Heart of New Ulm

South Central Mental Health and Wellness Conference
2026-05-06 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Sleepy Eye Event Center, 110 12th Ave NE, Sleepy Eye, MN, 56085, United States
Save the Date – May 6, 2026!
The South Central Minnesota Mental Health and Wellness Conference envisions a world where mental health is openly discussed, understood, and supported without stigma. Our conference aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals from all walks of life can come together to share experiences, gain knowledge, and build a supportive community.
This third annual conference is being coordinated by the Brown County Mental Health and Wellness Action Team (MHWAT), which works throughout Brown County to reduce the stigma of mental health, increase resiliency and improve access to mental health treatment and services.
Get Your Tickets
Highlights from Prior Year Conferences
2025: Read the article in the Journal about Mindy Greiling, a former 20-year state legislator, mental health advocate and author, who shared a powerful story at the conference of navigating her son’s schizophrenia and her efforts to change policies and overcome fear and stigma.
2024: Read the article in the Journal about Brown County Attorney Chuck Hanson’s presentation on social media and its effects on children.
2026 Conference Schedule Coming Early 2026
May 6, 2026Sleepy Eye Event Center
Registration opens in early 2026 and our last two conferences sold out quickly. Stay tuned for details on how to register.
New this year! Youth Conference on May 7, 2026

Note: When purchasing multiple tickets, each attendee must have a unique email address.

Brown County Mental Health and Wellness Action Team
2026-05-06 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-03 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-01 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-05 14:00 - 15:30 | MN
1st Wednesday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m.

Youth Day at the South Central Mental Health and Wellness Conference
2026-05-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Sleepy Eye Event Center, 110 12th Ave NE, Sleepy Eye, MN, 56085, United States

Brown County Chemical Health Action Team (CHAT)
2026-05-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-10 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-08 14:00 - 15:00 | MN
2nd Wednesday of every month from 2-3 p.m.

Downtown Action Team Meeting
2026-05-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 1 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN, 56073, United States
3rd Friday of every month from 12-1 p.m.

Food Environment Action Team
2026-05-19 09:30, 2026-06-16 09:30, 2026-07-21 09:30 | MN
3rd Tuesday of every month from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Coalition for Active, Safe and Healthy Streets (CASHS)
2026-05-21 08:00, 2026-07-16 08:00 | MN
3rd Thursday every other month from 8-9 a.m. (odd months)

New Ulm Bike Group
2026-05-21 17:30, 2026-06-18 17:30, 2026-07-16 17:30 | MN
3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Worksite Wellness and Community Health Challenge Action Team Meeting
2026-05-26 13:00, 2026-06-23 13:00, 2026-07-28 13:00 | MN
4th Tuesday of every month from 1-2 p.m.

HONU Leadership Team Meeting
2026-05-27 11:30, 2026-06-24 11:30, 2026-07-22 11:30 | New Ulm Medical Center Auditorium, 1324 5th St N, New Ulm, MN, 56073, United States

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Team
2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-06 13:00 - 14:00 | MN
1st Thursday of every other month from 1-2 p.m. (even months)

July Worksite Training Event: Belonging: Why It Matters
2026-07-16 11:30 - 13:00 | New Ulm Country Club, 1 Golf Drive, New Ulm, MN, 56073
Join us to understand why belonging matters, and how it impacts both our physical and mental health. Learn your role in fostering the culture of belonging. Understand the warning signs and resources for poor mental health. This presentation is for employees, supervisors, organizational leaders, owners, board members and human resource professionals.
Register here.

Back to School Backpack Project Pickup and Free Resources: Register by July 24
2026-08-04 08:00 - 20:00 | New Ulm Civic Center, 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm, MN, 56073, United States
Each year, the United Way of the Brown County Area, with the support of program sponsors and donors, provides a new backpack and school supplies to eligible area students. This year, the Heart of New Ulm is partnering with the United Way Backpack Project to offer families additional free resources and fun activities through a Community Connection Resource Event!
Backpack Project Pickup*: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Free Resources and Activities**: 3 – 7 p.m.
* This event is open to all community members who register in advance for a free backpack through United Way of Brown County. Children in grades K-12 in Brown County who qualify for school educational benefits are eligible to participate in this program.
Register online by July 24:
https://www.uwbrowncounty.org/backpack-apply
** Shoes, haircuts, food and other products will be available on a first come, first served basis. Availability depends on the number of families attending.

Free shoes from Good in the Hood (4 – 6:30 p.m.)
Free haircuts from Ed’s Chop Shop, NU Roots Salon and Heat Salon
Bounce house and games from Rec on the GO
Free hygiene items from South Country Health Alliance
Free food from Plaza Garibaldi
Free treats from New Ulm Police Department
MANY opportunities to connect with local resources

Funding for the event is provided by The Optimist Club of New Ulm.
