The Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition focuses on many important initiatives within the Chemical and Mental Health spaces. Learn more about initiatives in each category below.
These initiatives are the core of the Coalition’s work. For more information, click on the links below.
Trainings
The Coalition sponsors and organizes evidence-based training on adult and teen mental health first aid for community members and staff working at organizations across Rice County on topics regarding mental and chemical health.
Naloxone training is a free training for organizations and individuals on the administration of naloxone, the medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
QPR is a 90-minute training that aims to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by teaching people how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.
Evidence-Based Programs
Compliance Checks
The Coalition works with police departments regularly conduct Compliance Checks at all alcohol and tobacco establishments.
The Coalition works to increase access to naloxone through partnerships with businesses and community organizations to allow community members the freedom to obtain free naloxone through unmediated access.
The Coalition supports a community-wide effort to increase access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.
Syringe Service Programs (SSP) are community prevention programs that provide a range of services that protect communities and prevent the spread of disease.
Medication disposal boxes are located in police department lobbies in Lonsdale, Faribault, and Northfield, plus the Rice County Safety Center.
Advocacy and Education
Elected Officials Event
Protecting youth from flavored tobacco products is a critical step in reducing nicotine addiction and local action is how statewide change begins.
The Coalition maintains a Mental and Chemical Health Resource Directory on Healthy Community Initiative’s website in an effort to provide patients and providers with easy access to local resources.
Parent and Community Outreach
Providing monthly updates to local providers about events, resources, and opportunities. If you are a provider and would like to receive these emails, contact Ashley at ashley@hci-mn.org.
School Curriculum Support
The Coalition provides funding for schools desiring to implement evidence-based curricula that promote alcohol and drug prevention, social-emotional health and positive school climate.
A social host ordinance makes it illegal to knowingly provide a location/environment for underage drinking.
Youth Substance Prevention Alliance (YSPA) Task Force seeks to raise community awareness about local youth substance use and to make recommendations for community interventions to reduce youth use.
Community Events
Night to Unite
Rice County’s Night to Unite is an evening to gather with your neighbors, get to know each other, and promote community safety!
Each spring we recognize and celebrate leaders by honoring their community impact with Prevention Champion Awards.
To celebrate National Recovery Month, the Coalition hosts an annual family-friendly event that builds connections among those impacted by substance use. We celebrate the power of recovery and remind people that recovery is for everyone.
Community-Based Coalitions
RAVE (Reduction and Awareness of Vaping and E-Cigarette Use)
RAVE seeks to prevent and reduce vaping among youth across Rice County.
Breakthrough Coalition
The Breakthrough Coalition has a focus on prevention while taking a comprehensive approach to prevent substance misuse and suicide experiences in youth ages 10 – 24. As a community driven comprehensive prevention plan is developed, the coalition will assist with its implementation.