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For the latest news about the pandemic and information from the Alcohol, drugs and addictions area for our partners and providers, visit information about behavioral health and COVID-19.
For updates related to agency-wide DHS programs, visit the DHS homepage. It has information for providers, counties, tribal nations and members of the public as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. There you can also sign up for COVID-19 DHS emails.
DHS offers a free e-mail subscription service on a wide range of subjects. Select from the list to receive periodic e-Memos on behavioral health topics. See recent e-Memos.
Direct Access Overview: Pathway to Direct Access (PDF)
Each year the Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks qualified providers to provide treatment for problem gambling, including assessment, treatment, and recovery services to Minnesota residents who have problem gambling or a gambling disorder. Services may include counseling and service coordination to families and significant others. Financial assistance is available to Minnesota residents who have no other sources of payment for these services.
Problem Gambling Treatment Provider Request for Proposal (RFP) Timeline
A new study, Gambling in Minnesota: A Study of Participation, Attitudes, and the Prevalence of Problem Gambling (PDF), from Wilder Research and commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, focuses on how often people gamble, how common is problem gambling, and attitudes toward gambling and treatment.
It has been 25 years since the last problem gambling study. Data for the study were collected through a random survey of 35,000 households across Minnesota in the spring of 2019.
A pilot study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services has demonstrated the value of including nicotine treatment as part of treatment for substance use disorders. Not only can it reduce nicotine dependence, it can improve overall outcomes for people in SUD treatment.
On Dec. 20, 2019, the President signed legislation amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raising the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product—including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes—to anyone under 21.
On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product -- including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes -- to anyone under 21. FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.
On January 2, 2020 the Food and drug Administration advised; “Amid the epidemic levels of youth use of e-cigarettes and the popularity of certain products among children, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a policy prioritizing enforcement against certain unauthorized flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to kids, including fruit and mint flavors. Under this policy, companies that do not cease manufacture, distribution and sale of unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes (other than tobacco or menthol) within 30 days risk FDA enforcement actions."
The Problem Gambling Program unit of the Behavioral Health Division offers scholarship reimbursements for training of qualified clinicians who wish to become a problem gambling treatment service provider. Eligibility requirements to receive a scholarship:
At this time, Minnesota has one training option available for the required sixty hour Problem Gambling Treatment Training. This training is offered through the North American Training Institute/University of Minnesota.
See the DHS Problem Gambling Program Training Scholarship Fund Information and Timeline page for more information.
New SUD reform resources are now available on the substance use disorder reform page. Resources should be reviewed initially for background information on SUD reform, prior to reaching out to divisional staff. Although we encourage our partners and providers to reach out to us with questions, we want to reserve limited staff time to answering questions that are not available through the website resources. Website resources will provide our partners and providers with an understanding of the multi-year process, policy recommendations, and new services in the 2017 SUD reform legislation.
On June 1st the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division started work with Fast-Tracker, to expand their site to implement Minnesota’s first searchable online tool for statewide Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services. Fast-Tracker for SUD services will provide the ability to track real-time availability of statewide substance use disorder services, which is a critical element of a modern SUD system of care. Its implementation will save lives. In July, staff from Fast-Tracker will begin calling EVERY licensed SUD treatment and detoxification program in Minnesota to gather information to build the site, and explain how to update your program openings on a DAILY basis.
Share this article with colleagues. Inform pertinent staff that Fast-Tracker will be calling your program this summer to gather current information about your organization and services provided. Decide who within your organization should speak with Fast-Tracker staff and can provide program information and learn details of how to update your bed/slot openings DAILY. If you have any questions or would like to request a presentation from DHS on Fast-Tracker, please contact, Cindy Swan-Henderlite at cindy.swan-henderlite@state.mn.us or 651-431-2463. For more information view the Fast-Tracker (PDF).
Prevention and Treatment Tracks supports prevention and treatment efforts of Minnesota's Tribal and Urban American Indian.
