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Freeborn County announced Monday that the 2025 Rose Olmsted Advocacy Award has been awarded to Sara Barnes of Albert Lea.

According to a press release, Barnes is a fierce advocate for mental health and wanting all to be treated equally.

“Her tireless dedication to her community embodies the very spirit of this award,” the release stated. “Her unwavering compassion and a deep commitment to ensuring that individuals struggling with mental health challenges receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Her willingness to volunteer for anything speaks volumes about her selfless nature and her genuine desire to make a positive impact. She exemplifies the qualities of service, social injustice, dignity and worth of a person, importance of human relationships, integrity and the competence that is the core of this award.”

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will formally recognize Barnes at the regular county board meeting on at 8:30 a.m. March 4 at the Freeborn County Government Center.