DHS names new director of C.A.R.E. substance abuse treatment program

Contact: 
Kelsey Gorsen
Communications
651-431-2448

PDF version of news release

Karen Jones of Fergus Falls was recently named statewide director of Community Addiction Recovery Enterprise (C.A.R.E.), the substance abuse treatment program of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Jones has been acting as interim statewide director since May 2011.

In her position, Jones will direct C.A.R.E.’s overall administrative and clinical services for clients requiring chemical dependency treatment. Inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency and substance abuse services are provided in C.A.R.E. facilities located in Anoka, Brainerd, Carlton, Fergus Falls, St. Peter and Willmar.

“Karen demonstrates a passion for her work and is genuinely interested in assuring quality care for the people C.A.R.E. serves,” said Doug Seiler, administrator of special populations at DHS. “She strives to deliver the best treatment using current and innovative treatment methods.”

Before coming to DHS, Jones worked as director of ambulatory care for Wishek Community Hospital and Clinics in Wishek, N.D., where she was responsible for the operation of six rural health clinics. She also worked as director of student health services for the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. She is a graduate of the University of Mary, Bismarck, N.D., with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and recently received her master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Mary. She is also certified in addiction nursing.