Working together to Burst the Stigma of Mental Health!
What can YOU do?
Use Person First Language
Be aware of your own prejudice
You Matter. You are Not Alone. Let's Talk.
Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health and Community Resources click here.
- National, Regional, and Local Resource Guide click here.
If you are experiencing a Mental Health emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Opioid Information:
State of MN reports record drug overdose deaths in 2021 (article link)
Steve Rummler Hope Network: Opioid Epidemic at a Glance
Medication Assisted Treatment: Evidence based approach to treating Opioid Use Disorder
Naloxone/Narcan: What is it and how to use it.
Steve's Law: Don't Run. Call 911
*Additional Opioid Information can be found on the Better Together website: better2gether.me
Coalition Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations:
The Better Together Coalition of Kanabec County meets on the 1st Friday of each Month, 9:00am -10:00am at the Kanabec County Jail Training Room. Community members are welcome to attend.
Better Together Coalition of Kanabec County Website: www.better2gether.me
About the Better Together Coalition of Kanabec County:
In 2021, the Substance Abuse Coalition of Kanabec County (SACK) changed its name to the Better Together Coalition of Kanabec County. While continuing to promote substance use prevention the coalition will also work to address mental health/wellness, resiliency, and recovery. Changing the coalitions name means we can encompass a broader vision to promote mental wellness, resiliency, substance use prevention, and recovery. There is not a linear approach to prevention and building a healthy community takes time, resources, and commitment. We are proud of the work we have done and the collaborative partnerships we have built. We know we our communities are better when we come together and now our name matches our mission.
The Substance Abuse Coalition of Kanabec County was established in 2006 when community members expanded their mission, previously focused only on methamphetamines, to also include prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
Over the course of the last fifteen years, the coalition has been funded through various state and federal grants. Grant funds have been utilized to educate, change policies, systems, the environment, provide technical assistance, and collaborate with partnerships all to reduce overall substance use.
SACK projects have included working with county and city governments to pass a social host ordinance, form youth drug and substance free school groups, community education presentations, promotion of positive and substance free community activities, alcohol and tobacco compliance checks, installation of drug drop box, and much more.
In March of 2020, the coalition’s ten-year federal funding cycle ended, however, the coalition’s commitment to provide positive community health outcomes did not. In a survey recently conducted by the coalition, mental health issues were atop the list of concerns for community members. Experts agree that mental health challenges can be a contributing factor when substances are abused and alternatively, substance abuse can also lead to mental health challenges.
We need everyone involved as we strive to promote our vision for positive community outcomes. If you would like to learn more or are interested in joining the coalition, please contact Allison Krueger at: allison.krueger@co.kanabec.mn.us or visit our website: www.better2gether.me
Coalition Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations:
The Better Together Coalition of Kanabec County meets on the 1st Friday of each Month, 9:00am -10:00am at the Kanabec County Jail Training Room. Community members are welcome to attend.
What is prevention? Presentation 10/2022 by Patti Miller, Health Promotions Coordinator