Bethel re-dedicates beacon to signal hope in New Year

A year after illuminating the bright green beacon atop its building for the first time in decades, the Duluth Bethel re-lit the light Dec. 31 as a New Year’s symbol of hope for those suffering from substance abuse in the Northland.

Officials from the Bethel, a 143-year-old nonprofit center for substance use disorder treatment and community corrections, also announced their participation in a new initiative with detox and other treatment centers in the region to provide current information about bed-space availability for individuals seeking help with addiction.

In 2017, the Bethel will participate in a service that will allow those seeking help, or their friends, families or medical providers, to call the 211 resource center operated by the Head of the Lakes United Way to learn about bed space availability and other services.

“The 211 service will be a central resource where professionals and community members can immediately get an updated list of openings at detox and treatment centers,” said Dennis Cummings, Executive Director of the Bethel. “The sooner we can get people services, the sooner the help and healing can begin. This will be a tremendous asset to provide hope for those with substance-abuse issues, as well as family members, friends, health professionals and anyone looking for help.”

The project was a recommendation of the Northeast Minnesota Opioid Abuse Response Strategies (OARS) work group, a collaboration of individuals and organizations committed to addressing addiction to opioid narcotics and other substances. The group includes treatment providers, detox centers, law –enforcement agencies, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, court personnel, the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department, Essentia Health and other health-care professionals as well as members of the recovery community.

Verne Wagner, a member of the OARS group, attended the Bethel event and shared a New Year’s message of hope. Others highlighted the importance of more accessible public information about treatment through 211 at a time when the Northland, like much of the U.S., has seen an increase in addiction issues, largely stemming from abuse of opioid narcotics.

“This is a serious type of drug abuse that we are seeing, but the feelings of fear and hopelessness that today’s addicts and families confront are the same ones that caused the Bethel to open in the Twin Ports 143 years ago,” Cummings said. “Addiction is powerful and insidious, but our message for 143 years has been that there is hope. That is why we re-lit our beacon as we prepare for the New Year. We want to remind our community, and especially anyone suffering, that recovery is here and within reach. Any day can be the start of a new beginning.”

A year ago, the Bethel lit the beacon for the first time in more than 50 years. Prior to going dark, the distinctive green light atop the building at 23 Mesaba Ave. had shined as a symbol of hope. In addition, before advances in radar and other navigational tools, ships on Lake Superior would use the beacon’s prominent light to help sail safely into the Duluth harbor.

“We hope this beacon can be a light to guide people to get help if they need it, here or elsewhere in our community,” Cummings said. “Now, that help can come from a simple call to 211.”

The re-lighting ceremony was followed by a celebration and dinner for the recovery community with food provided by US Foods, Sysco and Hoffbauer Family Farms.

About 90 men and women live temporarily at the Bethel at any given time. Many are there to receive treatment and to find recovery from abuse of drugs or alcohol. Others participate in work-release or other community corrections programs. Former offenders receive help and assistance to make the transition from jail or prison back into society. Many programs are designed as community-based alternatives to incarceration. The Bethel also offers outpatient treatment for substance use disorder as well as other services. For more information about the Bethel, go to duluthbethel.org.

To see KBJR-TV’s coverage of the re-dedication and news conference, click here.