RCLLG March Newsletter

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Newsletter Content:
1. RCLLG's Legislative Priorities
2. Register for our April Program
3. March Program Summary
4. MN Thrives 2022 Campaign
5. Program Lookbacks
Check out the RCLLG 2022 Directory! Also available on our website
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.
R.S.V.P!
April 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, April 8 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM | Zoom Meeting

It’s no surprise that the recent pandemic has brought fear, uncertainty, and divisiveness to our communities. While no one can predict when we can return to normalcy, we can learn to live with the pandemic’s effects and understand how the past two years has affected mental health in our communities. Hear from a panel of experts as they discuss mental health issues before, during and after Covid-19. Panelists will include representatives from Ramsey County and NAMI Minnesota.

Discussion will include:
  1. What were the pressure points on our mental health systems prior to COVID?
  2. What mental health concerns have been exacerbated during COVID?
  3. What mental health concerns do we need to be ready for? 

Invite the elected officials and staff in your community or organization to attend. All RCLLG Members are invited and attendance is FREE!
RCLLG March Program
Summary
Last Friday, March 11th, RCLLG members heard updates from the Maplewood and Roseville public safety departments on their embedded social worker programs. These programs demonstrate how emergency response, public safety, and community individuals can come together to create a positive outcome and bridge connections.

The program began with an introduction from Maplewood Mayor Mayor Abrams, followed by a presentation on “Social Work as Public Safety” from the Maplewood Mental Health Outreach (MHOT) team. The presentation detailed how the MHOT team was formed in 2020, what its goals were, an overview of the social worker’s daily duties, case studies, challenges, and lessons learned. Maplewood panelists included:

  • Michael Dugas, Police Lieutenant
  • Jamie Jackson, Mental Health Supervisor from Ramsey County
  • Emily Burt-McGregor, Police Officer, MHOT Member
  • Jodi Halweg, Firefighter/Community Paramedic, MHOT Member
  • Amy Kuusisto-Lathrop, Embedded Social Worker, Maplewood Public Safety/Ramsey County, MHOT Member
The presentation from the Roseville’s Community Action Team (CAT) team followed. Roseville’s team formed later than Maplewoods’, launching in 2021. The CAT team discussed their key community partners, logistics of the program, and implications for the future. The Roseville panelists consisted of:

  • Joe Adams, Deputy Police Chief
  • Sergeant Sean Johnson, Supervisor of Roseville’s CAT team
  • Nicole Paradise, Embedded Social Worker
  • Tim Hunt, Community Relations Specialist

Questions and discussion with RCLLG members followed. The importance of cultural competency was discussed, as well as the safety of the social workers in these programs and how cities can begin their own program.
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!"
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.
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.

Visit the RCLLG website and follow us on Twitter!
Ramsey County League of Local Governments | www.mngts.org/rcllg