Detoxification and Withdrawal Management Services Transition
Ramsey County will close its county-operated Detoxification and Withdrawal Management program on December 31, 2025. Going forward, services will be delivered through community providers who have the capacity and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of our residents.
Despite the best efforts to enhance services and respond to changes in substance use treatment, the program operates under capacity. The county's program averages 10 clients on any given day in a facility with the capacity of up to 50 clients. Counties are required to ensure detox services are available, but not to run their own facility. Clay County is the only other county in Minnesota that still operates its own detox service.
This service has underperformed expected financial targets year-over-year and has had significant deficits for several years. Transitioning to a community-based model aligns with best practices of other counties and is anticipated to reduce county costs by at least $2 million annually.
Ramsey County’s commitments as we make these changes are:
- No gap in services for residents. Capacity exists among metro area community providers to care for the number of people we are now serving.
- Investing in one-time start up grants to strengthen community providers' capacity that can deliver quality medical and clinical services.
- Ensuring efficient, sustainable services focused on residents’ needs.
- Meeting residents’ needs and statutory requirements, while making challenging, but prudent long-term change needed as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
We deeply value the dedication and compassion county staff have brought to this work, and this transition builds upon that foundation of service as we work to ensure the community receives the highest level of care possible.
Capacity grants for community providers
Later this fall, the county will provide one-time capacity grants to community providers interested in offering detox and withdrawal management services in the East Metro. Check back for the latest updates.
Community providers interested in these capacity grants should consider registering with DemandStar, an online purchasing network used by Ramsey County. DemandStar offers immediate and automatic notifications of purchasing opportunities with the county, solicitation documents and results, and prior solicitation information.
Snapshot of current services
The Ramsey County Detoxification Center is a substance use facility at 402 University Avenue East in Saint Paul, offering medically monitored detox and withdrawal management services. Since opening in 1989, it has evolved in response to shifting laws, treatment models and community needs.
Short-term, on-site care is provided for individuals experiencing substance-related crises, with a focus on voluntary treatment, medical safety, and referral to longer-term care. The center is part of a broader behavioral health system and operates under the guidance of local and state policy.
Minnesota counties are required to ensure detox services are available to individuals who need them but aren’t required to run their own facility.
Clients served
- 2025 (estimated) 1,900.
- 2024 – 1,567.
- 2023 – 1,269.
Staffing, capacity & use
- Licensed capacity – 50 beds.
- Average daily census – 10 beds in use.
- Average length of stay – 7 days.
- Number of staff – 37.
Residence of clients served (as of July 2025)
- 53% Ramsey County.
- 24% Hennepin County.
- 23% from other MN counties or out-of-state.
Changes in state requirements and county operations
- In the 1990s, Minnesota mandated that each county provide detoxification services as a safe alternative to incarceration for intoxicated individuals.
- In 2015, the state expanded detox programs to include clinically managed and medically monitored withdrawal management services, recognizing the need for medical oversight and structured withdrawal support.
- Ramsey County’s program, first licensed in 1989, evolved to meet these standards and became dually licensed for withdrawal management in 2022, allowing for enhanced clinical and medical care.
- The program operates under Minnesota Rule 32, which governs detoxification services, and Minnesota Statutes 245F, which sets standards for withdrawal management, including medical supervision and clinical protocols. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining licensure, securing funding, and ensuring service effectiveness.
- Our services were paused in July 2023 to set up training and infrastructure to enhance the medical model, billing practices and entirely revamp client/staff interaction. More oversight and responsibilities led to a higher level of satisfaction by clients as the county provided higher medical standards and clinical care. Due to county infrastructure challenges, billing for the new licensed withdrawal management services was not able to be started until 2024.
- Minnesota counties are required to ensure detox services are available to individuals who need them but aren’t required to run their own facility. Clay County is the only other county in Minnesota that still operates its own detox service.
Relevant state statute
254A.08 Subd 1: “Every county board shall provide detoxification services for any person incapable of self-management or management of personal affairs or unable to function physically or mentally in an effective manner because of the use of a drug, including alcohol. The board may utilize existing treatment programs and other agencies to meet this responsibility."
245F.01 Subd. 1: “Services shall not be denied on the basis of a patient's inability to pay.”