A Rural Strategy Rooted in Strength
In 2018, ThedaCare’s Community Health Needs Assessment revealed two urgent, interconnected concerns: youth mental health and substance use. Around the same time, national data painted a grim picture—more than 30% of high school students reported prolonged sadness and more than 17% had seriously considered suicide.
ThedaCare leaders didn’t just look for a short-term solution. They moved upstream.
With the support of its long-standing Community Health Action Teams (CHAT) and a coalition of community partners, ThedaCare brought Sources of Strength to schools across northeast and central Wisconsin—first through the Healthy Teen Minds initiative and then through a broader rural expansion that would go on to reach thousands.
“Sources of Strength upends traditional models. It’s not about scare tactics. It’s about building strength, connection and community.”
— Tracey Ratzburg, ThedaCare Community Health Coordinator
From Pilot to Regional Expansion
The initial implementation in urban and suburban schools laid a strong foundation. In 2019, ThedaCare expanded Sources of Strength to a set of rural counties and school districts, launching the program in middle and high schools across the region.
This move was timely: the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education systems just as the program launched. Yet, thanks to local leadership and coordination, many schools adapted and carried the work forward.
“Without ThedaCare’s help, none of this would have taken place.”
— Pat Schwanke, Former High School Teacher and Sources Trainer
Real Impact: What the Data Says
From 2019 to 2023, Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data showed a steady increase in Wisconsin students reporting prolonged sadness. The percentage rose from under 34% to 35% statewide. Meanwhile, national trends hit 40% in 2023.
But the story was different in rural Wisconsin schools implementing Sources of Strength for three or more years.
From 2021 to 2023 alone, those schools saw decreases in sadness ranging from 2% to 19%—moving in the opposite direction of both state and national averages.
Sources Schools: 2–19% decrease (2021–2023)
Wisconsin Statewide Trend: +2% increase (2019–2023)
National Average (2023): 40%
Sources Schools (2023): 27–31%
“Friends have come to me because they know I’m part of the program … It gives me a sort of happiness in my chest. I can help them. And they trust me.”
— Andrea Walby, Peer Leader and Sophomore
What Made It Work
ThedaCare didn’t just fund a program—they invested in the structure to help schools succeed.
They hired a dedicated regional coordinator and two local trainers to reduce barriers, offer real-time implementation support and connect districts with the national organization. The work was funded through the ThedaCare Community Fund, with matching support from participating schools.
This allowed schools to focus less on logistics and more on empowering students, training adult advisors and building a culture of strengths and support.
ThedaCare’s Sources of Strength Reach at a Glance
- 16 rural schools across 6 counties
- 1,605 peer leaders trained
- 652 adult advisors trained
- 3,000+ students reached per year in rural counties
19,000+ students reached annually across nine counties (in collaboration with regional partners)
ThedaCare’s Shared Lessons Learned
Over six years, the project revealed several themes worth sharing with other communities:
- Continuity matters: Turnover in staff or leadership can delay or disrupt implementation. Long-term success requires planning for transitions.
- Buy-in drives success: When students, families and educators are genuinely engaged, the culture shift is real. Passionate adult advisors are key.
- Time is tight: Staff are stretched thin. Programs like Sources must be supported—not stacked on top of—existing responsibilities.
- Flexibility is vital: COVID-19 threw everyone a curveball. But flexibility and commitment helped the work continue through uncertainty.
ThedaCare’s Legacy—and a Model for Others
Thanks to this work, rural schools in Wisconsin are now home to thousands of students and adults who are better equipped to face challenges related to mental health, substance use, bullying and more. Communities are stronger, more connected and more hopeful.
“The momentum for systemic change is building. And the work continues.”
— Tracey Ratzburg, ThedaCare Community Health Coordinator
Want to Learn More?
Read the full Report from ThedaCare here
Interested in bringing Sources to your community? Book a call with our team or fill out this quick form to get started.