State awards United Way grant for substance abuse and mental health

United Way of Steele County has been awarded a Communities that Care (CTC) Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of $545,000 over five years.

This significant investment will support the expansion of youth substance use prevention and mental health initiatives throughout Steele County, said Annette Duncan, president of United Way.

The Communities that Care grant, funded through Minnesota’s Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (SUPER) Unit, is designed to help communities implement evidence-based strategies that reduce youth substance use and promote mental well-being. The CTC model is a proven, community-driven framework that empowers local coalitions to assess needs, build partnerships, and implement targeted prevention strategies.

“We are honored to receive this grant and excited to deepen our commitment to youth wellness in Steele County,” Duncan said. “This funding allows us to build on our strong foundation of prevention work and bring together community partners to create a healthier future for our youth.”

Over the next five years, United Way will lead the implementation of the five-phase CTC model, which includes community engagement, data-driven planning, and the delivery of effective prevention programs. The initiative will focus on youth under the age of 25 and will address risk factors associated with substance use and mental health challenges.

The United Way has a long-standing history of supporting youth through collaborative prevention efforts, school-based mental health programs, and community education. This grant will enhance those efforts and provide new opportunities for innovation and impact.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our many partners in prevention—schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, local government, and community organizations—who have supported our work over the years,” Duncan added. “We look forward to continuing this journey together and invite all community members to join us in building a safer, healthier Steele County.”

For more information about the Communities that Care initiative or to get involved, please contact United Way at 507-455-1180 or www.unitedwaysteelecounty.org.