Healthy Community Initiative

by Ashley Gardner as a Guest Columnist for the Northfield News

September is National Recovery Month, and at Healthy Community Initiative we are celebrating both the power of recovery and the harm reduction work that’s been accomplished in Rice County during the past year through the efforts of the Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition (RCCMHC).

Recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community. As part of National Recovery Month, the RCCMHC is hosting Recovery in the Park, an annual family-friendly event that builds connections among those impacted by substance use. We hope you can join us on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Faribault’s Central Park.

Enjoy a free meal of brats and burgers, accompanied by baked beans, chips, and cookies. Four inspiring speakers will share their stories of experience, strength, and hope–including residents of sober housing, graduates of treatment court, MOST participants, and dedicated professionals in the chemical health field. Some speakers are just beginning their recovery journey, and others are celebrating many years.

We’ll also have a guest DJ playing tunes, tables with resources, and lots of fun activities for all ages–with plenty of ways to learn, connect, and enjoy the day. For the latest updates, click here for event information (Facebook) or follow the RCCMHC on Facebook. 

We are grateful to all our sponsors for their generous support of this year’s Recovery in the Park: The Faribault Foundation, Junk Truck MN, Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition, Rice County Treatment Court, A Way Out Sober Living, Hy-Vee, Fareway Foods, Healthy Community Initiative, Restore Recovery, Rent N Save, Cub Foods, Cedar Lake Electric, The Depot Bar and Grill, Fernbrook Family Center, MN Adult and Teen Challenge, Faribault Parks and Recreation, and Umlaüt DJ and Fabrication.

If you’re not familiar with the RCCMHC’s work, here are a few harm reduction success stories from the past year:

• We have placed 76 naloxone access boxes throughout Northfield, Faribault, Lonsdale, and Dundas, and we have distributed 1,569 nasal naloxone kits and 472 fentanyl test strip (FTS) kits. The boxes provide unmediated access to those seeking naloxone and help to reduce the stigma around substance use in general by being out in the community, front and center at community locations.
• We have trained 453 people in how to administer naloxone, the medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. We offer free community trainings for organizations and individuals. To learn more and schedule a training, email rccmhc@hci-mn.org. Learn more about naloxone at ricecountycmhc.org/naloxone/.
• Reduction and Awareness of Vaping and E-cigarette (RAVE) youth group has worked to support other youth who are trying to cut back or quit using commercial tobacco products by assembling and distributing 216 nicotine quit kits. The kits were placed in all Northfield and Faribault middle and high schools, in a communal location for unmediated access. They contained fidgets, mints, suckers, lip balm, breathing straw necklaces, and motivational cards with quitting resources on the back.

With the right support and resources, a healing and fulfilling life is made possible. Thank you for joining us in celebrating Recovery Month! 

Ashley Gardner is HCI’s network impact coordinator for the Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition.