Fairview Mesaba Clinics – Hibbing is proud to announce that it has been awarded funding by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to continue implementing the Tackling Opioids With Networks (TOWN) model, a multi-strategy initiative aimed at combating the opioid crisis in Minnesota. MDH selected six primary care clinics to participate, targeting areas disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis in Minnesota. This initiative, part of MDH’s comprehensive efforts to reduce drug overdose deaths, will be supported by Fairview Mesaba Clinic, which is receiving a total of $800,000 over a four-year period.
The MDH grant supports the continuation of TOWN, which began in 2022. It was originally funded by the Bureau of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with goals to reduce the number of chronic opioid prescriptions, increase access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), and enhance community care coordination and prevention efforts. With this funding, Fairview Mesaba Clinic will continue collaborating with community leaders and its clinics to ensure that individuals struggling with substance use disorders receive the necessary support and treatment.
Opioid addiction continues to be a serious concern in Minnesota and across the United States. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, in 2022, there were over 1,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in Minnesota, highlighting the importance of continued prevention and intervention efforts.
Fairview Mesaba Clinic has been incorporating the treatment of opioid use disorder into primary care since 2018, specifically with MOUD – Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone). “Being able to provide MOUD in a primary care clinic has expanded access to evidence-based treatment to many individuals with an opioid use disorder. The great thing about providing MOUD in primary care is that we get to not only treat opioid use disorder, but we get to take care of the individual’s overall health and well-being”, said Danielle Jones, RN-BSN, CARN (Certified Addictions Registered Nurse), RN Care Coordinator at Fairview Mesaba Clinic. Each individual works with their care team to develop an individualized, patient-centered treatment plan. The care teams consist of providers, nurses, social workers, community health workers, and other professionals who provide resources to help individuals on a path to recovery. “Our motto is simple: No judgement. Just treatment,” added Jones.
With this additional funding, Fairview plans to add additional members to its health care team to provide increased support and resources for individuals with a substance use disorder. Fairview also aims to form stronger community alliances to help combat the opioid epidemic and work towards preventing overdoses in the community.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder and would like to talk to a member of our care team, please call Fairview Mesaba Clinic at 218-362-6937.
