Having witnessed the profound need for detox services firsthand through my experience working within the criminal justice system and with family & friends who have relied on these services, I understand how vital the Ramsey County Detox Center is for countless individuals. I also have friends who have dedicated their entire careers to helping those in desperate need of recovery support. For them, and for many others, the center is not just a lifeline—it is a crucial step towards reclaiming life and dignity. 

The news of the closure of the Ramsey County Detox Center on December 31, 2025 is alarming. This institution has been a pillar of support for individuals battling substance abuse, offering them a safe harbor where they can begin their journey to recovery. Its closure would leave a gaping hole in the community’s health safety net and exacerbate the already devastating opioid crisis.

In Ramsey County alone, thousands depend on detox services as the first critical step towards rehabilitation. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, detox services are an essential part of the recovery process, providing medical and psychological support to people in withdrawal. This is the only facility in the metro area, including Wisconsin, that provides this social service to this community. 

The Ramsey County Detox Center has a proven track record of not only treating individuals in crisis but also reducing crime and fostering safer communities. In 2021 alone, the center assisted hundreds of individuals in regaining control over their lives, many of whom might otherwise end up in the criminal justice system.

Instead of closing the center, we need to focus on increasing funding and support. An investment in detox centers pays dividends in community safety and public health. We can look towards models in other states where government and community collaboration has led to effective treatment networks.

We urgently call upon the Ramsey County officials, along with State representatives, to recognize the indispensable value of the Detox Center. We must press for solutions that ensure the facility remains open, fully functional, and capable of expanding its reach.

The closure of Ramsey County Detox will put a strain on law enforcement, hospitals, jails and the community.

Please sign this petition to safeguard a resource that saves lives and transforms our community. With your support, we can prevent this closure and continue to offer hope and healing to those who need it most.