Lawmakers condemn now-former Hennepin Healthcare chair for comments about Somali community

A number of state lawmakers have condemned remarks made about the Somali community by the now-former Hennepin Healthcare board chair, who stepped down on Friday due to the controversy.

Babette Apland came under scrutiny for comments made during a non-public portion of an Aug. 8 joint meeting with Hennepin County Board and Hennepin Healthcare leaders, in which she singled out the Somali population for the rise of healthcare costs in Hennepin County.

After the meeting, The Minnesota Star Tribune reports Apland sent emails to commissioners and staffers apologizing for blaming the Somali population for the rise in costs.

“Ironically, I meant it as a point of pride that we are taking care of our community; that was what was in my heart and mind,” Apland told the Starr Tribune in an interview. “But I apologize for saying it. I’m truly committed to learning from this experience and gaining greater cultural sensitivity.”

Hospital officials have confirmed that Apland resigned from her position on Friday. She will be replaced by board member Mohamed Omar, who will now serve as interim chair.

Hennepin Healthcare released a statement, issuing a "public apology" for the comments made during the budget meeting. According to the statement, the leadership transition between Apland and Omar "was already in process and is now being expedited."

"The hurtful comments do not reflect the values of our Hennepin Healthcare team, and we deeply regret and apologize for the harm they have caused,' The statement read. "As a healthcare institution deeply rooted in this community, we understand that anti-racism and health equity work are ongoing efforts, and we are committed to continuous growth and learning."

Multiple state legislators have commented on Apland's remarks. The Minnesota House Minneapolis Delegation of DFL members released a statement "strongly condemning" her actions, noting that more is expected from government partners.

"To blame the Somali population for the rise in uncompensated care costs is prejudiced language that has no place in our city or from its leaders," the statement reads. "We stand in solidarity with our Somali communities. As elected leaders representing Minneapolis, we are committed to protecting all our residents and ensuring accountability for words and actions that unjustly target any of them."

The Minnesota House People of Color and Indigenous Caucus also released a statement on Tuesday, saying they are "deeply troubled" by Apland's comments. The caucus says Apland's actions show a "troubling pattern from the leadership of Hennepin Healthcare and how it relates to communities of color."

"This incident is a stark reminder of the systemic racism that persists within our public institutions, hindering our efforts to address health disparities and promote the overall well-being of all Minnesotans," the statement reads. "In order to know that HCMC is going to be a strong partner, it is pursuing health equity."