SEPTEMBER 2023 E-NEWSLETTER

Carmen Robles and Associates LLC

ISSUE 3 | SEPT 2023

JOINING FORCES TO FIGHT THIS CRISIS TOGETHER 3RD OF 3 VIRTUAL MULTICULTURAL CONVERSATIONS ON

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Dear Multicultural Families and Partners, We extend our gratitude for your support and participation in the Summer Virtual Multicultural Town Hall Series on Fentanyl, Narcan, and Our Children's Health. Your support is crucial in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness about this pressing crisis. Thank you for your dedication and solidarity.

CLICK HERE to ANSWER Follow Up Survey or scan this QR code CLICK HERE TO SEE RECORDING This recording will be aired in SPNN

S T H G I L H G I -H Training youth and adults in the proper use of Narcan and Naloxone is a proactive step towards equipping us all with life-saving skills, potentially preventing tragic consequences in situations involving opioid overdoses.

WHERE TO FIND NARCAN/NALOXONE? Click here HOW TO USE NARCAN? Click here

*NARCAN is the brand name for Naloxone

Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing this country. It is a highly addictive man-made opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose.

Meth, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana continue to pose significant risks, coexisting alongside the alarming presence of dangerous substances like Fentanyl and Xylazine in our communities. Vigilance and education remain crucial in addressing this complex issue.

Source: DEA.gov

CAN YOU SPOT THE FAKE?

?

?

NEITHER CAN MOST

Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Agency of the US Dept of Justice (DEA) contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. The DEA has seized a record 62 million fentanyl pills to-date in 2023, which already exceeds last year’s totals of 58 million pills.

Never trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

One Pill Can Kill Social Media Campaign

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE Partner Toolbox:

The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Public Safety Alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

The One Pill Can Kill Campaign offers an opportunity for the media, parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness about counterfeit prescription drugs. DEA has created materials to help you participate in raising awareness.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE DEA SPEAKERS AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING: Amanda Frazier Community Outreach Specialist Delivers presentations to diverse audiences. She possesses expertise and communicates effectively on the topics of drug education and prevention.

Rafael Mattei Assistant Special Agent in Charge Focused on collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to capture violent drug offenders.

Specialized in apprehending individuals, seizing assets tied to illegal drug trade, and sharing intelligence to counter international criminal organizations.

Dr. Héctor Colón Rivera Opioid Response Network

OPIOID CRISIS Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, Harm Reduction, and Recovery The Opioid Response Network (ORN) is committed to supporting the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion across the substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction workforce. The ORN offers workshops and training, technical assistance, and ongoing consultation and support for all your diversity and racial equity capacity building efforts.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

Princess Titus Teacher, Orator, Life Coach About Princess Titus: She has trained and invested in young people in the Twin Cities in the areas of Substance Use Disorders, Education, Economics, Food and Environmental Justice, Violence Prevention and Wholistic Healing.

Empowering youth is paramount; educating them about drugs is key. By showcasing positive examples of their peers who have overcome challenges, young people can be inspired and motivated. Building a supportive environment is crucial; when youth feel supported, they open up and share their concerns. To nurture their potential, providing leadership training becomes imperative. By investing in these young leaders, we are investing in a better, informed future.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

A Statement from Princess Titus:

Thank you to City of Minneapolis, Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, Hueman, Steve Rumler Hope Network, and Standard Edition Women for educating our young people while they are facing the challenges that are at the intersection of gun violence.

As we observed and listened to young people in the community they shared that there are many violences that they experience in areas where they expect to be safe. Then there is gun violence littering the lyrics of songs and the fears of mothers as their children travel on streets that display teddy bears and balloons as memorials for someone who was shot. This is a crisis, young people deserve support for their mental and physical health especially after the loss of life to gun violence may it be death or incarceration.

Saving Young Lives was a youth led four day training where we trained 48 people ages 11 – 50 on how to maintain your physical and mental health amidst trauma and how to respond to opioid overdose, suicidal ideation, a traumatic bleed (gun shot wound or stab), and how to train others how to respond to opioid overdose.

This experience has made a difference in the lives of youth and this video will share with you what that experience was like. If you would like more information about the Saving Young Lives Project, please contact Clarence Jones of Hueman Partnership: clarencejones7428@gmail.com.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

CLICK HERE TO LOCATE A SITE NEAR YOU

Wendy Goodman Director of Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative (RCCMHC) RCCMHC works across systems to meet the complex needs of youth with mental health disorders and their families. RCCMHC strongly advocates for mental health services that adhere to essential principles. These services should be accessible to all, ensuring that anyone in need can readily obtain support.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

WHERE to find

hope?

