
Mental Health Priority

Youth and adults in Duluth experience mental well-being and resilience
Strategies
Strategy #1
Support safe care transitions and create organizational linkages (formal referral protocol, rapid referrals, interagency agreements, follow-up contacts)
Action steps:
- Support the Clarity Project – service integration workgroup
- Explore, define, and support senior companion programs
Strategy #2
Improve response to individuals in crisis (hotlines, mobile crisis teams, walk in crisis clinics, peer-support programs)
Action steps:
- Support the Clarity Project – service integration workgroup
- Implement mental health first aid training through Northland Healthy Minds
- Promote the crisis lines through social media
- Utilize the Bridging Health North website to disseminate free mental health resources
- Promote and organize programs that reduce stigma in a culturally sensitive manner
Strategy #3
Adopt trauma-informed care models in schools and health care
Action steps:
- Engage and support ISD 709 and other schools about their work, plans, and needs
- Catalog resources and make available to interested organizations
- Network and connect interested organizations with resources
Action Teams
Trauma Informed Community
Traumatic life experiences can lead to poorer long-term health. This team is working to make Duluth more informed and responsive to trauma.
Community Partners
- Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)
- Safe Haven
- UMN Extension
- Duluth Public Schools
Leader
Josh Goram, St. Louis County Public Health
Mental Health PSA
This team created a public service announcement (PSA) encouraging people to reach out for support.
Community Partners
- KBJR6
- Northland Healthy Minds
- Recovery Alliance Duluth
Leader
Sara Bumgardner, St. Louis County Public Health