Winona, MN – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) is expanding its harm reduction efforts by installing a 24-hour Naloxone distribution box on the West side of its Winona clinic, located at 420 East Sarnia Street. The distribution box, which functions like a newspaper dispenser, will be available beginning Friday, February 14th, offering life-saving resources to the community at no cost. 

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It can be administered by a nasal spray or can be injected intramuscularly. Due to Steve's Law, anyone in Minnesota can carry and administer Naloxone in a time of need. 

This initiative is made possible through a partnership between HVMHC and RIPple Drug Education & Awareness, a non-profit founded by grieving mothers who have lost their children to illicit substances, particularly fentanyl. RIPple is dedicated to saving lives through harm reduction and education, including school presentations and community outreach. 

"The Naloxone distribution boxes will contain free doses of Naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other materials to help individuals access assistance and resources," said Malia Fox, founder of RIPple Drug Education & Awareness. "HVMHC has a deep commitment to the community and partners with RIPple to end the stigma and reduce traumas, ultimately offering better mental health support to residents." 

Through their partnership with the Steve Rummler Hope Network, HVMHC is a Naloxone Access Point (NAP) at its clinic locations in Winona, Caledonia, Red Wing, and Wabasha. As NAP sites, HVMHC clinics provide free Naloxone overdose kits, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips with no questions asked. 

"All three kits are available at HVMHC reception desks during regular business hours," said Jen Dieck, SUD Treatment Director at HVMHC. "One of the great things about the new distribution box is that it will make these life-saving measures available 24 hours a day." 

HVMHC Clinic Locations and Hours: 

  • Winona: 420 East Sarnia St. | Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM; Friday 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM 
  • Caledonia: 211 South Kingston St. | Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM 
  • Red Wing: 2835 S. Service Drive | Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM 
  • Wabasha: 611 Broadway Ave, Suite 100 | Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM 

In addition to providing harm reduction resources, HVMHC offers substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, and a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. The MAT program uses Suboxone, a medication that reduces overdoses, eliminates withdrawal symptoms, and decreases cravings. The MAT program completed in conjunction with counseling significantly improves safety and stability for individuals diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. 

To schedule an appointment for SUD treatment, the MAT program, or another HVMHC service, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. As a nonprofit, HVMHC relies on generous donations to support its programs and expand access to care. To contribute, visit https://www.hvmhc.org/donate/ and help make a difference. 

More About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) 

HVMHC, established in 1965, is a certified Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive community mental health and substance use services across Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The organization offers a wide range of services including a 24/7 mobile crisis unit, Adult and Children Community-Based Care, Housing with Supports, Peer Support Networks, Psychiatric Services, Outpatient Therapy and more. 

HVMHC's mobile crisis unit is available 24-hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties at: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-800-274-7472.