Lincoln County Social Connection Challenge

Join the Lincoln County Social Connection Challenge! This initiative is organized by the Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition, Aspirus Merrill Hospital, and Lincoln County Health Department in observance of Mental Health Month. The Social Connection Challenge runs from May through June and encourages community members to prioritize social connection by limiting screen time; reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors; seeking opportunities to help others; and finding ways to get involved in your community.
“When we have strong relationships and feel connected to others, our mental health improves,” organizers said. “Even the smallest of actions can make a difference and help provide meaning and purpose in our lives.”
Participate in the challenge on your own or with family, friends, or a group. The key is doing activities with others.
Pick up a challenge form at the Lincoln County Health Department, T.B. Scott Free Library, Tomahawk Public Library, or Aspirus Merrill and Tomahawk locations.
Or access the online form at https://tinyurl.com/ConnectLincoln.

The challenge form includes a list of 65 ways to connect with others. Once you do 20 activities, complete the form and drop off at any of the pick up locations listed above. You can also send by mail to the Lincoln County Health Department, 607 N. Sales St. Ste. 101, Merrill, or complete the online form. Completed forms will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Merrill or Tomahawk Chamber Gift Certificate. Forms must be returned by July 11.
Forty winners will be contacted the week of July 21.
“We know that social connection is essential to our mental health,” says Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator for Lincoln County Health Department and Lead for the Healthy Minds Coalition. “We hope this challenge provides a fun way for families, friends, and our community to become more connected and take part in activities that make us feel good and bring us together.”
Community members, organizations, and workplaces are encouraged to embrace this challenge by hosting activities and finding ways to make it their own.

If you are looking for other opportunities to connect, check out these websites as a starting point:
• Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce - merrillchamber.org
• Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce - tomahawkchamber.com
• Tomahawk Mainstreet - tomahawkmainstreet.org
• T.B. Scott Free Library - tbscottlibrary.org
• Tomahawk Public Library - tomahawk.lib.wi.us/
To learn more about the Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition, go to co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/healthy-minds-coalition.