EOSIS

03/11/2026

When Medicaid fraud dominates the headlines, real people pay the price.

EOSIS CEO, Lew Zeidner, recently joined WCCO Radio to speak about something that doesn’t get enough attention in Minnesota’s Medicaid conversation: The vast majority of people and providers relying on Medicaid are not the problem.

At EOSIS, we see every day what’s at stake when public dialogue becomes dominated by fraud narratives alone. Yes, fraud must be identified, addressed, and stopped. Accountability matters. But when all consumers hear is “fraud,” “abuse,” and “waste,” too many people struggling with addiction or mental health begin to internalize the message that seeking help is somehow suspect, complicated, or out of reach.

And that is dangerous.

Because behind every reimbursement discussion is a real human being:
• A mother trying to get sober
• A father battling depression
• A young adult in crisis
• A family praying their loved one says yes to treatment before it’s too late

These are the people Medicaid is meant to serve.

The truth is, most professionals in behavioral health and addiction treatment are not trying to game the system. They are deeply committed people often doing this work for modest pay, sometimes because recovery or mental health has touched their own lives. They show up because they care.

We need both: strong oversight and strong access to care.

We can fight fraud without creating fear.
We can demand accountability without stigmatizing treatment.
We can protect public dollars without punishing vulnerable people.

We are grateful Lew used his voice to bring nuance and humanity to a conversation that too often loses both.

📺 Watch or listen here: https://hubs.li/Q046rbm_0

Lew Zeidner, CEO of Eosis, one of the largest behavioral health and addiction treatment organizations in Minnesota (12 residential and seven outpatient sites...

03/08/2026

Honoring International Women’s Day

Today, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day — a global day recognizing the achievements, strength, and resilience of women everywhere.

Born from early 20th-century labor movements, International Women’s Day continues to highlight the ongoing fight for gender equality, reproductive rights, and the end of violence and abuse against women.

At EOSIS, we honor the women who lead, inspire, and advocate for change every day — in our organization, our communities, and around the world.

03/05/2026

Join EOSIS and our CEO, Lew Zeidner, on March 7, 2026, for an important community conversation focused on fentanyl awareness.

This event will be held at the Columbia Heights Public Library from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., bringing together local leaders and community members to discuss the impact of fentanyl and how we can respond together.

- Free pizza will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Open conversation. Real stories. Practical resources.

We hope you’ll join us in learning, connecting, and being part of the solution. Together, we can strengthen awareness and support in our community. Stop by our table to see Amy Stephan.

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples — it’s a day to celebrate all kinds of love!

Whether it’s the love you share with family, friends, your community, or even the love you’re learning to give yourself — today is a reminder that love comes in many beautiful forms.

Let’s spread kindness, gratitude, and connection wherever we can.

02/12/2026

A Valentine’s reflection

In our clinical work, we see firsthand how heartbreak, divorce, betrayal, and chronic relationship disappointment impact mental health and recovery. Many people come to us believing their “chooser is broken,” vowing never to love again, or feeling crushed by the quiet grief of a relationship that didn’t match the fairy tale they were promised.

Culture teaches us to look for “The One,” expect constant passion, and believe a partner should meet every emotional need. When reality doesn’t measure up, the fallout can show up as depression, anxiety, substance use, or patterns of unhealthy attachment.

Part of our work in clinical care is helping people separate romantic myth from psychological realism:

- Compatibility is built through shared values and skills, not destiny.

- Passion ebbs and flows. Commitment and healthy communication sustain relationships.

- No partner can be someone’s therapist, savior, or sole source of identity.

- Love should include accountability and safety, not harmful patterns.

Healing from heartbreak isn’t about becoming cynical. It’s about developing realistic expectations, strengthening boundaries, and rebuilding a secure sense of self.

Real love isn’t a fairy tale, it’s a daily choice grounded in emotional health. And when heartbreak happens, compassionate, clinically informed support can help people move from despair to growth. Read the full article - https://hubs.li/Q042TdJ20

01/29/2026

After 40 years as a national leader in LGBTQ+-focused addiction treatment, Pride Institute is closing its residential recovery program in Minnesota—a move that has shaken the LGBTQ+ recovery community.

In response, local providers are stepping up. EOSIS has doubled capacity at its LGBTQ+-focused residential program, Latitudes, now the only one of its kind in Minnesota. Community leaders and advocates emphasize that affirming, welcoming spaces are critical—especially amid growing political uncertainty—and say the fight to preserve queer-focused recovery care is far from over.

Read the full article. https://hubs.li/Q040K1s50

01/15/2026

We’re excited to welcome a new team member, Richard Smith, whose professional path reflects both deep expertise and lived experience. After 15 years in the private sector as a Facilities Manager for a $500 million company—and holding multiple technical degrees—he was encouraged to enter the substance use disorder field in 2012. Since then, he has held nearly every role within SUD services, including treatment center ownership, and brings the perspective of someone in long-term recovery.

His commitment to community impact is evident through the founding of GRASP, a nonprofit focused on su***de prevention in the Redwood Falls area and surrounding communities, including Lakota/Dakota reservations. More recently, he served as Program Manager at CMMHC Withdrawal Management, collaborating with multidisciplinary community action groups to develop holistic solutions to local needs.

Guided by strong mentorship and a belief in treating every person with dignity, his leadership is shaped by resilience, compassion, and purpose. Despite profound personal challenges, he believes growth comes from allowing lessons—not circumstances—to define us.

As he looks ahead, his hope is simple yet powerful: that people feel seen, valued, and genuinely impacted by their time with him. He sums up his purpose in three words—an Advocate of Hope. Welcome to the EOSIS Bridge team Richard as our new Clinical Supervisor!

01/07/2026

Community Conversation on Recovery

Patty Ricke, Treatment Director at EOSIS Meadow Creek, recently joined NICE 95.5 for a radio interview to talk about Dry January, what it can reveal about our relationship with alcohol, and when it may be time to seek addiction treatment.

These important conversations help reduce stigma, raise awareness, and remind people that support and hope are always available. Thank you, Patty, for sharing your expertise and advocating for recovery in our community. Listen now -

01/05/2026

Dry January is a great way to reset, recharge, and focus on your health — but for some, stopping drinking isn’t as simple as making a resolution.

If you or someone you love is struggling to quit or cut back, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to do it on your own. Help and hope are available.

We’re here to provide the support, care, and treatment you need to take the next step toward lasting recovery.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from all of us at EOSIS!

As we welcome 2026, we’re reminded that every new year—and every new day—brings the chance for renewal, healing, and hope. Here’s to growth, gratitude, and the courage to keep moving forward.

12/30/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, many people will participate in Dry January, choosing to abstain from alcohol for the month. Lewis Zeidner, CEO of EOSIS, shares insights on the benefits of taking a break from drinking, the short- and long-term impacts of reducing alcohol use, and practical tips for getting through the month. Listen to his interview here - https://hubs.li/Q03Z9f1n0

12/22/2025

Jeff Thorfinnson, Treatment Director for EOSIS Northern Plains, recently spoke with Northern News Now about the growing fentanyl crisis and the how it impacts individuals and devastates families and communities across our region.

Conversations like this matter. Raising awareness, sharing facts, and calling attention to the real and urgent dangers of fentanyl are critical steps toward prevention, accountability, and saving lives.

Thank you, Jeff, for using your voice to educate and advocate for change.
https://hubs.li/Q03YSfNt0

Interview with Jeff Thorfinnson, Treatment Director Eosis Recovery