In many American Indian communities, food is much more than sustenance. It’s medicine. It’s ceremony. It’s connection to land, to ancestors, to spirit, and to each other. And today, in Minnesota, that sacred understanding of food is helping Native people on the path to recovery and wellness. At the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), … The post Food as Medicine: A Sacred Path to Healing in Native Communities first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit.| The Phoenix Spirit
A Personal Reflection on Ethics, Growth, and Hard Lessons In 2019, Minnesota faced a mounting public health crisis. Substance use was rising, overdose deaths were climbing, and the state’s treatment systems were overwhelmed. Traditional healthcare struggled to keep up. Amid this chaos, one solution began gaining momentum: Peer recovery support offering guidance and encouragement from| The Phoenix Spirit
The federal government’s decision to rescind up to $27.5 million in critical behavioral health funding from Minnesota is not just short-sighted — it’s dangerous. This action threatens to dismantle essential mental health and substance use disorder services that thousands of Minnesotans rely on every day. On March 25, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services| The Phoenix Spirit
Secure, stable housing is more than just a roof over one's head — it is the foundation upon which health, safety, and long-term success are built. Without access to stable housing, individuals struggling with substance use disorders face additional barriers to healing, reintegrating, and thriving in their communities. At the Minnesota Department of Human Services| The Phoenix Spirit