AscendRural

?? On November 20th, AscendRural hosted a webinar to introduce community organizations across central Minnesota to our first pilot opportunity; leveraging innovative technologies to?support youth resilience and emotional well-being. ? We were thrilled to welcome nearly 50 participants who joined us to learn about our first pilot opportunity and how technology can address the unique challenges faced by our rural communities. ? We’re energized by the opportunity to work together and bring these pilots to life. Thank you to all who attended and shared your questions and perspectives. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us! ? ?? Interested in learning more or getting involved? Visit ascendrural.org/pilot to explore how you can engage with our mission. #AscendRural #RuralInnovation #YouthResilience?

???In September, we held the first-ever AscendRural Summit—and we’re thrilled to share the highlights with you! The summit brought together local leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore the barriers to?well-being faced by rural communities and discover new opportunities through innovation and collaboration. From thought-provoking discussions on rural mental health to innovative solutions for access, and availability, the Summit was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to co-create a brighter future for rural America. ?? Check out our highlight video below to experience the energy, ideas, and impact the Summit facilitated. #AscendRural #Innovation #RuralAmerica #TechForGood #CommunityLeadership Zak Williams, Gigi Chawla, MD, MHA, Tina May, Amanda Weinstein, Engers Fernandez, Dave Shideler, Bob Seward, TJ Kennedy, Rachelle Schultz, Ed.D., Mary Grove, Melissa Kjolsing Sourcewell

AscendRural is thrilled to announce the start of our new Managing Director,?Melissa Kjolsing. Melissa comes to us with extensive experience in technology incubation and growth, including specific expertise in behavioural health technology.?Holding an MBA from the University of Minnesota and a BSc from Minnesota State University, Mankato, her experience within the Minnesota technology community is noteworthy. ???Highlights include: founding and operating a health technology startup, acting Director of the MN Cup (the largest statewide new venture program in the country) and serving as an executive for several technology-based organizations. Welcome to the team, Melissa! #AscendRural #RuralInnovation Sourcewell

??Reminder: The deadline for the AscendRural Innovation Challenge is this week! AscendRural’s first Innovation Challenge, in partnership with ScaleHealth is focused on identifying impactful solutions that promote resilience and emotional health in rural youth. You have until October 24th, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET to submit your ideas and take part in this unique opportunity! Join the one-month challenge, pitch your solution to healthcare leaders, investors, and community organizations, and help shape the future of rural mental health. ??In case you missed it - you can catch up on all the details in our recent webinar: https://lnkd.in/e4EfpKux Selected solutions will be announced at the end of the year, and will have the chance to pilot their innovations in central Minnesota's Region Five. ?? Don’t miss out on this chance to make an impact on rural communities! Apply to the innovation challenge TODAY! https://lnkd.in/gB_tRFjE #AscendRural #InnovationChallenge #RuralHealth #MentalHealth #YouthResilience #LastCall

(2/2) Meet the Healthcare, Mental Health, & Technology Judges for the AscendRural Innovation Challenge! ???? This panel of trailblazers brings deep expertise across healthcare, mental health, and technology. With a passion for serving rural populations, these leaders will ensure the selected solutions are effective, innovative, and scalable. Chris Esguerra, MD, MBA – Chief Medical Officer, Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) Transforms healthcare systems to achieve equitable outcomes and improve care for underserved communities. Brent Wright, MD, MMM – Associate Dean for Rural Health Innovation, University of Louisville Pioneers rural health initiatives and directs healthcare innovation. Sajid Ahmed – Executive Lead, IEHP Founder & CEO, AFYA GLOBAL LTD Combines executive leadership with entrepreneurship to tackle challenges in rural health. Lacey Wind– Public Health Policy Programs Manager, National Indian Health Board Advances behavioral health initiatives focused on Indigenous communities. Solome Tibebu – Founder & CEO, Behavioral Health Tech Leads mental health innovation through conferences and tech-enabled solutions. Matt Miller, PhD – Partner, Headwater Ventures Invests in technology solutions that increase access to healthcare. This distinguished panel will ensure the challenge fosters solutions that are clinically sound, forward-thinking, and ready to drive meaningful change in rural communities. ?? Apply to the Innovation Challenge TODAY! https://lnkd.in/gB_tRFjE ScaleHealth #AscendRural #HealthcareInnovation #YouthMentalHealth #RuralInnovation

(1/2) Meet the Local Community & Education Judges for the AscendRural Innovation Challenge! ?? We are excited to introduce this panel of dedicated professionals committed to improving emotional health and resilience in rural youth. These judges bring extensive experience in community mental health, public education, and innovation to ensure the technology solutions presented through the Innovation Challenge align with local needs and values. Bob Seward – Vice President of Solution Development and Innovation, Sourcewell Leads innovative solutions for community development across Minnesota. Julia Davick, MA, LPCC – Mental Health Professional and Clinical Supervisor, Northern Pines Mental Health Center Spearheads mental health programs in local schools, combining education with holistic care. Jinny Palen – Executive Director, Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs (MACMHP) Connects community mental health organizations across Minnesota, supporting behavioral health initiatives. Shayla Budrow – Indigenous Education Coordinator, Brainerd Public Schools Advocates for Indigenous students, supporting their academic and personal growth. This team will ensure that the solutions chosen for the challenge are innovative, inclusive, and impactful for rural communities! ?? Apply to the Innovation Challenge TODAY! https://hubs.li/Q02THxfC0 ScaleHealth #AscendRural #CommunityEngagement #YouthMentalHealth #RuralInnovation

We're proud to share that our CEO and Co-founder, Cierra Gromoff, recently had the opportunity to speak at the AscendRural Summit in Minnesota! Both of our co-founders share a connection to rural communities, having grown up in Alaska and Michigan. These roots have fundamentally shaped Kismet Health Inc's mission to extend quality healthcare access to children in the most remote corners of the world. Cierra’s panel focused specifically on how technology can play a vital role in addressing youth mental health care, ranging from in-person needs, to school-based care, and the need for us all to work together to create truly collaborative experiences for kids and families. The panel brought together diverse expertise, including Nick Woods, Co-Founder & chief technologist at Hazel Health, and?Barbara Skodje-Mack, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, RPT-S, Director, Child & Adolescent Outpatient Behavioral Health at CentraCare. Lastly, we'd like to end with a shocking statistic from Heartland Forward: Mental health is stagnating or worsening in 88% of rural counties. These numbers drive us to work harder - we have more work to do than ever before! #ascendruralsummit #kismethealth #youthmentalhealth #pediatrictelehealth

?? On World Mental Health Day, we reflect on how mental well-being can start long before we seek traditional support. At the AscendRural Summit, we were reminded that mental health is also about prevention and the small, daily rituals that sustain our well-being. Let’s continue to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized and supported. ?? #WorldMentalHealthDay #AscendRural

Homeward Chief Solutions Officer Sapna Swaroop joined the annual AscendRural Summit in Minneapolis to share how Homeward is bridging care gaps in rural communities by connecting members to essential social services and local resources and fostering trust through collaboration with local providers. Thank you AscendRural for hosting us! #AscendRural #AscendRuralSummit #ARS2024

Today while speaking with leaders at both HHS, SAMHSA and HRSA the same theme kept coming up time and time again. Solutions to some of our biggest problems within healthcare need to be driven and supported by the people experiencing them. When we take off our "expert" hats and listen to the patients, providers, and communities -- we can more effectively and efficiently work together to create the type of pivotal change needed. A gentle reminder to all my fellow innovators out here---- take the time, and make sure you are building with them rather than FOR them. Thank you to AscendRural for releasing this timely quote!