As part of our commitment to continue to enhance substance use disorder (SUD) services across the continuum, we will be working on defining the Intensive Outpatient level of care. This service is also approved by CMS as one of the crucial components of 1115 implementation plan. Planned implementation of Intensive Outpatient as a defined level of care is for July 1, 2022. Please see the Intensive Outpatient Overview presentation (PDF) for details and provide comments, questions and concerns to BHD.IOP.DHS@state.mn.us.
In Minnesota, there are differences in how mental health and substance use disorder treatment systems operate and are financed. In 2019, the Minnesota Legislature adopted changes to promote an integrated continuum of mental health and substance use disorder care that helps connect people to other health care services and also supports people to transition to the community when they no longer need intensive treatment.
The 2009 Minnesota legislature directed the Behavioral Health Division to prepare for the 2011 legislature a statewide rate methodology for the Consolidated Chemical Treatment Fund (CCDTF). The methodology will replace county-negotiated rates with a uniform statewide methodology that includes a graduated reimbursement scale based on the patients’ level of acuity and complexity and performance add-ons.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with individuals, providers, counties and stakeholders to update our substance use disorder (SUD) treatment system. See the substance use disorder reform page for more information.
Women’s Recovery Services helps women in treatment remain alcohol and drug free, get and keep a job, stay out of the criminal justice system, have stable housing, get physical and mental health services for themselves and their children, and deliver babies who test negative for substances at birth.
Previous reports are available upon request.
This report consolidates two statutorily required reports:
This report covers the four report areas: 1) Opioid Epidemic baseline, outcomes and benchmarks5; 2) Individual Grants update6; 3) Assessment of progress toward achieving statewide access to treatment7; and 4) Individual grants proposed for FY22.8 The Department of Human Services drafted this report in consultation with the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (“the Council”), the Minnesota Management and Budget Department (MMB), and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
The Department of Human Services distributed a draft report to the full Council on January 12, 2021 to review and provide feedback. The Council discussed the report at their meeting on January 15, 2021 and provided feedback. The Council provided final approval of the report on February 19, 2021.
Legislative Report: Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council DHS-8100 (PDF)
This report is submitted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 4.47 and 245.981. Minnesota Statutes, section 4.47 requires that the governor report on the state's progress in addressing the problem of compulsive gambling. Minnesota Statutes, section 245.981 requires an annual report on the percentage of gambling revenues that come from problem gamblers. The report must disaggregate the revenue by the various types of gambling.
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) staff from the Minnesota Problem Gambling Program developed this report. Staff reviewed problem gambling websites and current reports submitted by contracted grantees. In addition, problem gambling information is provided through several sources, which includes statewide meetings, focus groups, surveys, and treatment providers. The Minnesota Problem Gambling Program is advised by the Advisory Committee on Compulsive Gambling, which is a 16-member committee appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services.
This report examines benefits and costs associated with substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery offerings. State agencies and counties support a broad, decentralized network of educators, health care practitioners, and specialty treatment providers that administer a range of programs designed to promote wellness. These activities have the potential to reduce substance use, improve health, enhance public safety, and increase employment, thereby generating benefits to participants and taxpayers.
2017 Results First Substance Use Disorder Benefit-Cost Analysis (PDF)
A 2019 study from Wilder Research and commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, focuses on how do people gamble and how often, how common is problem gambling, and attitudes toward gambling and treatment. Read the report (PDF)
It has been 25 years since the last problem gambling study. Data for the study were collected through a random survey of 35,000 households across Minnesota in the spring of 2019.
The Synar Annual Report documents compliance with laws restricting access of minors to retail tobacco products and measurement of retailer compliance. States are required to reach the goal of 80 percent tobacco retailer compliance over the course of several years.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services conducted a statewide survey of all DHS licensed in-patient substance use disorder treatment programs to gather information to better understand the current practices regarding tobacco cessation services, nicotine treatment and tobacco-free policies. 2018/ 2019 Nicotine Treatment and Smoke-Free Policy Survey (PDF)
A new Surgeon General’s report finds alcohol and drug misuse and severe substance use disorders, commonly called addiction, to be one of America’s most pressing public health concerns. Nearly 21 million Americans – more than the number of people who have all cancers combined – suffer from substance use disorders.
