Cook County becomes part of a statewide Mental Well-Being and Resilience Learning Community thanks to a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), The Cook County Local Advisory Council for Mental Health (LAC) and the Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) department. The series, which debuts in Cook County at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, highlights projects happening across Minnesota that foster community well-being. Presentations are live streamed via WebEx to host sites throughout Minnesota, with the local sites offering space and discussion after each presentation. In Cook County, these two-hour sessions will take place in the ITV room on the first floor the Cook County courthouse. As with all sites, these presentations are free and open to the public. This month’s session will highlight the Children and Nature Network (www.childrenandnature.org), a nation-wide initiative to educate local planners and decision-makers on how to integrate natural resources into local priorities, planning and policymaking. The goal of this program is to build connections between nature-based activities and children, as a growing body of research shows this is critical to supporting health and well-being throughout one’s lifespan. “It is exciting to have the opportunity to host this event,” says Andrea Orest, chair of the Cook County LAC. “Hosting these conversations reduces barriers to access, as driving to Duluth was the only option to participate previously. We hope this creates a platform for a broader community conversation around well-being, resiliency and mental health resources.” Prior Resilience Learning Community presentations covered combatting isolation in adolescents, cultivating social connection in rural communities, and teaching mindfulness to educators. The LAC is pleased to offer this opportunity to promote understanding of mental health needs and to build community initiatives around mental health and well-being in Cook County