Blaine County’s Mental Well-Being Initiative and the Formation of TogetherWe
In 2023, Blaine County came together around a shared goal: strengthening mental well-being across our community.
What began as the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation’s Mental Well-Being Initiative has since evolved into TogetherWe — an independent nonprofit shaped by listening, collaboration, and a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone in our valley has the opportunity to feel connected, supported, and well.
TogetherWe reflects what was heard from the community through this initiative and brings together a continually growing network of partners across healthcare, education, nonprofits, government, business, and faith communities. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to strengthening how our community supports mental well-being — now and for generations to come.
How This Work Began
The Mental Well-Being Initiative was launched by the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation in response to growing community need and a shared recognition that mental well-being is essential to a thriving community.
Beginning in 2023, the Foundation convened community members and partners to better understand and map Blaine County’s mental well-being ecosystem — from prevention and early intervention to treatment and recovery.
Through this collaborative process, partners identified shared goals and priorities, including strengths to build on and critical gaps to address:
GOAL 1: Increase community connectedness and belonging
Foster belonging and connection by creating inclusive, substance-free spaces and opportunities that strengthen relationships, reduce isolation, and enhance community well-being.
GOAL 2: Strengthen and expand evidence-based prevention practices
Align, strengthen, and expand evidence-based prevention strategies to improve behavioral health outcomes, reduce substance misuse, and promote healthy, resilient communities.
GOAL 3: Increase accessibility of behavioral health services
Increase access to affordable, culturally responsive, and coordinated behavioral health services by reducing barriers, expanding local provider capacity, and improving care navigation.
GOAL 4: Expand behavioral health crisis response
Build a coordinated, 24-hour crisis response and stabilization system that provides timely, compassionate, and effective support for individuals in crisis.
GOAL 5: Provide strategic leadership and data-driven collaboration
Advance a coordinated, data-informed approach to improving community mental well-being by aligning partners and funding around shared priorities, unified communication, and measurable impact.
The St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation played a critical role in launching and nurturing this work by providing leadership, funding, and partnerships that helped the Mental Well-Being Initiative take root and grow.
The Work Today and Into the Future
TogetherWe now carries this work forward as a community-powered, independent organization so it can continue to grow, adapt, and reflect the voices and needs of Blaine County residents.
Working alongside partners and volunteers across the valley, TogetherWe focuses on strengthening connection, coordination, and support for community mental well-being. This is long-term, collective work — grounded in the belief that care, connection, and support should be within reach for everyone.
Those who care about mental health in Blaine County are encouraged to stay engaged. Whether through time, talent, or resources, there are many ways to contribute to a thriving, connected, and mentally well community.
Learn More
To learn more about TogetherWe and follow along as this work continues to grow, visit: www.togetherwe5b.org
