The Heart of New Ulm Project
The Heart of New Ulm Project (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
Click here to download the 2020-2022 Action Plan
For more information on the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation’s research from The Heart of New Ulm Project, visit mhifpopulationhealth.org

YOU are HONU:
It’s easier to be active in New Ulm
YOU are HONU:
It’s easier to eat healthier in New Ulm
The project is guided by a 12-member Leadership Team, along with more than 80 community volunteers representing 35 organizations on 11 Action Teams:
- Brown County Mental Health and Wellness
- Coalition for Active, Safe and Healthy Streets
- Communications
- Downtown (Minnesota Main Street)
- Food Environment
- Improving Health for All (Health Equity)
- Long-Term Sustainable Funding
- New Ulm Bike Group
- New Ulm-Healthy Home Offerings via the Mealtime Environment (NU-HOME) Research Study
- Safe Routes to School
- Worksite Wellness and Community Health Challenge
Click here to download more information about the Action Teams
