WILLMAR — May is a great time to highlight the important and rewarding work being done in Kandiyohi County to provide much-needed support and services to people facing mental health issues .
At the May 7th Kandiyohi County Board meeting, Department of Health and Human Services officials who specialize in supporting mental health care for children and adults will be present to present information on some of the work they do. In addition, several approvals were requested from the Board of Directors. of a proclamation commemorating that work.
“We come in every day and try to be present for the community, the children and the families,” said Tammy Thompson, child mental health case manager.
The County Commission unanimously approved four different proclamations. The committee proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month and May 9 as Child Mental Health Awareness Day.
“Our staff meet each other every day and bring their best selves forward,” said Constance Nelson, Children’s Services Supervisor. “It’s an inspiring goal to meet kids where they are. Kids advocate, share tough messages, and persevere no matter what the circumstances.”
Two other proclamations designate May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month and May 10 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.
“Foster parents, their job is the most selfish job in the world,” said Leanne Kitzman, foster home licensee. He added that the county is looking for more licensed foster care facilities to provide a place for children who cannot go to live with relatives.
Kandiyohi County offers services for both adult and children’s mental health, including case management that helps track the needs of individual clients. The county also helps clients navigate the various organizations and service providers available.
“Collaboration is really important,” Nelson said.
One of those collaborators is Woodland Centers. Woodland Center is a mental health services provider based in Willmar with offices in several counties. Dr. Ashley Kjos, CEO of Woodland Centers, also spoke at his May 7 conference.
West Central Tribune file photo
In 2023, Woodland Center served 5,324 clients ranging in age from 2 to 89 years old. Eighty-four percent were customers from his seven-county area: Kandiyohi, Chippewa, Big Stone, Swift, Renville, Meeker and Lac Quipard.
“We have 576 more (customers) than last year,” Kyosu said. “So we’re seeing more and more people coming through our doors, which is great. And we’re able to serve them.”
Kyoth said part of the reason for the increase may simply be due to Woodland Center’s awareness and the organization’s long-standing goal of reducing stigma around mental health. He said increased stress in people’s lives, from work and finances to family issues, may also be driving the increase.
“Stress levels are still very high,” Chos said. “It’s difficult and difficult for people to understand all these pieces.”
In some cases, staff in the county are seeing fewer customers. In the field of children’s mental health, the number of cases increased from 70 in 2021 to around 50 in 2022 and 2023. However, the level of problems and the level of care needed continues to rise, both at the adult and adolescent level.
“Consumer sensitivities have increased, and with that comes more challenges,” said Colin Torkelson, supervisor of the county’s Department of Health and Human Services.
One of the big challenges is finding jobs for people who need more intensive services. In some cases, county case managers may have to travel to other counties or neighboring states to find available beds.
“In some cases, case managers need to consider configuration hours in advance,” Nelson said.
Building relationships with individuals and families seeking support is an important part of this job. One way the county does this is by communicating positive messages.
At the county commission meeting, officials unveiled special T-shirts worn by officials. Stay Another Day is a company started by a young woman who struggled with her mental health as a child.
The business creates T-shirts, sweatshirts and more with positive messages about mental health and suicide prevention. Those who work with child mental health clients in Kandiyohi County wear the shirts as an outward sign that they support their clients through their mental health journey.
“I love this message,” Thompson said. Thompson said he first encountered the T-shirt while visiting a client in Rochester. “In something as complex as suicide, sometimes a simple message can mean the world.”
Shelby Lindrud/West Central Tribune
County commissioners expressed their gratitude to the county’s employees for their dedication to serving those in need. For several committee members, it was deeply personal.
Commissioner Steve Gardner told how he struggled with mental health issues as a child and young adult at a time when services were not easily available. He said growing up in a traumatized household was very difficult and he didn’t get help until he was an adult.
“I want to thank you for everything you do for our children,” Gardner said.
Commissioner Dale Anderson also commented on how important it is to talk about mental health and learn how to respond when people are not feeling well.
“I have grandchildren and the world has changed, and I often wonder if I would panic when they say today is not good,” Anderson said. “That’s going to happen to a lot of us. We’re going to get that answer. It’s important that when that child’s question comes to us, we have the ability to answer it.”
