Drug-Free Coalition of North Central Minnesota

The Drug-Free Coalition of North Central Minnesota began in 2002 to combat underage drug and alcohol use and related youth violence. With the support of North Country Health Services, United Way of Bemidji Area, and more than 50 regional and local community partners, the Coalition promotes community collaboration in the planning and implementation of strategies to combat underage drug and alcohol use and violence. Contact the DFC – NCMN by phone at 218-444-5752. 

Parents—The Anti-Drug

Chances are that by the time you find out your child has an alcohol or drug problem, it has been going on for quite some time. Parents rarely catch their child’s first use. Yet, in national surveys, youth consistently report that parental disapproval of alcohol/drug use is a strong deterrent. It is important that you talk with your child about your values regarding drug and alcohol use. For resources and ideas on talking with your child, visit www.TheAntiDrug.com or www.drugfree.org/teenbrain/

The use of illegal drugs in the North Central Region of Minnesota although not increasing dramatically has not decreased in the past three years (2004 – 2007 Minnesota Student Survey), especially among young teens. The average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use often begins before age 12. The use of marijuana and alcohol in high school has become common. Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life, school failure, and poor judgment which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide.

For Fact Sheets on Teen Alcohol and Drug Use and other issues, visit www.aacap.com

Community Resources

School Social Workers

School Social Workers and School Nurses can often help connect you with intervention resources. Simply call the main phone number for your child’s school and ask for the school social worker or school nurse. 

Evergreen Youth Shelter Program(218-751-4332), 622 Mississippi Ave., Bemidji.

Support is available to community youth and families with no residential stay required. Evergreen staff have years of experience coaching parents and youth on drug and alcohol use issues. Home drug test kits are available for purchase at $5/kit, and instructions are provided. Evergreen serves youth in a multi-county area, including Beltrami, Becker, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Mahnomen, and more.

Bemidji Rock Sober (Youth Group)

A project of the Evergreen Youth Recovery House. Contact Tammy or Peter at 218-760-3528 or 218-751-2466. Rock Sober Bemidji is available to youth ages 14 through 18 who are interested in exploring sobriety with sober peers. Meetings are Mondays (sober support) and Fridays (“alternative high” activities).

White Earth Wellbriety

(218) 936-5653, contact Henry Fox. This is a Native American culturally-based program that focuses on multiple aspects of wellness.

Rule 25 Chemical Dependency

Assessment—available through either Beltrami County—(218) 333-4223 or the out-patient alcohol/drug counseling providers listed below. Rule 25 Assessments can determine how serious a drug or alcohol problem may be and whether treatment services are needed. For income-eligible individuals, a Rule 25 Assessment may also make available treatment funding through the Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund (CCDTF). Each county and tribe in Minnesota has CCDTF monies.

Outpatient Alcohol/Drug Counseling

Other Resources

Alanon—218-444-2525, 1225 Anne St., Bemidji. Alanon can provide important support for parents, siblings, spouses, or others affected by alcohol or drug use. For a parent dealing with a child’s alcohol/drug use, it’s important to get support to sustain you as you help your child.