RAAN

11/03/2025

Take it easy out there while we all adjust!

During the two weeks after we change our clocks back from daylight saving time, deer-vehicle collisions reach their annual peak. When we “fall back,” we create one more hour of high-danger driving. That afternoon hour of increased darkness results in more cars on the road when more wildlife roam. Stay safe by slowing down at dawn and dusk, using high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic, and always staying alert to movement along the side of the road.

When wildlife and vehicles collide, nobody wins. We can save lives and reduce roadside accidents year round by building more wildlife crossings across the country. Wildlife Crossings Save Lives. https://environmentamerica.org/articles/daylight-savings-time-and-deer-collisions/

11/01/2025

Today is Early Giving for Give to the Max Day!

Since its inception in 2009, nonprofits and schools have raised more than $400 million through GiveMN and giving events like Give to the Max.

Through donations from caring neighbors, we are able to broaden our capacity for the people we serve. Please consider chipping in a few dollars if you're able! 💜

Link to donate: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Rural-Aids-Action-Network

RAAN envisions rural communities where persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS live dignified lives and receive appropriate and compassionate medical care, and where communities understand the realities of transmission and prevention. RAAN staff provide the following...

10/29/2025

Exciting news Mankato peeps!

Chipotle on Warren Street will be hosting a fundraiser for RAAN on Monday, November 10th from 4pm-8pm. Here's the best part: 25% of event sales will be donated!

To participate, simply show this flyer at checkout or place your order online with the promo code VNCJP4X. See you there!

10/28/2025

WIC benefits are still available, see below!

Keep using WIC benefits!
MN WIC has received additional funds to continue services into mid-November if the federal government shutdown continues.
WIC families - please keep your WIC appointments, shop with your WIC card, and use your benefits.

Questions? Call your local WIC clinic. We will post updates when we have more to share.

We’re keeping our website updated: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/ppthome.html

10/27/2025

LIHEAP Update:

Due to the government shutdown, sellers of fuel oil and propane, such as Community Co-ops, Ferrellgas, AmeriGas etc. will not make deliveries unless paid and are not required to do so under the Cold Weather Rule. Consumers of fuel oil or propane will need to pay out-of-pocket to continue deliveries, if the local agency who they applied for LIHEAP does not have reserve funding to cover payments during the shutdown.

Minnesotans can apply for emergency energy assistance, which is for energy emergencies, to cover up to $600.00 for preventing shutoff or non-delivery of fuel oil or propane. To qualify for the emergency, consumers must show that they have applied for LIHEAP and that a disconnection or non-delivery will occur.

Find additional application and information at:

The Energy Assistance Program provides up to $1,500 in additional grants for eligible Minnesotans who need help

10/27/2025

Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life. Prevention helps us get in front of challenges, so that individuals, families, and communities can be healthy and thrive.

Find help: samhsa.gov/find-help

10/22/2025

Be careful! This is probably going on in other counties too.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:​October 22, 2025
Contact:​Bryan Welk, Sheriff

CASS COUNTY, MN – SCAM CALLS ON-GOING – PREVENT YOURSELF FROM BEING A VICTIM

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports recently in the past week the Cass County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of fraud and scam phone calls and text messages in which the scammer has posed as a member of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. In a reported case, the victim reported receiving a scam call from an individual posing as a member of the Sheriff’s Office Administrative team, demanding payment for an unpaid fine that would lead to an arrest warrant. The fraudsters used a caller ID spoofing technique to have their number appeared to be from the Sheriff’s Office and even used the name and badge number of a Sheriff’s Office official, leading the victim and their co-workers to believe the fraudster and fall victim to the scam which involved transferring currency through a purchased “Green Dot card” to the fraudster.

If you receive this type of call or scam, protect yourself by hanging up immediately and never providing personal or financial information over the phone; instead, independently verify the information by calling the official Sheriff's Office at a number you find from their official website. Legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone for fines, missed court dates or to clear warrants.

Common tactics used by scammers that have been reported recently include:
• Caller ID Spoofing: The phone number may appear to be from the local Sheriff's Office or a specific deputy's name, but this is fake.
• Sense of Urgency: Scammers create panic by claiming there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, and you must pay a fine immediately to avoid jail time.
• Demands for Payment: They will demand payment through specific, untraceable methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Threats: They may threaten to come to your home if you do not pay immediately.

What to do if you receive a call like this
• Hang up immediately: Do not provide any information, and do not stay on the line to argue or question the caller.
• Do not call back the number from the call: Scammers may be spoofing the number and you will not reach a legitimate agency.
• Call the official Sheriff's Office directly: Look up the phone number for your local Sheriff's Office on their official website, or a trusted directory, and call them to verify the claim.
• Do not share personal or financial information: This includes your Social Security number, bank account information, or payment details.
• Report the scam: You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and visit identitytheft.gov if you have already shared personal information.

We understand that this information can be confusing and at times hard to understand a legitimate call or a fraudster attempting to gain payment or personal information. If you have any doubt about the contact, please call us to help you confirm its validity. We are more than happy to help you avoid being victim to a scam situation.

10/20/2025

UPDATE: phones and internet are back up and running in the Duluth office!

FYI our Duluth office's phone and internet are down. We're working to get it resolved ASAP. You should still be able to reach staff via email in the meantime.

10/20/2025

Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― at multiple levels.

To learn more about Prevention Month, visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month

10/18/2025

Vaccines are available, it does require 2 doses for maximum effectiveness.

The U.S. has reported its first case of a severe mpox strain spreading without international travel. Here's what we know: http://www.kare11.com/article/news/nation-world/first-in-country-transmission-of-mpox-strain-confirmed/507-db6e91cb-555d-4184-8fad-3d5605288b0b?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KARE_11

10/16/2025

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REMINDER! Tomorrow is ! 💜 Wear purple to stand up & speak out against bullying