Local providers describe harm-reduction, peer support, housing and transportation services funded by county opioid dollars

Representatives of local organizations that received Beltrami County opioid-settlement awards described on-the-ground uses of funding at a community session in Bemidji, citing harm-reduction supplies, transportation and peer support, staff training and follow-up case management as primary uses.

"We haven't received any of the funds yet, so I haven't used any of it. We have spent the money that we hope to be reimbursed for," said Bridal Olsen, identifying herself as executive director of the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless. Olsen said the coalition operates two shelters — an overnight emergency Wolf Shelter with 24 beds and a day shelter in the former Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center — and that the funds are helping to sustain staffing and operations as other funding sources…