Where to find NARCAN/NALOXONE & NARCAN TRAINING? 555 Cedar avenue in KnowTheDangers.com has a naloxone/narcan finder St. paul public health clinic. cALL 651-266-1255

CLICK HERE

Recovery Centers in Minnesota

RUMMLER HOPE NETWORK 2233 UNIVERSITY AVE SUITE 325 (M,W 9-4PM) CALL 952-943-3937 narcan/Naloxone Training

800 Transfer Rd Ste. 31, St Paul, MN 55114 (612) 584-4158 info@minnesotarecovery.org 1020 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411 2350 Cleveland Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113, USA 855-203-6352

info@cmsgiveshope.com

Websites Where You Can Find Resources BASIC NEEDS & WELLNESS RESOURCES FOR RAMSEY COUNTY CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

JOBS & TRAINING RESOURCE DIRECTORY FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

LOCAL AND TIME SENSITIVE RESOURCES www.RCCMHC.ORG/COMMUNITY-BULLETIN-BOARD LOOK UNDER 'YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE'

o Naloxone (NARCAN®) Finder for Minnesota https://knowthedangers.com/naloxonefinder/ find pharmacies or Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) near you that offer naloxone. o St. Paul Ramsey County Public Health Clinic 555 ( 555 Cedar St, St Paul, MN 55101) has a walk in for FREE Narcan for nasal and/or IM (Intramuscular injection) and Fentanyl Testing Strips. They also have Xylazine test strips and do HIV/Hep C screening as well.

Call (651) 266-1255 o How do I get Narcan Training? Go to: Naloxone Training. | Steve Rummler HOPE Network o Minnesota has a Good Samaritan Law, also known as Steve’s Law, which protects someone who administers naloxone and calls 911 in good faith from prosecution, even if they are using drugs when the overdose occurs. Steve's Law provides immunity for possession of up to 3 grams heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine; up to 10 grams other narcotics; or up to 10 kilograms marijuana. Steve's Law only applies to the individual overdosing and the person seeking help, not to other bystanders. o If you, or someone you know, need treatment to stop using substances go to: FastTracker-MN Call: 612-426-6347, SUDAdmin@fasttrackerMN.org An online tool that gives real time information and availability for substance use treatment programs and mental health services. o First responders can get Naloxone if they are responding to overdoses. Go to the state website at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/opioids/basics/naloxone.html o CDC FACT SHEET ON FENTANYL: Fentanyl Facts. o YourPath Supporting Recovery of all Flavors! https://yourpathhealth.org/ info@yourpathhealth.org If you’re looking to get started with services with us, simply text us at 612-712-6879 or click the blue button to the right of your screen. We currently accept all types of insurance. No insurance? No problem, click here to get coverage. o Minnesota Recovery Connection 800 Transfer Rd., Ste. 31, Saint Paul, MN 55114, (612) 584-4158; info@minnesotarecovery.org They work to ensure that all who seek it have access to the support, care and resources they need to achieve long-term recovery from substance use disorder. We envision a recovery-oriented society. A society where everyone understands that substance use disorder is a medical condition and people do recover. A society where choosing recovery means rejecting shame, stigma and discrimination. A society where people in recovery live life fully. They have a Parents of Addicted Children’s Group and a Crystal Meth Anonymous Support Group too. Go to: https://minnesotarecovery.org/mrc_categories/recovery-supports/

o THRIVE Family Recovery Services - 844.349.2911 or Contact Pam Lanhart pam@thrivefrr.org | Thrive Family Recovery Resources (Services are free; they struggle with linguistics; they don’t have bilingual staff); If we have someone on our staff who can interpret, they will partner with us to work as a team.) They support the families impacted by substance use (founded in 2016). They provide 1 to 1 peer support and person center psycho social education, group support and connection to resources and advocacy - - they use evidence based practices. When people are looking for help they ask their family first; THRIVE helps them navigate the system of care and work locally and nationally as well.

They help family members return to a ‘normal state of health’. Their process: Evaluate, Regulate, Educate and Collaborate. They partner with lots of community members (referrals from Ramsey County, Regions, etc..). Families can self refer as well o CLUES Centro De Bienestar Y Prevencion | Wellness and Prevention Center for Adult, Youth and Family Therapy, Substance Use Recovery, Psychiatry and Community Support.

Call 612-404-2600 | MHIntake@clues.org o Community Medical Services, Roseville, MN Providing Medication-Assisted Treatment for Drug addiction, Substance use disorder, Opioid addiction, Prescription drug addiction, Fentanyl addiction and Heroin addiction. They treat through: Medication-Assisted Treatment, Methadone, Suboxone ® / Buprenorphine, Naltrexone ® / Vivitrol, Individual and Group Counseling, Peer Support, Pregnancy Support Services, Correctional Health Services, Hep C Testing. Please Call for Accepted Insurance Plans. We Also Accept Private Pay Patients. Go to: https://communitymedicalservices.org/locations/addiction-treatmentroseville-minnesota/ o Gateway Recovery Center - https://www.gatewaydetoxmn.com/ (6776 Cahill Avenue East, Inver Grove Heights. Gateway offers services for individuals 18 years of age and older suffering from addiction, substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. They specialize in the treatment of substance use detoxification and withdrawal management.

