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The Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance-Regional Center (ROTA-RC) is a multi-state collaboration of Cooperative Extension programs working to address mental health and substance use concerns in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This six-state collaboration is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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Minnesota Superior Lakeshore (Deidre Sperry, courtesy of the artist)
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Whether you are enjoying the journey through fall, or thinking ahead to winter, there are both joys and challenges to be had for all of us in these seasons. Managing change and sustaining a healthy framework requires the ability to be adaptable, have many resources, and maintain the ability to reappraise situations that can test our resolve.
This October the Great Lakes ROTA-RC invites our colleagues, friends, and neighbors to pause, take a few moments to, "be here now," breathe, and hold space for the resilience that has gotten you to this moment. As you move forward, remember, you have successfully weathered many seasons already, you will do so again.
Let's us travel now to Minnesota to hear from our partners about their efforts to strengthen community capacity to prevent, treat, and support recovery and reduce harm for opioid & other substance use, as well as mental health disorders.
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Do You Need Technical Assistance (TA)?
Technical assistance is targeted support using a culturally relevant, evidence-based, holistic approach to help rural communities build capacity, as well as plan and implement programming. Great Lakes ROTA-RC collaborates with internal and external providers to customize and tailor responses to meet the needs and readiness levels of the rural communities we serve.
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Great Lakes ROTA-RC Partner
University of Minnesota Extension
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Each 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 health services that will serve you and your community. This month we shine the spotlight on Minnesota, home of Great Lakes ROTA-RC partner, University of Minnesota Extension
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University of Minnesota Extension is one of six regional partners in the Great Lakes ROTA-RC network. University of Minnesota Extension has a mission to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
University of Minnesota Extension serves Minnesotans in fifteen regional offices throughout the state. Through over 1,700 partnerships within each Minnesota county and with regional Tribal nations, University of Minnesota Extension serves more than one million Minnesotans each year.
The Family Resiliency team in the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing takes a multidisciplinary approach to providing families and communities with relevant, research informed education and resources to help individuals and families make informed decisions for better health and well-being.
As communities continue to grapple with the infiltration of xylazine and fentanyl in the drug supply, University of Minnesota Extension C.O.P.E has developed new resources to expand understanding around harm reduction and fentanyl.
University of Minnesota Extension also has a rural stress task force that applies programming and expertise from across Extension to help families and small towns respond to current economic, environmental and societal challenges that overwhelmingly affect rural Minnesota and farming communities. The team works with state agencies and agricultural organizations as well as colleagues throughout the University.
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Harm Reduction Resources
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Harm Reduction Toolkit: Harm reduction is an approach to addressing substance misuse and substance use disorder that "meets people where they're at". If you are interested in learning more about harm reduction, check out the new Harm Reduction Toolkit. The toolkit provides a thorough description of harm reduction and covers approaches like naloxone and fentanyl test strips as well. It also includes a variety of helpful resources such as a naloxone locator and mini-courses.
Harm Reduction Mini-course: What have you heard about harm reduction? As harm reduction strategies become more common, you might be curious what it’s all about. According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, harm reduction methods are intended to “meet people ‘where they are at’” and can prevent deaths and suffering caused by overdoses or infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.
Naloxone Mini-course: In this mini-course, you will learn different aspects of opioid overdose, including factors that may increase the risk of opioid overdose and signs and symptoms of opioid toxicity. You will also learn about naloxone, the pros and cons of different naloxone formulations, and how to use naloxone to reverse opioid overdose.
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Fentanyl/Xylazine Resources
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Fentanyl Mini-course: This new mini-course from University of Minnesota Extension explores the reasons behind the rise in fentanyl overdoses, fentanyl in the illicit drug market, and harm reduction approaches to fentanyl.
“Fentanyl & Xylazine: A Deadly Duo” Webinar: This presentation reviews the history of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States drug supply, compares the pharmacology of fentanyl and xylazine, and describes how fentanyl and xylazine can cause toxicity and overdose, separately and together. Viewers will review the pharmacology of naloxone and its utility in reversing opioid overdose. Participants will also be able to describe harm reduction strategies to reduce overdose and other harm resulting from fentanyl and xylazine use.
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Coping with Rural Farm Stress
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Farming can be a stressful occupation. Often, you live where you work. Your coworkers may be your spouse and/or other family members. While you get to be your own boss, you feel responsible for a lot and can control very little.
Financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, farm transfer issues, production challenges, marital difficulties, and social pressures can be real sources of stress -- even crisis -- for farmers and farm family members.
There are people and organizations ready to help. Explore them here:
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Great Lakes ROTA-RC Website
The Great Lakes ROTA-RC website has a constantly growing network, an active events page, resources from all over the region, news posts from our major partners, and much more. We hope you'll find something you need.
