Build resilience.
We are here to help.
The WellSpring Project was established in 2020 as a community driven initiative that uses upstream public health efforts to promote resilience and healthy development for all people in Washington County, MN. WellSpring implements multiple strategies to address well-being through the lens of the intergenerational transmission of trauma, stress, and poor health outcomes. We are intentional in promoting the themes of hope, connectedness, empowerment, inclusivity, empathy, mindfulness, and a proactive approach in our work.
To create and sustain meaningful change that reflects the need of our community, WellSpring convenes a group of stakeholders who are dedicated to the development of resilience and well-being in Washington County. The leadership team represents different sectors and voices in our community.
If you are interested in becoming a Leadership Team member, please contact PHE@co.washington.mn.us
Check out how we’ve been working towards our goal of
resilience through these special projects.
Community Conversations
This resource will support you and your community in having important conversations about grief, loss, and mental health during difficult times. These conversations help build resilience and provide an opportunity for individuals or community groups to develop a plan to support their well-being.
Free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
In order to protect our community, Washington County Public Health & Environment encourages anyone in the community who is interested to take a free lifesaving suicide intervention course. The QPR Gatekeeper online course teaches participants how to “Question, Persuade, and Refer” a person who may be considering suicide through a one hour session that can be accessed at any time.
To access your free training:
• Go to the QPR Gatekeeper Training Portal
• Enter WCDPH as your Organization Code
• Select Create Account
• Complete and submit your registration form with your email
• QPR will display and email the newly created username and password
• Log in to begin training at QPRTraining.com
WellSpring partners with organizations within the community to create a network of resilience in Washington County. Here are examples of previous WellSpring Partner Projects. Stay tuned for 2023 funding announcements.
These resources can help you navigate mental health resources in your community. In case of an emergency use the hotlines below or dial 911.
Text MN to 741741
The 24/7 emergency service is available if you
or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric or mental health crisis.
Adult Mental Health Crises Response: 651-275-7400
Children Mental Health Crises Response: 651-275-7400
Call 1-800-442-4673
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Call 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511
Are you an adult needing support?
Talk to a specialist who has firsthand experience living with a mental health condition.
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the U.S.
Call 651-777-1117 or visit the website
Call 651-772-1611
Mobilizes Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence.
Call 612-825-0000
Helps people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds who have experienced relationship violence, elder abuse, addiction, sexual exploitation or other forms of trauma.
Call 651-227-8284
Walks with victim/survivors and our community to break the cycle of domestic violence.
Mary Ellen Strong Foundation: Promotes mental health in underserved communities.
An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
A youth empowerment organization that creates safe spaces and healing opportunities for youth of color.
This organization works to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional healthcare and healing.
Contains resources to therapists and hotlines for Black African Americans struggling with mental health during this uncertain and challenging time in our Black community.
Provides residents of Washington County, Minnesota with transportation options that get them where they want to go safely and affordably.
The WellSpring Project helps people who live in Washington County, Minnesota be more healthy and resilient at every stage of life.
What is Resilience and How is it Created?
What is Resilience?
Resilience is the process of being able to adapt and grow in the face of life changes and challenges.
Everyone experiences challenges.
Throughout life, every person will experience twists and turns, from everyday challenges to traumatic events with more lasting impact.
Reactions are unique to each person.
Each change can affect people differently, bringing a unique mix of thoughts and emotions.
People adapt over time.
In general, people adapt well over time to life-changing situations and stressful situations—in part thanks to individual resilience and resilient communities.
Resilience can be created through different skills developed, through relationships with others, and by connecting with the larger community.
Youth & Young Adults
During the teen years it is important to explore and learn who you are and how you want to engage with the world. You can do this through a variety of ways including goal-setting, defining beliefs and values, and developing a relationship with yourself and with people who are important to you.
Adults
Adults contribute a great deal to the community by guiding current and future generations through their role in families, relationships, and careers. At this stage of life, adults may be responsible for raising children, teens, or being caregivers to older adults. Although adults juggle many responsibilities, personal mental health and well-being needs to be prioritized in order to live healthy and fulfilled lives.
Parents & Children
Resilient families are better equipped to handle the inevitable challenges of life. Families can foster resilience in children by building strong bonds that promote trust, autonomy, and self-confidence.
Older Adults
Older adults are given an opportunity to give back to the community by sharing integrity and wisdom. It is a time to reflect your experiences and find meaning in the next stage of life. Building resilience as older adults supports well-being and promotes connection.
