Program personnel perspectives and outcomes of the Minnesota Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI) Safe Station...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Community Health Programs

Background:

• The Minneapolis Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI) Safe Station program, established in April 2023, utilizes fire stations as accessible entry points for individuals with substance use disorders.
• It offers immediate support through certified peer recovery specialists (CPRSs) and integrates harm-reduction strategies like naloxone distribution and provider stigma reduction training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report early data on program engagement and participant demographics within the MARI Safe Station initiative.
• To explore the perspectives of program personnel regarding the strengths and challenges of the MARI Safe Station implementation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting intake data from 174 participants and conducting qualitative interviews with 28 program personnel.
• Attitudes toward opioid use disorder were assessed before and after an educational session among program staff.

Main Results:

• The MARI Safe Station program successfully engaged a demographically diverse group of 174 individuals facing various recovery barriers.
• Program personnel identified accessibility and scalability as strengths but noted challenges such as staff turnover and sustainability concerns.
• A modest reduction in provider stigma was observed post-education, though further research is needed.

Conclusions:

• The MARI Safe Station program demonstrates potential for providing accessible and equitable addiction recovery services.
• Preliminary findings underscore the program's role in stigma reduction while indicating key areas for ongoing development and improvement.