“Alcohol and drug addiction take an enormous toll on individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Most Americans know someone who has been touched by an alcohol or a drug use disorder. Yet 90 percent of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment. That has to change.”
The report, “Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health,” marks the first time a U.S. Surgeon General has dedicated a report to substance misuse and related disorders. The report addresses alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription drug misuse, with chapters dedicated to neurobiology, prevention, treatment, recovery, health systems integration and recommendations for the future. It provides an in-depth look at the science of substance use disorders and addiction, calls for a cultural shift in the way Americans talk about the issue and recommends actions we can take to prevent and treat these conditions and promote recovery.
“It’s time to change how we view addiction,” said Murthy. “Not as a moral failing but as a chronic illness that must be treated with skill, urgency and compassion. The way we address this crisis is a test for America.” For the full report and executive summary, visit the Surgeon General website.
The 2018 Biennial Report (PDF) includes information related to:
To view the report visit the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.
The Behavioral Health Division submit a combined application for the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block Grants every two years. The Fiscal Year 2018 – 2019 Combined Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan application was submitted on September 1, 2017. It describes the public mental health and substance use disorder systems in Minnesota; identifies needs, priorities, goals and indicators; and proposes uses of block grant funds.
In accordance with grant requirements, states must submit an annual report on the previous year’s utilization of the grant funds, progress toward the goal targets, and data required for the federal Universal Reporting System Basic and Developmental Tables. Public input is sought in developing and updating application on an ongoing basis.
For public comments on the Substance Abuse Block Grant, please provide input in writing via our P.O. Box or E-mail:
Heron Abegaze
Behavioral Health Division
Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64981
St. Paul, MN 55164-0981
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a web-based application/reporting system called the Web Block Grant Application System (WebBGAS) for this grant program.
To view Minnesota’s Fiscal Year 2018- 2019 Combined Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan application and 2018 MHBG Behavioral Health Report, Minnesota citizens can log in at the SAMHSA Block Grants website.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division has conducted the Congratulate and Educate program since 2014. The program’s goals are to implement tobacco merchant education and increase the number of tobacco compliance checks across Minnesota. Congratulate and Educate achieves this through encouraging and supporting community policing by providing resources to local law enforcement and public health agencies to conduct educational tobacco compliance checks and provide tobacco merchant education.
Retailers that pass the compliance check receive a certificate. Rather than issuing a citation to those that fail, participating law enforcement and public health agencies provide retailers education on the consequences of future violations and procedures to help the retailer avoid selling tobacco to minors. The participating agency also provides materials to the establishment’s owner or manager, including the inspection date and results and information to educate their employees on best practices to avoid selling tobacco to minors.
Final 2017 Congratulate and Educate Report-Youth Tobacco Compliance Checks (PDF)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division (Single State Authority) proposes a comprehensive Minnesota State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis (“MN Opioid STR”). This proposal reflects collaborative planning efforts between The Minnesota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division, Health Care Administration and Office of Indian Policy along with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). For more information, please see the Minnesota State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis - Project Narrative (PDF).
In June of 2016, members of the American Indian community met for a day of engagement focused on cultural historical and current trauma and its relational impact with DHS and American Indian Urban Communities and Tribes.
Cultural Historical and Current Trauma World Cafe (PDF)
Impact of 2016 IMD Changes report (PDF) presents the results of an evaluation of 2016 changes in IMD status on treatment admissions. 2-page brief (PDF)
The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) provides students, parents and their communities a dynamic vehicle for on-going communication about issues vital to the health, safety and academic success of youth.
The Minnesota Survey on Adult Substance Use (MNSASU) is a statewide survey conducted periodically by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to gather information about substance use and treatment need for substance use disorders among adults in Minnesota.
