RCLLG April Newsletter

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Newsletter Content:
1. Announcing our May Program
2. April Program Summary
3. MN Thrives 2022 Campaign
4. RCLLG's 2022 Legislative Priorities
5. Previous RCLLG Monthly Programs
Check out the RCLLG 2022 Member Directory! Also available on our website
R.S.V.P!
May Members' Program
RCLLG Monthly Programs are open to all elected/appointed officials and staff of RCLLG member organizations.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.


Friday, May 13 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM | Zoom Meeting

Due to technology advancements, global economic influences, demographic trends and the “great resignation” that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, the workforce had undergone seismic shifts and will continue to change in the future. Hear from a panel of experts as they discuss Ramsey County’s workforce trends and future careers, and how these trends have an impact on our educational system and communities.

Panelists include:
  • Erin Olson, Director, Strategic Research, RealTime Talent
  • Ling Becker, Director of Workforce Solutions, Ramsey County

Attendance is FREE! All RCLLG member communities and organizations are invited – please share this invitation with your elected officials and staff!
RCLLG April Program
Summary
Last Friday, April 8th, RCLLG members attended the "Mental Health: From Pandemic to Endemic" program. We heard from representatives from Ramsey County and NAMI Minnesota on we can learn to live with the pandemic’s effects and understand how the past two years has affected mental health in our communities.

The program began with a public health introduction from Dr. Lynne Ogawa, who set the stage by summarizing the past and current COVID-19 landscape, briefing members on COVID case and vaccination numbers. This was followed by a presentation from Sue Adberholden, MPH, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota, NAMI standing for National Alliance on Mental Illness. Two representatives from Ramsey County, Sophia Thompson, Director of Mental Health and Adult Support, and Kari Umanzor, Health Educator, then presented on what COVID-19 has taught those who work in the mental health system and how Ramsey County has responded.
The presentations echoed similar sentiments in that an increased need for mental health supports became very apparent during the Pandemic, in a situation where there wasn't a system in place to begin with. Sue explained how the system was not broken; it was never built due to funding issues with major healthcare programs.

Other themes throughout the program included:

  • We have to shift resources from proactive to reactive. A system of prevention will ultimately help the well-being of all. 
  • We have to understand that culture matters. We have to think creatively. 
  • We have to take risks to see the mental health systems our communities need. 
  • Always include community in the process. There are beneficial healing resources.
  • Pay attention to your mental health and to others. 

Questions and discussion with RCLLG members followed. The importance of building a better mental health system was discussed, as well as how mental health crises can be prevented.
We were fortunate to have NineNorth Media broadcast this program. Please share this recording with your community!
Thank you to those who attended!
Help MN Thrives come to life!
Building Connections for Mental Well-Being and Resilience

Do you know of any current initiatives happening in your community to promote mental well-being and resilience? Share your knowledge to help create a thriving Minnesota! Take a few minutes to submit these initiatives by clicking "I want to help!"
RCLLG Advocates for its Two Legislative Priorities
RCLLG is advocating for two legislative priorities! Read the full letter to our legislators by clicking the button below.

1. Due to the strong link between mental health and homelessness, The Ramsey County League of Local Governments advocates for Housing Infrastructure Bond (HIB) money to expand the affordable housing stock in our communities, including funding for the Heading Home Ramsey Continuum of Care 2022 legislative ask. Specifically, this means state dollars for continuing the Continuum’s work on the 100-bed family shelter, the 100-bed singles shelter, the day shelter and Familiar Faces.

2. Due to the strong link between mental health and self-advocacy, The Ramsey County League of Local Governments recognizes the need for mental health services and requests state funding for Ramsey County in support of the Voluntary Engagement law*, passed in 2021. We also strongly oppose any reductions in the Adult Mental Health Initiative (AMHI) funding formula.
2022 Program Recaps
As we look towards our next program, we want to provide you with a lookback on our latest programs.
January: On January 21, we held a legislative update in which we heard from multiple State legislators. The members of RCLLG and the Minnesota State Representatives talked about a variety of issues, including mental health, housing, education, crime, climate change, and more. We heard what bills our legislators are creating and supporting, especially those regarding mental health.

February: On February 11, we heard from a panel of community service organizations who focus on food security. This meeting provided an opportunity for RCLLG members to learn how food is brought to those in need in our communities, and how we as local government entities can find some ways to provide support individually or collectively.

March: On March 11, we heard from Maplewood's Mental Health Outreach Team (MHOT) and Roseville's Community Action Team (CAT) on their challenges and benefits in embedding a social worker into their emergency response teams.
2021 Programs: Read more on our 2022 programs and about our 2021 programs here.

If you have any questions about RCLLG, your membership, or news listed above, please email RCLLG@mngts.org.

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Ramsey County League of Local Governments | www.mngts.org/rcllg