[0:01] - The Start with Hi Campaign is an initiative [0:03] to build a stronger, more connected community [0:06] throughout Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield. [0:09] In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared social isolation [0:13] and loneliness as an epidemic. [0:15] It's the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. [0:18] So it's affecting health drastically. [0:21] We also know that on a local level, [0:23] one in three people in Bloomington, in Edina, Richfield [0:27] have reported feeling lonely and isolated. [0:29] 20% of high school students [0:30] have actually considered suicide, [0:32] and 6% have attempted suicide. [0:35] So we felt we were at a crisis point of sadness, [0:39] loneliness, isolation. [0:41] And in public health, we are tasked [0:43] with making a dent in mental health and the issues. [0:46] And although we're professionals, [0:47] we're not mental health professionals. [0:49] So this initiative is our attempt at helping [0:53] and getting community to help community. [0:56] This event is a launch, so this is kind of our kickoff [0:58] to let community know what we're doing, kind [1:01] of what our goals are. [1:02] - It's great to see so many people here [1:04] and I'm so very happy that we have an event like this [1:07] to bring people together, to bring the community together, [1:10] and an opportunity to meet new people and to say hello. [1:13] - One of the biggest challenges we see is [1:15] with the connected world. [1:16] I have two phones on me that tell me [1:18] what to do all the time. [1:19] We don't often stop and say hi and talk to people. [1:24] - [Ann] We have a welcome table. [1:26] We have resources here. [1:28] We have NAMI, which is National Alliance of Mental Illness. [1:31] We have friends and company. [1:33] We have the Bloomington Mental Health ERG. [1:36] We have Meals on Wheels. [1:37] We have different activity stations, so we have games, [1:40] but they're focused around gratitude, kindness. [1:44] We have a connection chain. [1:45] You can go make a link on that. [1:47] - You could just tell that there's a hunger [1:48] for connection everywhere but here too, so... [1:52] - Well, I think that there is a strong need for people [1:55] to continue to work on good mental health. [1:57] And so I think it would increase the chances [1:59] of it being talked about more [2:01] and being more accepted [2:02] if there are events out in the community [2:04] that people feel comfortable and safe going to. [2:06] - [Ann] We have a website that lists the statistics [2:09] and it actually is a campaign that is meant [2:12] to inspire community to take care of community. [2:14] So you yourself, if you feel inspired, can even run out [2:17] and do something as well. [2:18] But if you are interested in doing it with the city [2:21] and our initiatives, just keep checking the website. [2:24] (gentle music)