The Connection
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We are connecting stakeholders and resources to improve the mental health of our community!
The NEW Mental Health Connection was born out of the findings from the LIFE Study, a ThedaCare Plunge, and a Mental Health Summit in 2011. The community was further motivated by a cluster of teen suicides that shook the Fox Valley. We have been working collaboratively since then to ‘move the needle’ on large-scale, systemic and complex issues of mental health. As a backbone agency, the Connection’s mission is to lead the collaboration of community stakeholders to create and continuously improve an exceptional mental health system of care for Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet Counties. The Connection’s core functions are to: Guide vision and strategy by building a common understanding of the problem, support aligned activities by facilitating communication and collaboration, build public will to create as sense of urgency and articulate the call to action, establish shared measurement practices, advance and advocate for an aligned policy agenda, and mobilize funding to support our goals. The Connection is a membership organization, and has expanded to over 50 members across the tri-county region, with new members joining every month. Member agencies include, not only the large health systems, ThedaCare, Affinity and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, but community-based agencies like NAMI Fox Valley, the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, and Homeless Connections. Other members include school districts, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, clergy/faith communities, individual community members and mental health providers (large and small).
09/25/2026
The Preventing Deaths of Despair Training Series explores the connections between traumatic brain injury, ADHD, chronic pain, sleep disruption, and increased risk for su***de overdose.
Registration is still open!
Save your seat today: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
09/22/2026
What are Deaths of Despair?
Explore how chronic pain can affect coping strategies, treatment decisions, alcohol use, and long-term health outcomes while identifying opportunities for earlier intervention.
Up to 6 CEUs available
Register: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
09/17/2026
Deaths of Despair is a term used to describe deaths related to su***de, overdose, and alcohol-related disease.
Join us as we explore the trends behind these outcomes and what communities can do to strengthen connection, resilience, and hope.
🔗 Register: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
09/11/2026
What are Deaths of Despair?
Explore the complex factors behind rising rates of su***de, overdose, and alcohol-related disease and their impact on our communities.
Up to 6 CEUs available
🔗 Register: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
09/10/2026
Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community.
Join professionals and community leaders from across Wisconsin for a thoughtful discussion on Deaths of Despair and the opportunities we have to make a difference.
Up to 6 CEUs available!
🔗 Register: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
09/03/2026
What are Deaths of Despair?
Traumatic brain injury can impact decision-making, emotional regulation, substance use, and su***de risk. Explore the connections and practical implications for prevention, screening, intervention, and support.
Up to 6 CEUs available
Register: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
09/02/2026
What are Deaths of Despair?
Sleep disruption is often one of the earliest indicators of mental health challenges and su***de risk. Learn how providers can better recognize warning signs and support intervention efforts before a crisis occurs.
Up to 6 CEUs available
Register: https://www.newmentalhealthconnection.org/preventing-deaths-of-despair-registration/.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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P. O. Box 374
Appleton, WI
54912
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