about us

OpenMIND is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to bringing awareness to mental health and suicide in North Dakota, and providing support and resources for mental health in Minot, ND. The suicide rate in our region has risen by over 70% over the last ten years and has become a real daunting issue in our communities. We lost our brother Lee Randall to suicide in 2010, and we feel there is an underlying stigma against addressing mental health and suicide within our culture. We need to work together to change this.

We are helping to spur programs focused on mental health within our community and are collaborating with people such as Heidi Woods of Mindful You and Mindful me and Kayla Helenske from Expressive Journeys.

You can read more about them on our Collaborators Page. 

Through a collaborative approach, we’ve been able to further our reach and offer more help to those who need it. By partnering up with those who have goals that are aligned with ours, we’re able to bring awareness and programs to help prevent ND’s mental illnesses through a variety of different initiatives. From creative art workshops to mindfulness practices, our partners and collaborators help us provide a wide array of valuable community programs. 

Currently, we are promoting resources aimed to help individuals and families in the prevention of mental health issues. The resources include mindfulness techniques, dietary and exercise tips as well as resources specific to families and educators. 

You can read more about these on our Resources Page.

The success of North Dakota’s mental health programs starts with the kids. This has led us to establish the Room To Breathe initiative in schools all across North Dakota, whereby we create a space for teachers to step away and focus on their well being, albeit for a short period of time. 

Teachers are under an enormous amount of stress and if we can help them cope and understand the value of mental health practices, then this has a direct impact on the kids and the schools in North Dakota. 

While our efforts are focused on mental health in Minot ND, we hope our online resources are useful to anyone wanting to care for their own mental well-being.

Follow us on social media for inspiring mental health content and sign up for our monthly newsletter which includes a variety of mental health tips, resources and useful info for you and your family.