The Minnesota Substance Use Disorder Program, established in 1989, is one of the only specialized residential treatment programs serving clients nationally that is linguistically and culturally appropriate to meet the needs of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind individuals.  

The administration at M Health Fairview has decided to close the program in February of 2020, citing budget cuts.  Due to discriminatory funding obstacles, Deaf, Hard of Hearing & DeafBlind individuals who need help do not receive much needed treatment services and this has caused the program to have a low census.  Since the funding obstacles, there has been a waiting list of 35  individuals trying to get into the Minnesota program. This is not an issue hearing individuals seeking treatment face. 

We need your help to let them know that closing this program will impact the lives of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind individuals nationally.  The program is critical, having served over 1,650 individuals with American Sign Language fluent  and culturally competent counselors and staff. We need to urge the administration to apply their own values - Dignity, Integrity, Service, Compassion and Innovation - and develop a plan to be innovative and keep the program operational.

Thank you!    

 Deb Guthmann, Ed.D.,