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Face It Together Bemidji describes peer recovery, harm-reduction services to commissioners
Summary
The director of Face It Together Bemidji told commissioners his nonprofit provides free peer recovery support, forensic peer services in the county jail and harm-reduction activities including naloxone access and syringe cleanups.
Chris Earl, executive director of Face It Together Bemidji, briefed the Beltrami County commissioners on his organization's peer recovery and harm-reduction services during the work session.
Earl said the organization offers free, walk-in peer support, transportation help, advocacy and referral to treatment. "One of the main founding things ... he wanted Face It Together to always remain free to the public," Earl said, describing the organization's mission to meet people where they are.
He said the nonprofit is pursuing billing for peer recovery supports through Medicaid and Medicare and is developing a drop-in harm-reduction center for distribution of naloxone and clean supplies. Face It Together also runs a forensic peer recovery program in the county jail, visiting twice a week to support individuals who may benefit from peer services after release.
Earl described naloxone (Narcan) distribution and public education, and said staff and volunteers respond to reports of discarded syringes and coordinate safe disposal with public health.
Commissioners asked about outcomes following naloxone reversals and whether the organization is part of a larger network. Earl said the group is an independent local 501(c)(3) that purchased naming rights from a national organization and that while they do not centrally track all reversals, they train people on naloxone use and partner with public health on cleanup and disposal.
Ending: Commissioners thanked Face It Together for the work; no county funding decision was requested at the session.
