FARGO, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — Since 2014, Fargo Cass Public Health has provided the community with various resources including the detox center in the Gladys Ray Shelter. But now federal funds for staff are being cut at the end of September.
“The funding was primarily for staffing; however, the funding helped across all aspects of the program. We are currently receiving the funding until September 30th of this year. And we are currently working with our leadership team and our partners with the state on continuing and sustainability,” said Taylor Hort, Program Coordinator for the Withdraw Management Unit with Harm Reductions Program at Fargo Cass Public Health.
In 2021, Fargo Cass Public Health received $225,000 in federal funding from North Dakota Health & Human Services to support the operations of the Withdrawal Management Unit. Last week it was confirmed they will continue to receive $17,000 per month until the set deadline.
Hort explains that the detox center, compared to others, runs without nurses and focuses on the peer-social aspect of helping individuals stay on their feet.
“What we do is offer that engagement provide that safety so we monitor them. We will take their vitals, provide foundational nutrition, and really connect with them at that peer level. And then what they identify as their needs, so if they’re wanting to,” said Hort.
Currently at the Withdrawal Management Unit they have 8 staff members. The program has helped transition 86 people into residential treatment in the last year and the number continues to grow.
“This program is so important to the community as a whole because as we know substance use is something that affects everyone regardless of economic status, regardless of sort of education. Like any illness, it is the great equalizer and so we provide such an important sort of position to help members of our community,” said Hort.
Fargo Cass Public Health is working with the state and working to receive grants to continue to fund the center.
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