The Heart of New Ulm is a collaborative partnership working to support a culture of wellness in New Ulm; www.heartofnewulm.com
Mission: The Heart of New Ulm (HONU) aims to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of all New Ulm-area residents through education, available resources, initiatives and partnerships that empower people of all ages to take responsibility for their own health in a supportive environment. About Us
Since 2009, the Heart of New Ulm (HONU) has been helping people in New Ulm, Minn., improve
their health. The project began as a 10-year population health research project that was a collaborative partnership of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), Allina Health and the New Ulm community designed to help residents reduce their risk for heart disease. It offered a unique environment for studying how various interventions, systems and environmental improvements, along with policy changes, can impact the health of an entire community. Today, the Heart of New Ulm continues as a community-owned health initiative being sustained through community partnership and funding. It is focused on three significant, complex and interrelated health issues, where progress in one area can support improvements in the rest:
• Healthy lifestyles across the lifespan: Our goal is to support educational programs, activities and policies that help individuals increase access to physical activity and healthful foods, as well as support eating well and active living.
• Mental health: Our goal is to reduce the burden of mental health by reducing stigma, improving early identification, and offering resiliency programming focused on mental health conditions.
• Addiction and risky use of substances: Our goal is to support educational programs, activities and policies that increase awareness of addiction and misuse of legal substances, and also address the use of illegal substances. Health Equity Goal: Our goal is to increase awareness of health equity in New Ulm and work to impact the decision making process within government and organizations to decrease the impact of the inequities that occur in New Ulm. Our page features supports, resources, tips, community events, and news on heart health. For more information about the project or upcoming events, “Like” us on Facebook or sign up for email updates at www.heartofnewulm.com.
04/20/2026
Perfect reason to explore 🍃
FREE State Park admission on Saturday!
This weekend = free park day 🌲
On Saturday, April 25, all 73 Minnesota State Parks are offering free admission — and yes, that includes Flandrau State Park.
Whether you’re spotting wildlife, hitting the trails, or just getting outside after a long winter, it’s the perfect excuse to spend the day in New Ulm.
No entrance fee. Just show up and explore.
👉 Plan the rest of your visit: newulm.com
04/20/2026
Mental health matters — for individuals, families, and our entire community.
The Brown County Mental Health and Wellness Action Team (MHWAT) is working to reduce stigma, build resiliency, and improve access to mental health resources across Brown County.
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
04/17/2026
Looking for a FREE way to get active this weekend?
Check out this family event! Thank you Youth POWER - Optimist Club of New Ulm
We are opening our Sunday, April 19th event is open to youth of ALL ages under 18. Come join the fun! Registration is appreciated but not required.
04/07/2026
Our third annual South Central Minnesota Mental Health Conference is just one month away! Space is filling up quickly, so get your tickets today. Another of our fantastic speakers is Dr. Jennifer Londgren, founder of The New Leaf Wellness Institute and associate professor at MSU-Mankato. For more information and registration, visit our conference webpage at tinyurl.com/2026MHConf.
04/01/2026
🌿 2026 Parklet Opportunity – Downtown New Ulm
Bring your business outside this summer. ☀️
The Downtown Action Team, in partnership with the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, is offering one parklet space for the 2026 season.
A parklet extends your business into the sidewalk — creating additional seating, increasing visibility, and enhancing the customer experience.
This is an opportunity to:
• Expand your usable space
• Attract foot traffic
• Activate your storefront in a unique way
Only one space is available — interested businesses are encouraged to apply early.
03/31/2026
Our third annual South Central Minnesota Mental Health Conference is coming up on May 6 and you'll get a chance to hear the amazing duo The UP Guys! For more information and registration, visit our conference webpage at tinyurl.com/2026MHConf. Get your tickets today!
03/28/2026
What a turnout for the Cannabis 101 event yesterday! Thanks to everyone that came out to learn with us.
Interested in what our Chemical Health Action Team is up to next? Visit heartofnewulm.com for a list of our action teams and meeting times. All community members are welcome!
We have incredible local partnerships! Special thanks to Brown County Public Health, New Ulm Police Department and Brick Side Growers for participating in this panel and your participation on our Chemical Health Action Team.
03/18/2026
What do you get when you put an owner of the downtown cannabis retail shop, Chief of Police, Public Health Educator, a Mental Health Professional and local Community Health Improvement Coordinator in the same room?
Brown County Public Health
New Ulm Police Department
Brick Side Growers
03/11/2026
Join us March 26 for an engaging, interactive and free event designed to help parents, caregivers, educators and community members better understand today’s cannabis landscape. Register at https://tinyurl.com/NewUlmCannabis by March 20 for free pizza at the presentation!
03/06/2026
We are so proud to be teaming up with The Heart of New Ulm Project to host the 3rd Annual South Central Minnesota Mental Health Conference!
This conference is open to any and all people who are interested in gaining understanding and tools to support their mental well-being. The speaker list is TOP NOTCH!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Heart of New Ulm Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The Heart of New Ulm (HONU) aims to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of all New Ulm-area residents through education, available resources, initiatives and partnerships that empower people of all ages to take responsibility for their own health in a supportive environment. Initially started in 2009 by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and New Ulm Medical Center as a 10-year research project designed to successfully reduce heart attacks, the project continues today as a community-owned health initiative focused on three significant and widespread health issues:
Healthy lifestyles across the lifespan
Mental health
Addiction and risky use of substances
The entire community is working toward a common vision — to support a culture of wellness in the community. Individuals and organizations are helping to inspire and support each other and help make the healthy choice the easy choice where we live, work, learn and play. The Heart of New Ulm is guided by a 12-member community Leadership Team, along with more than 80 community volunteers representing 35 organizations on 11 Action Teams.
For more information about the project or upcoming events, “Like” us on Facebook and visit our website at www.heartofnewulm.com.
