Like an ambulance, the goal of a van making the rounds in Washington County is to save lives by providing resources for people struggling with mental health or substance use, particularly those facing barriers to care.
“We had this vision, this dream to have something similar to an ice cream truck or a food truck, going out to community events, libraries, schools, and providing a mental health outreach service,” said Connie Tanner, senior planner, Washington County Community Services.
That dream is now a reality in the form of a custom-designed, high-ceiling F250 van that travels throughout Washington County as part of an initiative called Mental Health in Motion. The van, paid for by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, brings mental health and substance use disorder resources and social services directly to community members at libraries, parks, food banks, local events, and more. Residents can get referrals, information, and even navigation for basic needs like housing and food support.
The van carries a mental health expert and, new this year, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. “We’ve got somebody in the community, able to build trust and relationships, and now to be able to add the alcohol and drug counselor, it means fewer times we have to refer people out to take another step to research an additional person,” said Anne Rooney, social services supervisor, Washington County Community Services.
The Mental Health in Motion van has a secluded area inside for confidential one-on-one mental health or drug and alcohol use assessments with county professionals. When parked, the van has a welcoming area for residents to stop by and ask questions or get resources on a variety of Washington County offerings.
Since hitting the streets in May of 2025, Mental Health in Motion has connected with 7,500 people. “On the side of our van, it says ‘you matter,’ and that’s intentional,” Tanner explained. “We want everyone to realize that life can be tough, and we are here for you.”
Tanner said whether picking up a brochure or getting a comprehensive assessment, Mental Health in Motion is meant to be an entry point at the library or a park that then connects residents with additional care services in Washington County. Being in the right place at the right time is critical for those suffering from deteriorating mental health or addiction.
“If we can just save one life because someone stopped by for a dose of Narcan or got a comprehensive assessment or told a family member or friend about this resource,” Tanner explained. “If we can just put information in people’s hands or normalize it because mental health and substance use are health.”
As Mental Health in Motion rolls into its second year, the hope is to one day expand, which has organizers dreaming. “We want to have a fleet of vans,” Rooney exclaimed. “We want to take over because it would be great not to have people come to Washington County, but have Washington County come to the people.”
Check out the schedule of where the Mental Health in Motion van will be this summer here. Feel free to ask questions by emailing here.
