Great Lakes ROTA-RC Reporter
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Minnesota Superior Lakeshore (photo by Dierdre Sperry, courtesy of artist)
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April showers may bring May flowers, but it also brings opportunities for learning and growth within our communities! The spring equinox carries significance to many people, cultures, and communities of practice. For many of us it represents a time of rebirth and hope - a message we promote as part of systems of treatment and recovery. This month we visit our neighbors in Minnesota to learn how they are strengthening community capacity to prevent, treat, and support. Join us as we celebrate and elevate our regional partners!
Learn more about the ROTA-RC Project at our website,
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Strength in Numbers: Minnesota County Shares Fentanyl Test Strips with the Community
St. Louis County has taken proactive steps to combat the opioid crisis and aid in the detection of fentanyl by compiling fentanyl testing kits and distributing over 3,000 fentanyl test strips to community partners. These kits include informative cards featuring local organizations and resources, created in collaboration with University of Minnesota Extension, as well as safe use stickers with simple harm reduction tips related to naloxone and overdose prevention. As a result, more than ten organizations that had not previously partnered with the county on harm reduction efforts have reached out to request participation in future orders.
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What is included in the reporter?
Each month we month we will be spotlighting the range of services, supports and resources available throughout the Great Lakes region. We will highlight one of our states, their local efforts, partners, and events as well as continue to connect you to national mental services that will serve the needs of you and your community. This month we shine the spotlight on MINNESOTA.
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Great Lakes ROTA-RC Website
- SPOTLIGHT -
Each of our state leaders are adding new content to highlight projects, events, and activities where their ROTA funding has been doing great outreach. Don't just wait for the monthly newsletter - head to the website and check them out!
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Click the calendar picture above to head to the website for more event information...
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Calendar At a Glance
How to Be A Recovery Ally
Thursday, April 20, 11:00-12:30 PM CST/ 12:00-1:30 PM EST
Indigenous Evaluation: Learning Together!
Thursday, May 11, 12:00-1:00 PM CST/ 1:00 -2:00 PM EST
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder MAT/MOUD
Thursday, May 25, 12:00-1:00 PM CST/ 1:00-2:00 PM EST
Opioid Overdoses: Risk Factors, Signs and Saving Lives!
Thursday, June 6, 11:00-12:00 PM CST/ 12:00-1:00 PM EST
Mental Health First Aid For Spanish Speakers
Wednesday, July 17, 9:00-3:30 PM CST / 10:00-4:30 PM EST
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Partner Events FYI...
Minneapolis, MN May 24-27
In-Person, May 24-27th
Online, June 6-8
(link to register for event above)
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Briana Matrious is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator and a member of Extension’s American Indian Resource and Resilience Team.
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How does trauma connect to substance use and how can healing start?
I believe that addiction is just a symptom of historical trauma. Until we get to the root cause of our pain, we won't ever figure out the opioid crisis, we will never figure out alcoholism or any other symptom of trauma for that matter. I believe we have to get to the root cause of our issues.
Hear more from Briana and other experts HERE
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Narcan Goes Over-The-Counter
On March 29th, the Food & Drug Administration approved 4mg Narcan for over-the-counter sale, increasing the number of places where the medication can be sold. While it will take time for the approval to take effect, once the change is implemented anyone can purchase Narcan at locations like gas stations or convenience stores without any sort of prescription. Other versions of naloxone, including injectable naloxone or other amounts of Narcan must still be picked up at a pharmacy. Learn more about what the approval means in the FDA’s press release.
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Xylazine and Fentanyl: A Dangerous Combination
Last month, the Drug Enforcement Administration released a warning about a troubling trend: an increase in xylazine (a veterinary sedative) and fentanyl combinations in the illicit drug supply. Xylazine (commonly called “Tranq”) is a powerful substance that can cause necrotic (rotting) wounds and severe withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone cannot counteract the effects of xylazine in an overdose because it is not an opioid (though experts always recommend administering naloxone in case of an overdose). Read more about xylazine in the DEA Public Safety Alert or the FDA Alert to Health Care Professionals.
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been a widely used resource for many professionals looking for the latest information on treatment updates, professional training, grant programs, data, research and more.
Interested in up to date information on health resources, disaster response outreach and much more? Then you should get to know SAMHSA's Press Announcements page. Determine how state and national responses can help shape your local outreach efforts.
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The Great Lakes Neighborhood
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Cynthia Baade, President of Mission Restart, works to ensure everyone has a place to turn to for support in their journey toward recovery. Baade founded Mission Restart in response to the pandemic-related shutdown of recovery meetings and loss of support for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. According to Baade, many people felt isolated and lacked the support to continue their path toward recovery. "A lot of people were saying that they felt like they didn't have anybody to reach out to," says Baade.
Thanks to C.O.P.E's provision of over 500 customized cards discussing safe use tips for drugs and highlighting other support and resources in the area, Mission Restart now provides harm reduction information in addition to their weekly meetings, peer recovery services, and 24-hour support line for those in need.
Learn more about this great project HERE
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Cynthia Baade,
President of Mission Restart
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Supporting Wellness in Pine County
Pine County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Minnesota has stepped up to support residents in recovery through wellness baskets. Jenae Hicks, a health educator at Pine County DHHS, puts together wellness baskets and delivers them to local recovery agencies. Since the program started in 2021, more than 100 baskets have been distributed to various agencies in Pine County. Previous baskets have included fleece blankets, journals, cleaning and cooking supplies, recipes, and personal care products. The community's overwhelmingly positive response is reflected in multiple messages of gratitude and appreciation.
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Understanding Trauma and Healing with Remembering Resilience
“Remembering Resilience” is a podcast that “explor[es] concepts, science, history, culture, stories and practices” in the context of recognizing resilience and promoting healing. The podcast was created by the Tribal N.E.A.R. Science and Community Wisdom Project and features University of Minnesota Extension educator Briana Matrious among other knowledgeable hosts. The third season is in production, but the first two seasons are available for listening now!
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness
RHI Hub Rural Health Information Hub
Great Lakes TTC Technology Transfer Center
Great Lakes PTTC Prevention Technology Transfer Center
Great Lakes ATTC Addiction Technology Transfer Center
Great Lakes MHTTC Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
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The Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-RC) is funded by SAMHSA to serve rural areas in Il, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension leads ROTA-RC in partnership with the University of Illinois-Extension, Purdue Extension, Michigan State University Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, and Ohio State University Extension. Learn more at our website, greatlakesrota.extension.wisc.edu
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. La Universidad de Wisconsin-Extensión, un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa (EEO/AA), proporciona igualdad de oportunidades en empleo y programas, incluyendo los requisitos del Titulo VI, Título IX, y de la Ley para Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA).
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