Ribbon cutting launches mental health project in Rochester – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Saturday in Rochester to celebrate the launch of an innovative mental health awareness project.

It was a partnership between Olmsted County Public Health and one of two 2024 cohorts of the Greater Rochester Leadership Program, according to a press release.

The ceremony took place on the campus of St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Rochester from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at noon.

A key component of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership for Greater Rochester program is the Community Impact Project, which challenges participants to turn ideas into sustainable actions to address community needs. This year, the group decided to focus on raising awareness of mental health in Olmsted County, which has been identified as a top priority for improving health.

On Saturday, the group celebrated the installation of the first sign on the St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Rochester campus and plans to install five additional signs at parks in Bryon, Stewartville, Oronoco and Rochester.

Each sign highlights the significant benefits of spending time outdoors on improving mental health and well-being and is carefully designed to reflect Olmsted County’s diverse population, with content available in English, Spanish and Somali.

In addition to messages about mental health, each sign includes a QR code that directs users to Credible Mind website. Launched by the Olmsted County Health Department in December 2023, this resource offers a variety of resources on mental health, self-esteem and community resources, further supporting people seeking help and guidance on wellness and mental health.

“We believe that increasing awareness of mental health is critical to building a healthier community,” said Shailene Baumbach, health promotion manager for Olmsted County Public Health. “Through this collaboration with Leadership Greater Rochester, we hope to encourage residents to embrace the outdoors and recognize its positive impact on mental well-being.”