Members South County Health Alliance (SCHA) awarded Heart of New Ulm (HONU) a grant of $4,500 for a social isolation and behavioral health program in New Ulm. L to R: Andrea McGregor, executive assistance to SCHA; Jen Mauer, HONU coordinator; Scott Windschitl, SCHA board member and Leota Lind, executive director of SCHA

NEW ULM – South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) presented Heart of New Ulm with a grant for $4,500 Friday.

The funds will be used by Heart of New Ulm (HONU) to combat social isolation and behavioral health in Brown County. HONU coordinator Jen Maurer the goal is to serve as an outreach towards individuals who have minimal connection with the community.

Mauer said they are looking to setup activity sessions at different locations in the county including apartment centers and senior centers. Another component of the program is outreach to the younger generation, which is experiencing greater levels of anxiety.

The initiative will distribute the workbook “Connect: 100 Ways to Create Happiness in Your Life” and Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” to enhance social connections. The team plans to distribute workbooks, organize social meetups in accessible locations, and launch community-wide initiatives. Additionally, HONU will host a presentation on the impact of technology on mental health, featuring local experts.

SCHA member Scott Windschitl said SCHA was formed to improve the way members receive health care through a county-based purchasing health plan. Recently SCHA announced $2.16 million in grant funds available through a community impact program. HONU was one of 15 organization to receive funding.

Windschitl said HONU’s project appealed to SCHA because it had a focus on behavioral health and this is a topic of significance several members of the health cooperative.