University of Minnesota's 2021 Annual Meeting Fellow Lightning Round Presentation

Jeremiah Fairbanks, DO presented “Safe Station Initiative” during the June 2021 Annual Meeting’s Fellows Lightning Round session. Dr. Fairbanks is a graduate of the University of Minnesota's Addiction Medicine fellowship program.

Dr. Fairbanks' presentation explored the Safe Station initiative, which strives to provide culturally sensitive low threshold substance use disorder treatment in underserved and predominantly African American neighborhoods. The initiative connects first responders with community-based peer recovery services to provide immediate service to individuals seeking help for addiction and substance abuse.

To receive treatment, individuals can visit select Minneapolis fire stations where they will be assessed for mental health, substance use disorder, medical, and psychosocial needs, and then referred to appropriate professionals as necessary. The Safe Station initiative also provides education to the Minneapolis Fire Department and Hennepin EMS to train first responders on substance use disorder and address stigma.

In an effort to improve this program, ongoing adjustments are made based on evidence collected on the effectiveness of the initiative and the stigma within the Minneapolis Fire Department.

View Dr. Fairbanks' presentation slides.

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