A faster, more accessible path to recovery: New weekly treatment now available at M Health Fairview Recovery Clinic
For Minnesotans ready to take the first step toward recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), waiting days or even weeks for treatment to begin can feel impossible. The M Health Fairview Recovery Clinic is changing that.
The walk-in clinic now offers a once-weekly injectable form of buprenorphine (a drug that’s used to treat OUD), that provides fast, long-lasting relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
“With this medication, patients can start recovery right away,” said Alex Hubbell, MD, addiction medicine physician at M Health Fairview Recovery Clinic. “Someone can walk in, meet with our team, and receive their first dose the same day. That kind of immediate support can make all the difference.”
Starting recovery without delay
Starting buprenorphine (Suboxone) can lead to serious side-effects that lead to hesitation from patients, and medications are not always readily available due to cost/insurance barriers or pharmacy supply. These delays can lead to relapses or discourage people from continuing care.
Now, treatment can begin during a patient’s first visit, and the medication lasts a full week between doses. That means fewer trips to the clinic and less worry about missing a dose.
“The first few days of recovery are often the hardest,” Hubbell said. “This new approach helps patients feel better faster, which helps them stay motivated and connected to care.”
Making recovery affordable and accessible
The Recovery Clinic is also working to make care easier to afford. Many of the clinic’s scheduling coordinators are now certified application counselors, helping uninsured patients apply for healthcare coverage through MNsure or financial assistance on the spot, so cost doesn’t delay treatment.
From April to August 2025, the certified application counselors assisted 44 uninsured patients, providing compassionate, accessible service so that Minnesotans struggling with OUD can receive the care they need.
“No one should have to choose between paying bills and getting healthy,” said Rich Levine, MD, medical director of outpatient behavioral health with Fairview Health Services. “If someone is ready to start recovery, we’ll help them find a way to start that same day.”
Hope for long-term recovery
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the Recovery Clinic served more than 1,100 patients. Forty percent remained in treatment after one year. Like many programs across the country, one of the biggest challenges has been helping people stay in treatment long term.
Early evidence shows that medications like the ones the Recovery Clinic offers may help improve those numbers, supporting longer engagement and fewer relapses.
“Staying in treatment is one of the strongest predictors of recovery success,” Levine said. “By making it easier to start and stay in care, we’re giving people a real chance at lasting recovery.”
You’re not alone
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, help is available. The M Health Fairview Recovery Clinic offers walk-in appointments and same-day access to care; no referral needed. The clinic is located on the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank campus, at 2312 6th Street, Suite F105. Walk-in hours are Monday to Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m.
“Recovery is possible,” said Hubbell “And now, it’s easier to begin than ever before.”
