Brightwater Health

06/07/2026

Brightwater Health is so fortunate to have Charity Runners running in this year's Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Inc. each raising funds for our mission, promoting mental health and reducing stigma - one step at a time.

Each runner has their own story on WHY they are in the marathon for mental health...
Meet our charity runner, Anna -

"I grew up passing through Duluth, Two Harbors, and Grand Marais, spending countless days in the Boundary Waters. A couple years ago I even had the opportunity to live on the gunflint trail and outfit trips through Voyager Canoe Outfitters. My respect and appreciation for Northern Minnesota is beyond words.

I’m so grateful to be running with Brightwater Health, not only because it serves a community I love deeply, but also because they support individuals with experiences similar to mine.

My father struggled with his mental health and, in 2021, he chose to end his life.
I still try to comprehend what happened and the grief truly comes in waves. I think about moments that he missed, the birthdays, the graduations, and everything in between. Future moments as well, like who will walk me down the aisle?

Partnering with Brightwater Health has given me a platform to advocate for holistic health care and accessible mental health services. Mental health can look different for everyone so check in with yourself and check in with those around you. At Grandma's I’m eager to reduce stigma, create connection, and stand along those fighting mental illness. Oh and save the BWCA!!! "

Anna's story on why she is running is very powerful, a reminder to care for those around you because we never know who is truly struggling and may need support. Ending stigma is so important for this very reason. Anna, we couldn't be more grateful to have you running with us! Donate to Anna's Fundraising Page here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/109310/2026-grandmas-marathon-weekend-races/pledge/participant/41768148

Photos are of Anna and her Dad when they used to travel to the BWCA.

06/05/2026

Find our new commercial on WDIO, MeTV and www.wdio.com!

06/05/2026

Brightwater Health is so fortunate to have Charity Runners running in this year's Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Inc. - each raising funds for our mission, promoting mental health and reducing stigma - one step at a time.

Each runner has their own story on WHY they are in the marathon for mental health...
Meet our charity runner, Haylee -

"Why I’m running: Mental health and addiction affect so many people, often in ways we can’t always see. Supporting an organization that helps individuals heal, recover, and feel supported means a lot to me.

This race is also personal. Training for and completing a half marathon is a reminder to myself that I am capable of doing hard things. It’s proof that my mind and body are stronger and more resilient than I sometimes give them credit for. Every mile is not only for a great cause, but also a challenge to keep pushing myself."

Haylee - we are grateful for your support and awareness in mental health and addiction. We are proud of you for doing hard things and are excited to cheer you on in this year's marathon!
Donate to Haylee's Brightwater Health Fundraising Page here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/109310/2026-grandmas-marathon-weekend-races/pledge/participant/40502786

06/04/2026

We are excited to attend this year's Trans Joy Fest with Trans Northland!
Join us on Sunday at the end of Park Point from 11am - 4pm. Find us and over 70+ other vendors, food trucks, activities and more!

06/04/2026

Brightwater Health is so fortunate to have Charity Runners running in this year's Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Inc. - each raising funds for our mission, promoting mental health and reducing stigma - one step at a time.

Each runner has their own story on WHY they are in the marathon for mental health...
Meet our own Team Member & Clinical Therapist, Elliana -

When we asked her why she is running this year, she stated, "Running gives me space to clear my mind, work through difficult days, and reconnect with myself. What started as a way to stay active slowly became one of the most important forms of wellness in my life. Training for Grandma’s Half Marathon has reminded me of how much strength and healing come from putting one foot in front of the other. Some runs feel empowering, some are hard, but every mile helps me feel more grounded and resilient. I’m excited to take on this challenge while raising money to support our community and access to mental health services. It means a lot to combine something that has helped me personally with an opportunity to give back and support others on their own journeys."

We are grateful for you in so many ways, Elliana - Thank you for running for mental health this year!

06/02/2026

We will be at the next Hiring Now! Job Fair tomorrow -
Wednesday, June 3rd | 2:00PM - 4:00PM
at Duluth CareerForce.

Stop by to see us and many other employers hiring for important positions in our community!

06/01/2026

We are excited to attend this event on Sunday 6/7 with 70+ other vendors, food trucks and community partners!

Our official event flyer is READY and we could use your help getting them out!

Are you a business owner, non-profit worker, etc. and you have access to a printer? 😉 Email us and we will send you the flyer, you can print it off, and then hang it up for all to see!

For those without printers, please SHARE this post! Please and thank you!

05/29/2026

We are wishing our Team Members - Brad & Caleb - strength and determination on their participation in Ruck Life tomorrow! Both are rucking in honor of 23rd Veteran and Brightwater Health. We are proud of you!

05/28/2026

Brightwater Health is so fortunate to have Charity Runners running in this year's Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Inc. - each raising funds for our mission, promoting mental health and reducing stigma - one step at a time.

Each runner has their own story on WHY they are in the marathon for mental health...

Meet our own Team Member, Meg -
"I have run in some way, shape or form my whole life. Through athletics in high school & college to running to keep myself sane in adulthood.

I’m back for the half marathon and I’m running with a new purpose: supporting the work I do every day in early childhood mental health through Brightwater Health. I see how much families want to give their kids safety, stability, and healing & and how many barriers stand in the way. The need is huge, and the impact of early support is even bigger.

So every mile I run this year is for the kids learning to feel safe, the parents doing their best, and the families who deserve more resources than they have.

If you’re able to donate, it genuinely helps Brightwater Health provide services that change lives. Thank you for supporting me, our agency, my miles, and the families we serve."

Meg is getting married in August to Brad (who was featured on our page earlier this week). This couple is highly competitive, ESPECIALLY MEG! They are competing against each other to raise more money on their runner fundraising page. Both Meg & Brad are employees here at Brightwater and our staff has now been divided in 'Team Meg' vs 'Team Brad'.

Join in the race by donating to 'Team Meg' today: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/109310/2026-grandmas-marathon-weekend-races/pledge/participant/40520889

05/27/2026

June 1st marks Nancy's last day at Brightwater Health, and we want to take a moment to recognize what 40 years of service actually means.

Forty years. That's not a career — that's a calling. Nancy has been the steady hand behind our Health Information Services through every system change, every regulatory shift, every new face that walked through our doors. She has touched the work of every program and every provider here, often in ways none of us ever saw.

Nancy never sought the spotlight. But when the team needed someone to step up, she did — every single time. That tells you everything you need to know about who she is.

Very few people give four decades of their professional life to one organization. When someone does, it tells you something about their character — their loyalty, their quiet pride in doing essential work well, and their deep commitment to the people we serve.

Nancy, on behalf of the entire Brightwater Health family — thank you. We are better because you were here.