10/24/2025
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At RIA, we build lasting relationships that extend beyond a single project. We were excited to work with Anything Helps on a project with the MN Department of Health — and have continued to collaborate on the Justice in Institutions for Black Women, Girls and Femmes statewide survey. We asked Val Floyd, their Vice Chair, to share more about their work and why they partner with RIA; here's what she said!
Q: What would you want folks to know about your work / organization?
A: At Anything Helps MN, we believe in meeting people where they are. We serve people affected by the opioid epidemic, providing harm reduction, recovery support, and wrap-around care in a nonjudgmental environment. Our drop-in center and syringe service programs prioritize dignity, safety, and respect for every person. And we are committed to equity, especially for Black communities and women/femmes. We understand that addiction and overdose intersect with racial injustice, gender-based violence, social determinants of health, and systemic neglect. That’s part of why we partnered with Research in Action: to strengthen and amplify the voices of Black women and girls in Minnesota and beyond.
Q: Why did you partner with us to support and promote the survey? Or why do you believe Black women, girls, and femmes should complete the survey?
A: Historically, women, and especially Black women and girls, have been marginalized in research, public health, and policy discussions. Our experiences, especially around violence, trauma, healing, and resilience, often go unrecorded or undervalued. By partnering on this survey, we are helping create space where their stories, knowledge, and priorities are counted, respected, and used to inform change. With our networks, community presence, and on-the-ground credibility, Anything Helps MN can help ensure that the survey reaches those whom others might miss, people in harm reduction settings, those experiencing unstable housing, people who might not otherwise be reached by standard outreach. This helps the survey have more depth, reach, and representativeness.
Learn more about Anything Helps at anythinghelpsmn.org!
