HOPE Forums
A Collaborative Approach to Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Greater Minnesota.
About
Steve Rummler HOPE Network, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council, and area partners are teaming up to address Substance Use Disorders and overdoses in Greater Minnesota through a series of community events collectively known as the H.O.P.E. Rural Forum Series.
These events will bring together providers and members of the public to pool resources and share experience, with a focus on reducing stigma, promoting available services, and addressing barriers to the utilization of prevention and harm reduction strategies, including naloxone. Each Forum will include presentations by regional experts and SRHN staff, and will represent a collaborative effort with local providers, law enforcement, partnered organizations and community members impacted by the opioid crisis.
Why Rural Districts?
There are unique barriers to prevention, treatment, and recovery in rural communities which require additional resources and a collaborative approach to address. Data has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had a particularly heavy impact on those in need of chemical and mental health services in outstate areas and the health care professionals who provide those services.
- According to preliminary data, the increase in fatal overdose rates in 2021 were higher in Greater Minnesota than in the 7-county Metro for the first time since 2014. 1
- Rural areas are notably underserved by treatment providers. 2, 3
- Accessibility barriers related to travel and cost have prevented many from obtaining tools like naloxone. 4
Forum Locations
Beginning late 2022 through 2023, SRHN will be hosting six forums in the following cities. Click the name of the city to see more details about that forum.
Moorhead
About
Steve Rummler HOPE Network is proud to present our first H.O.P.E. Forum! This FREE event is dedicated to finding community-wide solutions to the overdose crisis in Greater MN. The day will include live presentations, exhibitor tables, an opioid overdose response training, networking, forum discussions and more! Lunch generously provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield MN.
Date & Time
Thurs, November 3, 2022
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location
Comstock Memorial Union at MSUM
CMU Ballroom
615 14th St. South
Moorhead, MN 56563
Click here to learn more about our Moorhead Forum.
Winona
Date & Time
Weds, December 7, 2022
Location
Kryzsko Commons Student Union at Winona State University
Kryzsko Ballroom
250 W 10th St
Winona, MN 55987
Click here to learn more about our Winona Forum.
Worthington
Date & Time
Thurs, February 9, 2023
Location
Worthington Event Center
1477 Prairie Drive
Worthington, MN 56187
Click here to learn more about our Worthington Forum.
Brainerd
Date & Time
Thurs, March 30, 2023
Location
Northland Arboretum
14250 Conservation Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
Click here to learn more about our Brainerd Forum.
Bemidji
Date & Time
Thurs, April 27, 2023
Location
Sanford Center
1111 Event Center Dr NE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Click here to learn more about our Bemidji Forum.
Virginia
Date & Time
Thurs, June 1, 2023
Location
Iron Trail Motors Event Center
919 6th St. South
Virginia, MN 55792
Click here to learn more about our Virginia Forum.
Get Involved
There are many important ways you can be part of our forums. We are actively seeking event partners to host tables, provide printed materials and resources for attendees, and serve as guest presenters on key forum topics. If you’re interested in getting involved with the H.O.P.E. Forum Series, please click the button below to fill out our interest form.
Host a Table
A key goal of our forums is to connect community members with available resources in their area. We would love for your organization or entity to share information about your services at the event. There are no exhibitor fees.
Give a Live Presentation
We are seeking guest speakers for each forum to present on topics including, but not limited to, substance use disorder, overdose prevention, treatment, recovery, pain management, harm reduction, etc. Forum presentations will be recorded and provided as an ongoing educational resource on SRHN’s website.
Spread the Word
Help us promote our forums by spreading the word to your network! Check out our digital media kit for helpful tools like social media graphics, flyers, sample social media copy, press resources and more!
Sign Up for Updates!
Interested in attending or just want to learn more about our H.O.P.E. Forums? Sign up to receive important email updates about event dates, locations, schedules, speakers, and more!
Stay Informed, Join the Cause,
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