Rural Recovery Matters: Health Conversations That Make a Difference

Last week, Becky Timm, ABH's Executive Director, joined with our project team including the Minnesota Rural Health Association and the U of MN Extension Service to present at the Minnesota Alliance of Rural Addiction Treatment Programs (MARATP) annual conference in Willmar, MN. We spent two inspiring days with leaders from across rural Minnesota, learning more about the realities and resilience of those working in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

SUD increases the risk of many health issues, especially infectious disease—but rural communities often face barriers to preventive care, including vaccines. That’s why the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Rural Health Association partnered to create Vaccine Awareness Conversation Guides—a resource co-designed with over 100 staff and clients in rural SUD centers. These easy-to-use guides support meaningful conversations between staff and clients about vaccines, access, risk, and self-care—both one-on-one and in groups. In 2024–2025, we piloted the guides across rural treatment centers. We’re now incorporating staff feedback into improved versions.

To learn more and download your free copy of the Conversation Guide, please visit the MN Rural Health Association's website

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Introducing the ABH Tobacco Cessation Panel