Welcoming Katie McLaughlin to ABH Board
Katie McLaughlin, JD
ABH Board Member
We are delighted to welcome Katie McLaughlin, JD to the Advocates for Better Health Board of Directors.
Katie is a medical student at the University of Minnesota whose path to medicine has included work across law, healthcare, human services, and community advocacy. A native of Minnesota’s Iron Range, Katie’s commitment to public service is deeply rooted in the rural communities where she grew up and began her career. Before medical school, she earned her law degree with a focus on health, public interest, and child and family law and went on to work as a judicial law clerk, Guardian ad Litem, mental health practitioner, and pro bono attorney.
Across these experiences, Katie saw how people can encounter many different public-serving systems—healthcare, legal services, behavioral health, housing, and others—yet still fall through the cracks between them. That experience has shaped her commitment to building stronger connections across systems and ensuring that community voices are represented wherever decisions affecting health are made.
Katie first connected with ABH as a participant in our Public Health Advocacy Fellowship, an experience that further strengthened her passion for public health advocacy in Minnesota. She has since contributed to a wide range of community and policy efforts, including street and shelter medicine initiatives, rural health and mental health advisory groups, organized medicine, and efforts to strengthen youth and community resources in her hometown of Hibbing.
At the heart of Katie’s approach to advocacy is a belief in listening, relationships, and showing up. She believes health equity means ensuring everyone has access not only to healthcare, but also to the resources, opportunities, support, and voice they need to live healthy lives.
We are excited to welcome Katie’s collaborative spirit, broad perspective, and deep commitment to community-grounded advocacy to the ABH Board as we work together toward healthier, more equitable communities across Minnesota.
Serving on the ABH Board
Advocates for Better Health is looking for visionary healthcare and public health professionals, community leaders, and students passionate about public health and equity. As a board member, you'll play a key role in driving impactful change, advancing our mission, and advocating for better health outcomes.
Ready to make a difference? Applications are accepted year-round—join us today!