Survey results provide insight into disparities that were exacerbated by the pandemic and the overall effects of those disparities on our community. The data also clearly shows connections between our community’s three health priorities of financial stress, mental health, and substance use. 

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified property management companies to provide full property management and maintenance services for several multi-family properties.

What’s new?

Choosing safer activities

To continue to get COVID-19 under control, it is important to continue to follow public health guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 even after you have been vaccinated.

With warmer temperatures now reaching Minnesota, it is the perfect time to get outdoors! By participating in outdoor activities instead of indoor activities, you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Olmsted County recognizes the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation. If you are experiencing mental health issues, know that you are not alone, and that help is available. One in five Minnesotans face mental illness each year. One in 10 young people have experienced a period of major depression. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call Crisis Response of Southeast Minnesota at 1-844-274-7472.

If you have a change to your name, address, signature, or card number, or if you require a REAL ID or enhanced ID, these driver’s license applications still need to be processed in person. The Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing department is able to assist with these requests at the Government Center at 151 4th Street SE in Rochester; however, to make an appointment, use the Olmsted County Online Check-in System. 

May is National Foster Care Appreciation Month and Olmsted County would like to take the time to acknowledge all our foster care providers in the community. Olmsted County Child and Family Services reports that there are currently 121 licensed child foster care homes in our area. Olmsted County Adult and Family Services reports 90 family foster homes with 273 beds and 147 corporate foster homes with about 550 beds.