Substance use disorder recovery startup Kyros lands $10.5 million in funding to grow tech platform
Kyros, a platform that connects people to substance use disorder peer recovery specialists, will use the raise to expand service access.
Mental Health & Addiction
MinnPost’s Mental Health & Addiction coverage seeks to shine a light on issues that affect a huge number of Minnesota families yet are often ignored by the media, with author Andy Steiner writing stories related to mental health, addiction and the complex relationship between the two.
University of Minnesota enters national long-term research looking at child development and substance use
While there’s a body of research on how substances affect brain development, researchers say there has been no comprehensive study looking at early years of life over a long period of time.
People Incorporated’s new Minneapolis program expands hybrid model of mental health care
After crisis treatment, clients can stay for longer-term intensive treatment at People Incorporated’s Chicago Avenue program.
After school shooting, former Greater Minnesota principal creates HuddLUp to help emotionally isolated kids
Jerry Sparby was principal of Cold Spring Elementary in 2003, when a student at nearby ROCORI High School shot and killed two classmates.
Despite successes, addiction treatment programs for families struggle to stay open
Residential addiction treatment programs that allow parents to bring their children along have been recognized for their success. But a mix of logistical challenges and low reimbursement rates mean they struggle to stay afloat.
Addressing the mental health needs for Minnesota refugees
Refugees arrive to the United States following traumatic events that turned their worlds upside down. And when resettling, mental health is often one of the last things people are thinking about.
Greater Minnesota nonprofit’s partnership with Department of Corrections focuses on peer support for recovery
Wellness in the Woods’ Hope on Purpose contract with the Department of Corrections covers four training sessions a year held at different corrections facilities around the state.
‘This can’t go on forever’: Forum will address ongoing housing needs of adults with serious mental illness
Lorie Regenold, 54, admits that she still worries about what her son’s life will be like when she gets older. Making sure he has a safe place to live requires advocacy and effort, Regenold said.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner’s mental health clinic was inspired by community need
Adedeji’s own experience with deaths in her family pointed to a clear need for more understanding in the Nigerian community about mental illness and its treatments.
‘I will keep fighting for this’: State licensure is a challenge for many internationally trained mental health professionals
Because of Minnesota’s complex licensing requirements, these three internationally trained mental health professionals say they haven’t been able to practice at a level equal to their education and experience since moving to the state.
As fentanyl overdose deaths surge in Minneapolis, some advocates say the city isn’t acting fast enough
Fatal opioid overdoses in the city increased by 130% from 2017 to 2021.
Teens with addiction are often left to detox without medication
Teens who land in emergency rooms with an opioid overdose generally receive naloxone to reverse the effects of dangerous drugs in their system and are sent home with a list of places they can go for follow-up care. But too often, those teens never seek additional help.
Wisconsin’s ‘death grip with alcohol’ is killing more residents
Excessive alcohol use is taking a heavy toll in a state that celebrates its drinking culture.
University of Minnesota researchers hope FREUD tool will detect early signs of serious mental illness
The project, known as Fast, Reliable, Electronic, Unconscious, Detection, or FREUD, would use measurement of brain activity to detect early, subconscious signals of hesitation or pause over specific images that may signal the early stages of certain conditions.
Inspired by crisis and controversy, Minnesota health orgs work to improve access to mental health care and reduce hospital stays
About a year ago, mental health providers and hospital administrators started meeting weekly to find ways to reduce emergency department stays. They say changes are under way.
‘Anything is possible’: Recovery advocate, ex-felon makes a run for Duluth City Council
Until this spring, when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill restoring voting rights to ex-felons, Miranda Pacheco would not have been able to vote. Now, her first-ever vote will be for herself.
Gen Z entrepreneurs tackle youth mental health crisis with music therapy
SoundMind app founders Brian Femminella and Travis Chen on how they’ve helped K-12 students combat pandemic-induced stress and anxiety by 46%.
With legalization on the horizon, a child psychologist reflects on hazards of teen marijuana use
The Minnesota State Legislature’s recent move to legalize recreational use of the drug for adults over 21 is raising questions for many of her patients’ parents about the availability and impact of cannabis on their teens.
Through her own recovery, Bush Fellowship recipient saw a need for addiction resources in Minnesota’s East African community
When she began her own journey of recovery from substance abuse disorder in 2009, Farhia Budul saw a need for culturally specific services. Her organization — the first of its kind in the U.S. — provides addiction recovery and awareness services to Minnesota’s East African community.
Can better online information for mental health crisis care help people avoid 911, ERs?
While police officers and paramedics have some training in assisting individuals struggling with mental illness, these situations are often beyond their expertise, and in many cases, taking this route for assistance can be less direct or effective and sometimes dangerous.
