RiverView Recovery Center (RRC) has been awarded a $50,000 grant through Polk County’s Opioid Settlement Fund to expand access to substance use prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services across the county. The funding will support RRC’s initiative, “Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Rural Recovery.”
The project addresses persistent barriers to care for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges—particularly those who are homeless, involved in the justice system, or living in rural areas with limited transportation options.
New Digital Prevention, Early Screening Tools
The first objective focuses on expanding countywide access to digital prevention and early screening tools through the implementation of CHESS Health’s ePrevention and eRecovery platforms. The initiative aims to reach at least 500 Polk County residents with free digital screening and 24/7 peer-supported recovery resources.
CHESS Health is a leading provider of evidence-based digital health solutions designed to address the substance use disorder crisis by enhancing prevention, facilitating care coordination, and improving care plan adherence.
“These digital resources allow individuals—including youth and those not currently engaged in formal treatment—to access personalized education anonymously and without fear of judgment,” said RRC Director Leane LaFrance, MSML, LADC. “There’s also a companion app for families in need of support or to support one another.”
LaFrance explained that the platform also includes contingency management tools that reward clients who are progressing in treatment and enable RiverView Recovery Center team members to provide connection and assignments outside of traditional treatment hours.
Added Medication, Syringe Take-Back
The project’s second objective strengthens Polk County’s harm-reduction network, specifically expanding medication and syringe take-back options. Despite representing less than one percent of Minnesota’s population, Polk County experiences disproportionately high rates of drug-related charges, according to LaFrance.
Currently, the only syringe take-back location in the county is at the East Grand Forks Police Department. Through this initiative, a neutral disposal site will be established at RiverView Clinic-Crookston.
“The goal is that, as a healthcare provider who also offers substance use treatment, having these boxes in a neutral and easily accessible location will encourage more people to safely utilize them,’’ she said. “Many individuals who are struggling with substance use do not feel comfortable disposing of medications or sharps at a local law enforcement agency, so this provides a safer, lower-barrier option.’’
LaFrance expressed gratitude for the grant and the opportunity to expand both digital and take-back options.
“These investments allow us to meet people where they are—whether that’s online, in the community, or at our clinic,” LaFrance said. “They help reduce stigma, improve safety, and create pathways into care that simply haven’t existed for many rural residents.”
Care and Share Collaboration
She is particularly enthusiastic about RRC’s continued partnership with the Care and Share of Crookston. The collaboration began in 2025 when the Care and Share received settlement funding that enabled RRC to open an office within its facility.
“With the rollout of our new digital platform, and through our partnership with Care and Share, we’ll be able to make an even greater impact,’’ LaFrance reported. “Even if someone only stays there for a night or two, we’re able to offer them access to the digital app, which includes live peer support and resources.’’
Each week, RRC team members meet with individuals at Care and Share—many of whom have recently been released from jail with limited support systems or are managing untreated substance use and mental health conditions. Building trust is essential, though often challenging. LaFrance noted that maintaining an in-person presence has made a meaningful difference.
“One client told us, ‘To be honest, I didn’t really trust you when we first met, but I do now,’” LaFrance shared. “That trust takes time—and for many people in Polk County, barriers like distance, transportation, and fear of judgment prevent that connection from ever forming.’’
Ultimately, Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Rural Recovery seeks to increase public awareness, reduce barriers to treatment, and strengthen Polk County’s capacity to provide safe, accessible, and stigma-free recovery support, LaFrance concluded.
For more information about services offered through RiverView Recovery Center in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Roseau, Thief River Falls, and via telehealth, call 281.9511 or visit riverviewhealth.org/services/chemical-dependency/.
Left to right: Leane LaFrance, director of RiverView Recovery Center, and Carolina Diaz, executive director of the Care and Share of Crookston, work closely to help those in need of recovery services
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