Bill and agricultural policy, rural health, oral health, literacy, and mental health promotion in school and community settings. Before joining the Network in 2010, Jill was a senior staff attorney at Farmers’ Legal Action Group, where she analyzed the role of the Farm Bill in the production and distribution of healthy foods; advocated for the integrity of the National Organic Program, and provided education and advocacy to improve federal disaster assistance to farmers. She also served as an assistant attorney general in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. She graduated with high distinction and Order of the Coif from the University of Iowa College of Law and from Earlham College. Jill serves on the board of the Seward Community Co-op in Minneapolis, whose mission includes sustaining a healthy community.

Articles & Resources

Supporting Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Law & Policy InsightsCOVID-19Mental Health and Well-Being

March 26, 2020
by Jill Krueger

The COVID-19 outbreak occurring in the United States and in many other countries has profound implications for mental health. Just as public health is leading the way to protect physical health in the context of COVID-19, public health can take steps to promote mental health and community resilience. While public health has emergency isolation, quarantine, and social distancing powers, taking small steps where consistent with good public health practice can support mental well-being.

Read more

Law and Policy Pathways to Protect Soil Health—A Critical Component of a Healthy Climate and a Healthy Population

Law & Policy InsightsEnvironment, Climate and HealthTribal Health

December 17, 2019
by Jill Krueger

Healthy soil contains organic matter that contributes to the nutritional quality of food and can have a significant impact on agricultural output. It also plays a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing erosion and storm water runoff, protecting against drought, and reducing carbon emissions. Policymakers at both the federal and local level are increasingly including laws and provisions that promote healthy soils in their environmental policies and legislation.

Read more

Policy Surveillance: Preschool Social and Emotional Learning

Quick ReferenceHealth in SchoolMaternal and Child HealthMental Health and Well-BeingMechanisms for Advancing Public Health

October 21, 2019
by Betsy Lawton and Jill Krueger

Social and emotional learning (SEL) has a strong association with outcomes important to public health, from increased high school graduation rates to reduced drug use. This Quick Reference outlines the Network’s project to review policies and laws related to SEL.

View page

Social-Emotional Learning Improves Children’s Health Outcomes (and Other Reasons Public Health Should Take Notice)

Law & Policy InsightsMental Health and Well-BeingMechanisms for Advancing Public Health

September 10, 2019
by Jill Krueger

Social and emotional learning (SEL) has emerged as a powerful framework for the development of programs and interventions designed to increase high school graduation rates, lower absenteeism, and improve academic performance. SEL competencies are highly correlated with desirable public health outcomes, offering a prime opportunity for health departments.

Read more

Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change through Law and Policy

WebinarsClimate and HealthEnvironment, Climate and HealthMechanisms for Advancing Public Health

August 22, 2019
by Jill Krueger

Climate change is one of the most significant public health threats of our time. With more frequent and intense natural disasters, such as flooding, extreme heat events, and severe storms, addressing the health risks associated with these events is critical. Laws and policies can impact how communities plan for climate change and can assist in the development of resilience plans to protect public health.

View page