NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES BOARD

April 16, 2015-Bemidji, MN- The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) awarded a $25,000 grant to the North Country Community Health Services Board (NCCHB), a governing body for public health providers serving Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Lake of the Woods counties.

NCCHB works with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Federal agencies to deliver health programs locally. Most recently, NCCHS received an Accountable Communities for Health grant from MDH. With the grant, they are focusing on how mental health ties into adverse childhood experiences, coping and youth. They plan to pursue a prevention model to help youth deal with traumatic events before they are burdened with consequential mental health issues.

"This project seeks to improve the region's capacity in public health with strategies in promotion, prevention, crisis management and client advocacy," said Bonnie Engen, NCCHS administrator. "NMF's grant dollars will be used to expand and define partner roles and responsibilities, conduct strategic planning and build systems to increase efficiency."

According to Nate Dorr, NMF program officer for grants, the Community Connections program seeks to align resources among multiple agencies and organizations who all share a common purpose. "Achieving better health outcomes in our communities requires a coordinated effort among public leaders and healthcare systems," said Dorr. "This project addresses trauma, mental health, and the physical well-being of individuals using a proven client-focused mode."

The Idea Circle will be hired as a consultant to help NCCHS with the additional programming and leadership planning.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitable foundation serving 12 counties of Northwest Minnesota by investing resources, facilitating collaboration and promoting philanthropy.