MARI Safe Station Program

 
 

Photo taken by Mobilize Recovery Across America during the September 11, 2022 Minneapolis event at Fire Station 14.

The Program

As of April 2023 anyone struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) can walk into Minneapolis fire station 14 and ask for help. A firefighter will evaluate that that individual for medical stability at no cost. From there, they will be connected with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS-R) through Twin Cities Recovery Project. The CPRS-R will arrive at the fire station within fifteen minutes and conduct an intake interview. Based on the information collected they will then be linked with resources that could include a comprehensive assessment, chemical dependency treatment, or social services. This project is based on models created out east that have shown enormous success within the first few years of operation. MARI is a collaborative effort between KOPI, the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Fire Department, Twin Cities Recovery Project, Cordata Healthcare Innovations LLC., and YourPath.

How it Works

  1. Go to Fire Station #14, where a firefighter will welcome you. (2002 Lowry Ave.N. Minneapolis, MN 55411)

  2. If you need medical attention, it will be provided.

  3. If you do not need medical help or if medical support has been provided and you are cleared and ready for the next steps, you will be connected to a Twin Cities Recovery Project (TCRP) Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS-R).

  4. Your CPRS-R will help connect you with YourPath who will help you determine the most appropriate type and level of care, such as detox, medications, mental health services, harm reduction services, and more.

  5. Your CPRS-R will stay with you through the evaluation process and continue to support you across your recovery journey

Press

North Minneapolis' Fire Station 14 launches drop-in center for people struggling with substance abuse - Susan Du - Star Tribune

Project History

KOPI executive director and Co-Founder, Nathan Koranda, was invited to participate in a National Opioid Town Hall in Washington D.C. in 2017. Jonathon Goyer, was among one of the panelists. Then manager of Anchor MORE in Providence, he discussed his experience with opioid use disorder and efforts with peer support services. His work with the emergency department and fire stations lead Nathan to explore the potential possibility of initiating a similar program in the Twin Cities. After connecting with YourPath CEO, Jordan Hansen, and the late Twin Cities Recovery Project founder, Marc Johnigan, he helped start a conversation with Hennepin EMS. That conversation lead to a conversation with MFD and the development of the current program. As a proud member of MARI, KOPI has been involved in conceptualization, project management, and program evaluation.

George Lewis from Twin Cities Recovery Project, Cheif Bryan Tyner from Minneapolis Fire Department, and Minneapolis Mayer Jacob Frey. Photo taken by Mobilize Recovery Across America.

Future work

Twin Cities Recovery Project, YourPath, and MFD will be the lead organizations running the day-to-day operations of the MARI Safe Station Program. KOPI has assembled an evaluation team and developed a robust program evaluation strategy that primarily aims to assess the needs of Safe Station participants, utilization of services, engagement, and changes in recovery capital. As we acquire data and evaluate progress we hope to make our findings public in an effort to better inform those that wish to replicate the program elsewhere.