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On February 5, 2025, Recovery Community Network (RCN) joined by advocates, peers, and allies at the Minnesota State Capitol for Recovery Day on the Hill, hosted by MARCO. This annual event brings together the recovery community to push for policies that expand access to treatment, peer support, and harm reduction services.
A Powerful Moment: Sharing Stories That Matter
RCN was honored to be part of this movement, standing alongside peers and lawmakers working to break down barriers and expand recovery support statewide. A highlight of the day was RCN’s Operations Manager & Justice Program Coordinator, Sean Partch, sharing his recovery journey at the podium. With firsthand experience navigating both the criminal justice system and substance use disorder, Sean now dedicates his life to helping others find stability, support, and a second chance.
RCN’s Executive Director, Katie Blue, spoke on the significance of this event, stating:
"Recovery is more than just an individual journey—it’s a community effort. Events like Recovery Day on the Hill remind us that our voices matter, and when we come together, we create real change. Every person in recovery deserves access to the support and resources they need to thrive."
Addressing a Crisis of Ethics in Recovery Services
While Recovery Day on the Hill celebrated progress, it also came amid serious concerns about corruption and fraud within Minnesota’s recovery system. Recent investigations into Evergreen, Kyros, and other treatment providers have exposed unethical practices, including misuse of funds, excessive executive salaries, and fraudulent billing.
These practices have diverted millions of dollars from legitimate recovery organizations, including RCOs operating on minimal funding yet serving thousands of needy individuals. At a recent MARCO meeting, RCOs identified a lack of funding as their most significant barrier to providing essential services. Meanwhile, more than $43 million has been wasted on fraudulent operations—funds that could have been used to expand ethical, community-based recovery services.
The Real Impact of Fraud
When recovery organizations prioritize profits over people, the damage extends beyond financial losses. These scandals have:
Shaken public trust in recovery services
Increased scrutiny on legitimate providers, making it harder to access funding
Harmed individuals in need, as resources are misallocated away from frontline services
If we are serious about protecting the future of recovery services in Minnesota, we must implement stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent fraud and unethical leadership.
What Needs to Change?
To rebuild trust and prevent further misuse of funds, Minnesota should consider key reforms:
Stronger Financial Oversight: Nonprofits receiving state funding should be subject to routine audits, and executive salaries exceeding state leadership wages should be flagged for review.
Legislative Action: Implementing a cap on executive salaries for state-funded recovery organizations would ensure resources are directed toward services, not personal profit.
Higher Peer Recovery Certification Standards: Raising the minimum required time in recovery for peer specialists to two years would provide better stability, ethics, and professionalism in the field.
Improved Inter-Agency Communication: The Department of Human Services (DHS), Attorney General’s Office, and Revenue Department must coordinate more effectively to detect fraud earlier and prevent exploitation of state funding.
Moving Forward: A Call for Ethical Recovery
RCN remains committed to ethical, peer-led recovery services and will continue advocating for policies that support transparency, accountability, and real solutions for those in need.
As we reflect on Recovery Day on the Hill 2025, we are reminded of the urgency of safeguarding the integrity of recovery services. This isn’t just about funding—it’s about ensuring every person seeking help has access to quality, community-based care.
The road ahead requires action, advocacy, and accountability—and RCN is ready to lead the charge.
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