Addressing youth mental health in Olmsted County
Resident quality of life remains a top priority for Olmsted County, as underscored by concerns raised in the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) regarding the mental health of our community's young people. Since January 2023, the Olmsted County Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) has undertaken a dedicated effort to identify gaps in areas that could impact the mental health of our youth.
The HSAB has engaged with community members and Olmsted County staff, conducting reviews of relevant data, and facilitating sessions to better understand the challenges faced by our young population. The culmination of these efforts resulted in the presentation of high-level recommendations during the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
High-level recommendations include:
- Establishing a Children’s Mental Health Local Advisory Council.
- Requesting that the county board consider funding and staffing requests from Olmsted County’s Health, Housing, and Human Services (HHH) division related to youth mental health resources.
- Developing connections and clear measures of success with groups, like working with community partners to understand who is accessing HHH services.
- Explore integration with other county and community mental health initiatives, like the Community Health Assessment and Planning process.
- Create opportunities for interested parties to be updated on initiatives and coordinate resources.
Olmsted County wants to thank the HSAB members for their time and dedication to this crucial issue. Looking ahead, Olmsted County Health, Housing and Human Services will use the report and recommendations to inform 2024 strategic planning and will subsequently report back to the HSAB on priorities set and actions taken, providing a transparent and accountable framework for continued progress on youth mental health.
Mental health resources
If you need help with a mental health crisis or emergency, please call 1-844-CRISIS2 or text HOME to 741741. For information on mental health resources in Southeast Minnesota, please visit Olmsted County’s website.