Steiner's work will focus on state-funded mental health programs that make a difference for children in Minnesota public schools.

MinnPost's long-time Mental Health & Addiction columnist Andy Steiner has been named a HEAL Fellow by the Solutions Journalism Network. The fellowship is designed for "U.S. journalists reporting on, for and with young people who are facing mental health challenges and healing through innovative community responses." Steiner is one of just 10 individuals selected for the the national program. Her HEAL Fellowship will focus on new state-funded mental health support programs that are making a difference for underserved children in Minnesota's public schools.

The Solutions Journalism Network states that fellows will:

"(H)elp spread rigorous reporting on what's working to address mental health issues and inequities;

(E)xpand young audiences' access to solutions reporting on issues affecting them;

(A)ssess the impact of their solutions reporting in the community;

(L)earn and teach others how to report on and amplify youth mental health solutions."

Steiner has been MinnPost's mental health & addiction columnist since 2014. Her work puts a human face on mental health and addiction struggles while focusing on the people and entities in Minnesota working to find solutions to these issues. She previously worked as an editor at Utne Reader and the Minnesota Women's Press. Her writing has been published in local and national publications including Ms., Glamour, Self, AARP The Magazine and the Toronto Sun. She is also the author of four books -- about breastfeeding, everyday resilience, and girls and women in sports.

MinnPost's mental health & addiction coverage is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of Allan & Lou Burdick, the Redleaf Foundation, Jim & Joy Erickson, Joel & Laurie Kramer, and our over 5,000 members who donate at any level. If you'd like to support this work, you can make a donation of any amount right now.