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Wabasha County sees jump in youth residential placements; county weighs Nexus exit, mental-health staffing and new harm-reduction tools
Summary
Board minutes show a recent rise to four youth in residential placements, higher per-diem costs after exiting the Nexus POS, staffing changes at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, the county’s launch of CredibleMind, and a Narcan vending machine reported to have first-week use.
Wabasha County Human Services staff told the board April 21 that the county is experiencing a notable increase in youth residential placements and faces higher per-diem costs after exiting a multi-county purchase-of-service agreement.
Kayla Hall reported the county recently had four youths in residential treatment—an uptick from recent years when the county typically had one—and that placements can cost roughly $15,000 per month per child. Hall said Wabasha County is no longer a participating member of the Nexus Purchase of Service (POS) agreement as of April 1, 2026 and reviewed a single-use Nexus agreement staff would use only in emergencies, raising concerns about financial liability beyond the daily rate, indemnification language and short termination timelines.
Staff provided a cost comparison: the current residential rate stands at $838.50 per day compared with $645 per day under the prior POS structure, creating greater budget exposure for placements. Hall told the board the county will likely decline to use the single-use agreement unless an emergency requires it and directed SERCC to contact her 24/7 for placement needs.
On behavioral health staffing, the board was informed that Tim Hunter, deputy director at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, has resigned and Wabasha County Mental Health Coordinator Anthony Lund is on leave, expected to return May 4. HVMHC has hired two therapists to provide in-person services in Wabasha County.
Public health staff reported program updates. Tammy Fiedler said the county launched the CredibleMind mental health platform April 7 using Adult Mental Health Initiative grant funding; since launch the site logged 114 users, 8 registrations and 145 sessions with an average session near three minutes. Fiedler also reported a Narcan vending machine installed outside HVMHC was used during its first week, and staff issued a news release to local papers and social media.
Staff noted Foster Parent Appreciation Month plans: providers will receive a $60 gas card and 'Foster Parent Survival Kits,' and appreciation ads will run in local newspapers. Commissioners requested that the Social Services Department adopt a consistent, countywide teleworking policy after staff (Michael Plante, Jacob Nelson, Neva Beier and Kayla Hall) discussed current telecommuting practices.
The board recessed at 8:53 a.m. without further action on these informational items.
