NEW ULM - The New Ulm Medical Center marked the 25th anniversary of offering substance abuse services on Wednesday by honoring staff and listening to a patient's story of recovery.
Steve Schneider, director of the Substance Abuse Services at New Ulm Medical Center, said the service has seen thousands of patients over the years.
"I am always struck by their stories of the suffering that substance abuse has caused them, but I am also struck by their determination that they are going to beat their problem."
Scheider thanked his staff for their passion, caring and skill.
Dr. Paul Goering, vice president of Clinical Services for Allina Mental Health, was on hand to mark the occasion.
"I've seen a lot of substance abuse programs throughout the Allina system," and nobody does it better than you do right here," he said. He presented a plaque marking the longevity and excellence of the program.
City Councilor Les Schultz, standing in for Mayor Joel Albrecht, read and presented a proclamation announcing Substance Abuse Recovery Month in September.
But the speaker who brought the whole meaning of the program into focus was Terry, a patient who just completed the program this year and is reclaiming his life.
He brought a rose he plucked from the flower garden he planted this year.
The rose was sitting in a pickle jar, a reminder of all the times he was "pickled" by substance abuse.
In the bottom of the jar was some dirt, to remind him how he "felt like dirt" last January when he began treatment. The stem of the rose, he said, reminded him of his growth through treatment. The thorns represented the former acquaintances and friends that he had to leave behind to continue his growth.
The leaves, he said, represent the doctors and staff at NUMC. "They remind me of angel wings, and that's what the doctors here are -angels."
Finally, the bloom at the top represented himself, "and how I've risen to the top with New Ulm Medical Center's help."
The NUMC celebration continues today and Friday, culminating with a performance by comedian Mark Lundholm at 8 p.m. at the District 88 Administrative Center auditorium at 15 N. State St.