Call (833) DETOX-80 (Office phone: 651-999-3537) to speak with a LIVE admissions Representative available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. o Recovery Café Frogtown A community to heal, grow and belong - 651-206-8347 https://recoverycafefrogtown.org/ Contact: Tasha@recoverycafefrogtown.org o A Ray Resource Opioid Coalition​Give an array of resources and support to the community to build fortitude and resilience while raising awareness about their rights, risk and responsibilities associated with prescription opioids. o Juel Fairbanks Chemical Dependency Services 806 North Albert Street Phone: 651-644-6204 Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm. Provides: Residential step down treatment program for males; two GRH housing facilities for men with treatment services and case management; rule 25 assessments. Remarks: Some services not currently available.

o Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge 3231 1st Avenue South, Minneapolis Information Line: 612-373-3366 Lobby hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm. Info Line Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am–4:30 pm. Provides: For almost 30 years, Mn Adult & Teen Challenge has been restoring hope to people struggling with mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction. In addition to our effective and affordable shorter-term residential and outpatient programs and our distinctive long-term faith-based recovery program, we have extensive prevention and transitional/aftercare services. o People Incorporated Project Recovery 317 York Avenue #5 Phone: 651-793-4239 Drop-in Hours: Monday-Friday 9-11 am. By appointment at other times. Provides: Project Recovery is a drop-in center on the east side of St. Paul that provides a safe space for individuals who are homeless and have a history of chemical use. Sobriety is not a requirement but drugs and alcohol are not allowed on the property.

Services: Non-clients can access drop-in services such as Recovery and Harm Reduction Groups, referrals to case management, community activities, shower facilities, and a pool table. Individuals who are homeless and have chemical health needs may be eligible for enrollment into Project Recovery's case management program. Clients and case managers work together to access benefits, treatment, health care, shelter, and external housing resources. o Ramsey County Chemical Assessment & Referral Unit 402 University Avenue East Phone: 651-266-4008 Hours: Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm. Provides: Rule 25 assessment and referral for individuals seeking treatment or counseling for chemical dependency. Must be a resident of Ramsey County. There is no fee for assessment. There is some funding available for treatment programs. o Ramsey County Detox The Detox Center is located in the 402 University Avenue East building. Staff can be reached at Phone: 651-266-4009 Hours: Seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Provides: Detoxification services for Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, and Washington County residents, as well as members of the Mdewakanton Sioux community.

KOM’s Youth Chemical Health Team - https://mnkaren.org/programs/communityhealth/karen-chemical-dependency-collaborative/ Send referral to ctunwin@mnkaren.org Generation Hope : Somali Generation Hope has been committed to creating a better, safer, and more connected community for individuals experiencing drug addiction and substance use disorders in the greater East African community of the Twin Cities Metro area. https://generationhopemn.org/ Access Healing Center - In Saint Anthony is a treatment clinic that focused on adolescent between the age 13-18 in recovery, and youth of the East African Community https://accesshealingcenter.com/ o Dr Alfonso Morales, MD REVIVEMD Pain Medicine & Addiction Physician “Our services include Addiction treatment through a Health and Wellness approach” http://www.revivemdmsp.com

To ALL the Speakers and Testimonials: We sincerely thank you for your invaluable contributions to the Multicultural Virtual Town Hall Summer Series on Fentanyl, Narcan, and Our Children's Health. Your vital role in raising awareness about the pressing issues concerning Fentanyl, Narcan, and our children’s health has been immensely impactful. Your participation has been fundamental, amplifying our shared efforts and fortifying our community, making it more robust, enlightened, and resilient. Thank you once again for your essential role in this Summer Town Hall Series.

Bridgette Norring

Anjelica Rosalez

Noah Latzer

Dr. Alfonso Morales REVIVE MD

Redick Rasmussen

Ingrid Johansen M Health Fairview

Wendy Goodman Director of RCCMHC

Jessie Saavedra

Myriam Roby Jesus Godinez Clinical Director of Equity and Inclusion Community Medical Services Children's Minnesota

Yeng Moua Hmong Community

Ahmed Sougueh Somali Community

Shirley Cain JBS International

Pastor Donnell Bratton

Amanda Frazier Drug Enforcement Administration DEA

Rafael Mattei Drug Enforcement Administration DEA

Dr. Héctor Colón Rivera Opioid Response Network

Sgt. Justin Tiffany Lawrence Waddell St. Paul Police Walker Department West Music Academy

Princess Titus Youth Perspective

Baswewe Gayle

Eh Ta Lar, Youth Case Manager KOM Minnesota

Sgt. Beverly Rodriguez Metro Transit Homeless Action Team

We extend our gratitude to our exceptional team of interpreters: Marie Heeh, Karen interpreter; Naomi Yang and Shua Vajmim, our Hmong interpreters; Ahmed Sougueh and Omar Egueh, Somali interpreters; and Paulina López Valencia, our Spanish interpreter, who ensured our message reached diverse audiences. Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of Lauren Williams and Isabelle Barr. THANK YOU.

Thank you Ua tsaug Mahadsanid GRACIAS