First Virtual Event on Opiate Addiction A Success

First Virtual Event On Opiate Addiction A Success Our first virtual wellness event was a hit! Last month, we launched a virtual wellness series and this first virtual health event focused on opiate addiction and treatment. The conversation centered around voices of youth and the growing concern of opiate overdose in the Somali community. The event saw 15 virtual participants and covered a brief history of this growing health challenge on a state-wide and local level. Emily Carroll, the Director of Clinical Care and Nurse Practitioner at HealthFinders Collaborative (HFC), launched a question and answer segment which allowed a safe learning environment for youth to address any questions and concerns. Omar Aden, a local Somali youth, also led a discussion segment on how youth can support one another through addiction and recovery. Omar believes, “We as youth should work together to remove the shame culture around drugs and addiction and be there to support one another in times of need.” As Emily states, “I was really impressed with how engaged the youth were and how their questions showed me that they were truly interested in how to help their peers.”

Our Commitment to Recovery HealthFinders continues to offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opiate use disorder (OUD) at both the Faribault and Northfield locations with the dedicated help of Emily Carroll and Jim Anway, a retired U.S. Army nurse. One of the greatest successes of MAT services at HFC stems from its partnership with the Rice County Mobile Opiate Support Team (MOST), a countywide coalition of agencies that came together to address opioid use. The project, supported through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, is working to expand local options for MAT and provides community members recovery support and connection to resources. MOST and HFC work together to ensure patients are given the resources needed for recovery. In rural areas, connecting all elements of successful treatment can be challenging, especially for patients who do not have a driver’s license. MOST can arrange transportation for patients as well as a host of other support services. The project provided HFC with startup funds to train staff and equip the new clinic.

Resources HFC offers MAT clinics at both our Northfield and Faribault offices. If you are in need of an appointment to treat OUD, you’re a partner serving patients who could benefit from MAT services, or you’re interested in learning more about this program, please call HealthFinders at 507.323.8100.