NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Joshua Gorham
gorhamj@stlouiscountymn.gov
St. Louis County Suicide Prevention Coalition to host Hibbing listening session to strengthen community connections
The St. Louis County Suicide Prevention Coalition invites members of the St. Louis County community to attend a listening session on October 21 in partnership with Minnesota: Land of Neighbors.
This Listening Session is an opportunity for Minnesotans in the Iron Range/St. Louis County area to explore common strengths and build bridges over differences. The session creates space for people to speak honestly about what matters to them, listen to others and explore what action might look like together. The goal is to create something better for the people and community and demonstrate that even in a divided time, people can see what they share.
This listening session builds on the work of the St. Louis County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s Iron Range Neighbor Project, also known as the Kindness Campaign.
“The coalition formed in response to community concern about the loss of neighbors to suicide and other tragedies tied to mental health. Our collective efforts are a response by the St. Louis community to care for their neighbors facing these challenges,” said Josh Gorham, Co-chair of the coalition with St. Louis County Public Health. “Social connection and positive relationships are protective of mental health and play an important role in the resilience inherent in northern Minnesota communities.”
The listening session will begin with a community meal, free of cost with registration. Registration is capped at 100 people.
Hibbing Listening Session Details:
When: Wednesday, October 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Hibbing City Memorial Building, 400 East 23rd Street, Hibbing
“Through listening sessions and social media, we will collect information to guide what comes next. Once we understand what we share and what we desire, we can create opportunities to explore connection close to home and across our state,” shared Libby Stegger, Land of Neighbors organizer and Executive Director at Civic Bridgers.
How Can Minnesotans Get Involved?
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Attend the upcoming listening session in Hibbing
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Follow Minnesota: Land of Neighbors on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
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Subscribe to Minnesota: Land of Neighbors' email list for updates.
About the St. Louis County Suicide Prevention Coalition
The mission of the St. Louis County Suicide Prevention Coalition is to prevent suicide and promote mental well-being through community collaboration, evidence-informed strategies, and policy advocacy that creates lasting, systemic change. Coalition members include St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services, the Family Services Collaborative of St. Louis County, the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Carlton County, the Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board, Range Mental Health Center, Ely Behavioral Health Network, Twelfth Step House (Virginia), and Wilderness Health.
About Minnesota: Land of Neighbors
Minnesota: Land of Neighbors is a multi-year campaign to reach and engage Minnesotans. This effort is being funded by foundations across our state, including Bush Foundation, Initiative Foundation, Margaret A Cargill Philanthropies, McKnight Foundation, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and West Central Initiative. Learn more at minnesotalandofneighbors.org.
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