by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Community Strong, a mental health advocacy group in Pennington County, formed within the past year. Sarah Lefebvre and Kayla Jore provided information about the group to the Pennington County Board at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11. They also sought funding to support the group’s efforts.
Community Strong envisions “a community that strives, promotes and seeks out mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Coalition members represent multiple disciplines in Pennington County and are employed at such places as the Goodridge School District, Pennington and Red Lake County Public Health and Home Care (formerly known as Inter-County Nursing Service), the Pennington County Human Services Department, Sanford Health, the Thief River Falls School District, and faith-based groups.
The coalition focuses on youth and families, decreasing the stigma around mental health, and increasing education and awareness for the community and natural support people. Jore noted the importance of such efforts now, especially as the country recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of its efforts, Community Strong plans to host training sessions for community support people, including such individuals as coaches, teachers and faith-based leaders. The coalition met with some youth to determine their needs, said Jore, who noted that the kids said they like to talk to adults and people they trust. For that reason, the coalition sought to provide the training to adults interacting with youth. It also plans to host community awareness events.
Sanford Health is seeking a three-year grant that would provide nearly $100,000 annually to support the group’s efforts. Lefebvre said the group is hopeful that it will receive the grant. However, Sanford hasn’t yet received notification whether it has received the grant.
In the meantime, Community Strong seeks funding from Pennington County. Jore indicated that the county and her agency may be able to use some of their American Rescue Plan Act funding for Community Strong.
Training events are among the activities for which Community Strong seeks funding. Lefebvre said training events are expected to cost $100,000 per year. She said one training session may range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending upon the size and magnitude of the training.
The Goodridge School District is already hosting a training session for its school staff along with some Grygla School District staff members on Monday, Nov. 7. Lefebvre said the district may invite fire and rescue personnel if additional room were available. Community Strong may host a mental health awareness event as part of an upcoming sporting event between the Thief River Falls Prowlers and Goodridge-Grygla Chargers.
Pennington County commissioners recognized the need for mental health awareness events, training sessions and services. They took the funding request under advisement.