Women’s Recovery Services Consumer Advisory Groups offers help not only for women services grantees but also other CD providers and behavioral health organizations and agencies. All of DHS’s Women Recovery Services grantees are required as part of their grant contract to establish consumer advisory groups which would be utilized throughout their program’s planning, implementation and evaluation efforts.
The 2014 Legislature required DHS to produce a report that outlines a plan to include detoxification services as a covered Medical Assistance benefit. This report recommends that Minnesota develop a model for withdrawal management services that incorporates needed medical services. The report further recommends the state seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to add withdrawal management services to the state’s Medicaid benefit set. The report recommends the new service model include two intensity levels of withdrawal management service, to either supplant or add to current detoxification service standards (Rule 32).
During the 2012 Legislative Session, the Minnesota Legislature enacted a law directing the Commissioner of Human Services to collaborate with counties, tribes, and other stakeholders to develop a community-based integrated model of care to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the service continuum for chemically dependent individuals in Minnesota. This report provides an overview of the model of care and concludes with recommendations for implementation.
The Minnesota State Substance Abuse Strategy is a partnership with the departments of Public Safety, Corrections, Health and Education as well as the judicial branch and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy to collaborate and address substance abuse and its effects on our residents and state.
More information is available within the State Substance Abuse Strategy Report DHS-6908 (PDF).
The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Normative Evaluation System (DAANES) provides policy-makers, planners, service providers and others in Minnesota with access to current information about chemical dependency treatment activities across the continuum of care.
Success in reducing past 30-day youth alcohol use rates. How do we know prevention services funded by the MN Department of Humans Services, Behavioral Health Division are making a positive difference in Minnesota? Four state agencies in MN (the Departments of Education, Health, Human Services & Public Safety), combine resources to conduct a student survey every three years. The Behavioral Health Division used the past 30-day alcohol use rate, as measured by the MSS among 6th – 12th graders to show that the funded communities had a statistically greater rate of decline in past 30-day use than the decline for the rest of the state during the time these communicates received alcohol prevention funding from Behavioral Health Division.
This report (PDF) shows the findings from the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey.
The Minnesota Legislature requires the Governor to prepare a report addressing compulsive gambling. The report is due every odd numbered year and covers the nature and extent of problem and compulsive gambling behavior in Minnesota, resources available to prevent or treat gambling addiction, and recommendations for future policy direction. Governor's Report on Compulsive Gambling, 2013 (PDF).
The American Indian Advisory Council, established in Minnesota Statutes section 254A.035, helps the Behavioral Health Division in reviewing proposals and formulating policies and procedures relating to chemical dependency and the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by American Indians. The council consists of 17 persons who are American Indians and who are appointed by the commissioner of Human Services. The commissioner appoints one representative from each of the federally recognized Minnesota tribes, as well as representatives from the urban Indian communities of International Falls and Duluth. Two representatives each are from the Minneapolis and St. Paul urban Indian communities. Applications are available through the Behavioral Health Division.
For more information about the American Indian Advisory Council, please contact Donald W. Moore at 651-431-2461.
The Minnesota Behavioral Health Planning Council (BHPC) is an integrated mental health and substance use disorder council that advises DHS regarding Minnesota’s combined Mental Health and Substance Abuse Federal Block Grant.
Prevention Resource Centers provide information, resource material and technical assistance to community groups and organizations engaged in prevention activities.
Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (MPRC)
2395 University Avenue West, Suite 310
St. Paul, MN 55114
651-646-3005 (telephone number)
651-646-0142 (fax number)
Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC)
2300 15th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-728-2000 (telephone number)
The Minnesota Legislature requested that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) form a work group to conduct a study of sober homes. The Sober Homes Work Group will build a report and make recommendations to the Legislature on or before September 15, 2022
The SUD Community of Practice will consist of people who are engaged in the field of SUD treatment and prevention in any capacity including but not limited to consumers, providers, family members, researchers, recovery peers and advocates. The group may issue reports and recommendations to the legislative chairs and ranking minorities of committees in both local and regional governments.
