November 13, 2023
One Big Thing supports mental well-being in the 5HF region. This month, the One Big Thing Core Team will be meeting in small groups with members of the original Stewardship Council to determine the focus and make up of Stewardship Council 2.0.
Our three Action Teams are working to prevent social isolation, mental health crisis due to alcohol and other substances and improving access to local resources. All three Action Teams are invested in the promotion of onebigconnection.org as a one stop location for community members to find local resources to support their mental health and emotional well-being.
Action Team 1 – Social Isolation and Sense of Purpose
Action Team 1 worked with a designer to create a bookmark and a postcard that will help us promote onebigconnection.org. The bookmarks and postcards will be printed and ready to be shared this month. This team will also be inviting school staff members from the 5 districts who directly support the mental health of students to a discussion to help our team better understand the needs of the school-aged population and their families.
Action Team 2 – Barriers to Access: Including Food, Housing and Transportation
Action Team 2 created a list of resources for seniors within the 5 Healthy Towns region to expand upon support currently listed on onebigconnection.org. The list will also be available in print for seniors who may be challenged using technology. This team has been brainstorming ways to connect community members with available resources, including working toward identifying and training gatekeepers. Action Team 2 is also considering ways to advocate for the increase of food assistance for those in need.
Action Team 3 – Use of Alcohol and Other Substances
The Rock the Mock campaign launched this month. There are 10 businesses within the region who are committed to participating so far. Team members are still in the process of visiting local businesses. After a presentation from the Michigan Opioid Collaborative, Action Team 3 is hoping to add at least one Narcan distribution box in Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge. Home of New Vision sponsors the box at the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation office and is willing to continue partnering with us to supply boxes for the other communities. Plans are also underway to promote Dry January.