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Reimagining Recovery
Thursday, October 26, 1:00-2:15 PM CST / 2:00-3:15 PM EST
Role of Forgiveness in Recovery
Wednesday, November 29, 10:00 AM-11:30 PM CST / 11:00 AM-12:30 PM EST
Early Warning Signs and Suicide Prevention Best Practices in Children & Youth
2-part Session
Tuesday, January 23 & Wednesday, January 24, 12:00-2:00 PM CST/ 1:00-3:00 PM EST
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Regional & National Professional Development
Date/ Time: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 1:30-3:00 PM CST/ 2:30-4:00 PM EST
Date/ Time: October 25th & 26th, 8:30AM – 4:00PM | Attendance Both Days is Requested
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Saturday, Nov. 4, 9AM - 4:45PM CST
In person
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Thursday, Oct. 19, 8AM - 4:30PM CST
In person
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Question, Persuade, Refer Trainings
Virtual (all options)
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ASK THE EXPERT
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Great Lakes ROTA-RC highlights an individual who provides expertise and leadership for mental health and substance use support efforts in the region. This month’s expert highlight is Susie West.
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Susie West, MPH
Health & Nutrition Extension Educator
Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing
University of Minnesota Extension
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Nutrition as Harm Reduction
Nutrition can play a really key role in harm reduction for those actively using substances and for those who are in recovery. For those who are using substances, access to food in general, let alone nutritious options, may be limited or not a priority. Consistent food access could help counter the effects of the substances or behaviors associated with substance use that could negatively impact their health. For those in recovery, being appropriately nourished could help reduce the likelihood of recurrence of use and keep them on track for long term recovery. Nutrition in recovery stages is also essential for rebuilding brain, gut and immune health that may have been impacted by previous substance use.
Learn how nutrition education can support harm reduction efforts from Susie West, and check out some of our other specialist articles HERE.
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Substance Use Prevention Month
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES): People with more ACEs are more likely to live with a substance use disorder. However, understanding the role ACEs play in substance use offers potential ways to address and prevent these experiences on both the individual and community level.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline has expanded services since its release over a year ago. Specialized services are available for the LGBTQI+ community, current or former military members, and Spanish-speakers. The 988 Lifeline also offers services in American Sign Language for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
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Youth Substance Use Prevention Month
Substance use during adolescence can be prevented. The resources below highlight the importance of a supportive adult or connection in preventing substance use in young people.
“Talk. They Hear You.”: Regular conversations with a trusted adult about substance use can prevent young people from using drugs. For ten years, SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign has offered tips and resources for families and communities working to prevent youth substance use.
The Tribal Principles offer culturally relevant, Indigenous-centered guidance for tribes to consider when creating spending plans for the use of the tribal opioid settlements. This is an unprecedented opportunity to invest in solutions to address the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native people, families, and communities impacted by the opioid crisis.
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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.
October is Prevention Month; we’re all partners in prevention. Share the good news of prevention.
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Great Lakes ROTA-RC Advisory Board
Follow us here as we learn about the passion, projects and resources that make our Advisory Board members Great Lakers!
Minnesota Partner Representative - Cynthia Baade
Founder of Mission Restart in Grand Rapids, MN, Cynthia connected to University of Minnesota Extension, who were supportive in helping with peer recovery training resources and training. With UM Extension support, they have been able to train an additional 12 more peer recovery specialists this year. Cynthia serves on the MN certification board in addition to her work with Great Lakes ROTA-RC. She is a person in long term recovery, and in addition to her work, she is dedicated to her large family that consists of her husband and their 6 children.
Mission Restart is in a rural area, it is an RCO (recovery community organization), which means it is built from individuals who are in recovery, offering non-clinical support to those in recovery. Peer recovery is very new to the Grand Rapids community. Supportive, peer recovery services look like talk support, offering a warm referral to resources, and it can be a one-time contact or ongoing depending on the needs of those walking through the door. All of Mission Restart peer recovery specialists are volunteers, and there are days it can be unbelievably busy, but they always answer the call for help; our services are 24 hrs, 7 days a week. We operate through First Call for Help 211 (Minnesota).
Click on this hyperlink to hear more of Cynthia's story, what gives her passion for her work, and what resources she would recommend.
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Thank you Cynthia for all you do for Minnesota and our Great Lakes community!
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You can meet our Advisory Board Members and follow as we learn more about them each month through Inside Interview at the Great Lakes ROTA-RC website.
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The Great Lakes Neighborhood
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Great Lakes ROTA-RC, with its Midwest region Cooperative Extension partners, highlights community programming in the featured state of the month. These great programs help highlight the excellent work happening in the Great Lakes Neighborhood. This month’s partner highlights are in the tribal nation community of Bois Forte
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Harm Reduction Vending Machines in Bois Forte
Vending machines offering free harm reduction supplies are now active in Bois Forte, a Tribal nation in Northern Minnesota. These vending machines will provide items such as naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and first aid supplies to the community. The machines are the result of a grant from the Health Services and Resources Administration awarded to University of Minnesota-College of Pharmacy and Johns Hopkins University.
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Vending Machine at the Nett Lake C Store. Machines at the C Store and Fortune Bay are stocked and ready as of the beginning of October
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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 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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