Alcohol and substance use continue to take a heavy toll on families across Wisconsin. A recent report from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reveals that alcohol use in the state is well above the national average – and opioid-related deaths rose across all age groups and ethnicities between 2020 and 2023 – underscoring an urgent public health challenge that, unfortunately, isn’t new. Over 40 years ago, HealthPartners Programs for Change was launched to meet the growing demand for high-quality outpatient addiction treatment. Built on a foundation of compassion, expertise and respect, the program allows individuals to attend intensive group sessions during the day or evening while continuing to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities. Each recovery plan is tailored to the client’s individual needs and goals. Although the program isn’t new, Programs for Change continues to find ways to improve and adapt to the region’s evolving needs. In recent years, the team recognized that the assessment wait list was getting too long, leading to more missed appointments. To address this, they streamlined the assessment process by improving counselor workflows and documentation tools. Amery Hospital & Clinic began implementing these changes in 2023, resulting in nearly 2,500 total visits the following year. To expand access, the Seeking Safety service – focused on reducing self-defeating behaviors – was introduced at Hudson Hospital & Clinic, complementing its availability in Amery and bolstering mental health support in the St. Croix Valley. Programs for Change has also been working to broaden its referral network beyond the court system. By partnering with primary care physicians, therapists and emergency departments, the program aims to reach individuals earlier, before legal intervention becomes necessary. As the region’s longest-running outpatient primary treatment service, Programs for Change receives overwhelmingly positive feedback. Follow-up surveys show that the vast majority of clients remain sober after completing the program, and over 95% would recommend it to others. These results speak to the program’s enduring value and its critical role in addressing addiction in western Wisconsin.