“I came here in a bad way. Going through things that were like, actually, I have experienced an overdose to where I was about to be pronounced dead.”
Jeffrey Bost knows all too well the struggles with addiction. He credits the Minnesota Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI) Safe Station, located at Minneapolis Fire Station 14, for helping him start his path to recovery. This pilot program offers community members like Jeffrey the recovery resources they need.
After choosing to seek help, Jeffrey received support from firefighters and guidance from recovery coaches at the Safe Station that changed his life. His testimonial is featured in the 1 minute 41 second video below.
Success leads to expanded access in South Minneapolis
Over the past two years, the Safe Station pilot at Fire Station 14 has been an accessible, community-based resource for more than 7,500 people seeking help.
Following its success, the City has launched the second Safe Station at Fire Station 7. Serving the Cedar-Riverside, Ventura Village, and Seward neighborhoods, it’s one of the department’s busiest stations for overdose and other addiction-related calls. With nearly 500 overdose calls in 2024, expanding the program to this area was a priority, bringing hope and assistance to community members in South Minneapolis.
About the Safe Station program
The Safe Station program is a partnership between the Minneapolis Fire Department and the Twin Cities Recovery Project (TCRP). The goal is to increase access to recovery assistance in communities where it is needed most.
A Safe Station provides:
- Peer support from TCRP
- Treatment referrals
- A comprehensive assessment
- Housing referrals
“From the very start, we have tried to integrate public safety and a community-based peer recovery model to provide immediate assistance and easy access to the community,” said Deputy Fire Chief Amber Lage, Minneapolis Fire Department.
How it works
Anyone who needs help can walk up to Fire Stations 7 or 14 and ask for it. No appointment, cost or judgment – we're here to help.
- Open 24/7
- Firefighters greet anyone who walks in for help and connect them to a Peer Recovery Coach from TCRP.
- If one is not on-site, firefighters will keep everyone comfortable until a coach arrives.
- The Peer Recovery Coach will meet privately with the person to share the resources, support available and next steps
Making a difference
Recent data shows a decline in fatal and non-fatal overdoses both City and statewide. The program's emphasis on harm reduction, including improving access to NARCAN and other opioid and substance use resources, has made a significant impact in the community.
The Safe Station is one tool in the toolbox in the fight against this epidemic of addiction. With our partners from the state and county, TCRP, and other community organizations, we are strengthening trust among neighborhood residents.
No matter where you are in your recovery journey, we are here to help.
“I’ve been there, been through there and with the help of the Safe Station program came through there,” said Jeffrey.