Ramsey County’s new mental health outreach vehicle will bring crucial mental health support, outreach, wellness resources and eventually telehealth services directly to neighborhoods throughout the county.

County officials unveiled the new vehicle this spring, and held a contest to choose a name for it. It is promised as a welcoming space where residents can ask questions, learn about services and connect with knowledgeable mental health professionals.
“Our outreach vehicle is a mobile connection to care, support, and healing. We believe mental health services should meet people where they are, and this bus helps us reach communities across Ramsey County in an innovative way,” the county website stated.
The vehicle rolls out at a time when mobile mental health services have changed in St. Paul. Last year the St. Paul Police Department ended its Community Outreach and Stabilization Unit, which began in 2018. The unit put behavioral health practitioners with police officers to assist with mental health and/or chemical dependency calls. The city plans to launch a new program this year.

A contest to name the new county vehicle was held in May. It provides mental health outreach and resources: Information and conversations about mental wellness. It Also provides access to county services: and information about programs and supports available , including adult mental health case management, urgent care, housing support and more. It will soon add telehealth appointments. virtual visits with mental health professionals in a private and supportive space on board the van.

Source: Ramsey County