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Goodhue Today
By the People, for the People
Goodhue County Unveils Plan to Address Community Health Issues
New initiatives aim to improve mental health, chronic conditions, and substance abuse in the region.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:20am
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Goodhue County's collaborative plan to address community health issues aims to promote physical activity, mental wellness, and substance abuse recovery.Goodhue TodayGoodhue County Health and Human Services has released a comprehensive Community Health Improvement Plan to address key health priorities in the region, including mental health, chronic health conditions, and substance abuse. The department will be working closely with community partners to promote crisis resources, expand peer-led support groups, increase provider access for mental health services, champion physical activity, improve healthy food access, and combat substance abuse through youth mentorship and education.
Why it matters
Goodhue County's new action plan reflects the growing need to address critical public health issues that have significant impacts on the local community. By taking a collaborative, multi-pronged approach, the county aims to better support residents struggling with mental health, chronic diseases, and substance use disorders.
The details
The Community Health Improvement Plan will guide the county's efforts through 2028. Key initiatives include promoting crisis resources, expanding peer-led support groups, increasing access to mental health providers, championing physical activity, improving healthy food access, and combating substance abuse through youth mentorship and education. This comes after a recent community health needs assessment found that Goodhue County residents experienced an average of 6 unhealthy mental health days per month, 79% of adults were overweight or obese, and 420 residents received chemical dependency treatment in 2023 alone.
- The Community Health Improvement Plan will continue through 2028.
- In 2023, 420 Goodhue County residents received chemical dependency treatment.
- The county's recent community health needs assessment was conducted last year.
The players
Goodhue County Health and Human Services
The local government agency responsible for developing and implementing the Community Health Improvement Plan to address key public health issues in the region.
Josh Smith
A community engagement specialist for Goodhue County who discussed the collaborative nature of the new action plan.
What they’re saying
“There's a lot of work happening in those areas. And I would say most people across the county have been impacted one way or another by one of these health priorities.”
— Josh Smith, Community Engagement Specialist, Goodhue County
What’s next
The Goodhue County Health and Human Services Department says its action plan to address these issues will continue through 2028, with ongoing collaboration between the county and community partners.
The takeaway
Goodhue County's comprehensive approach to improving community health reflects the growing need to tackle complex public health challenges through coordinated, multi-faceted initiatives. By leveraging partnerships and data-driven strategies, the county aims to make meaningful progress on critical issues like mental health, chronic disease, and substance abuse that impact residents across the region.
