OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. — Otter Tail County was recognized with the 2026 Innovation Award from the Minnesota Community and Family Resource Network.
Deputy County Administrator Lynne Penke Valdes presented the award to the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners. The award honors the county’s work using opioid settlement money to support Family Resource Centers. These centers help prevent substance use by supporting families and building strong communities.
“Thank you to the team,” Commissioner Wayne Johnson said. “This has been a group effort in supporting our families and keeping families together. Good work.”
About the award
The Innovation Award celebrates new ideas that meet families’ changing needs. It also honors work that builds fairness and belonging and strengthens family support services.
The Minnesota Community & Family Resource Network is a statewide group that supports Family Resource Centers. These centers are places where families can find help, connect with others and learn new skills.
Why prevention matters
As mentioned in the award submission, research shows a strong link between substance use disorder and a higher risk of child abuse and neglect. That link is why it’s important to help families early, before problems start. Family Resource Centers are an evidence-based model. That means research shows they work. They help families stay strong and help prevent child abuse and neglect.
How the county uses opioid settlement money
Opioid settlement money comes from national lawsuits against companies that made, sold or shipped opioid pain medicines. Minnesota counties receive part of this money. It must be used to prevent and treat opioid addiction.
Otter Tail County used data to plan how to spend its share and chose to focus on prevention. It built its plan around the Five Protective Factors framework.
This framework names five strengths that help keep families safe and healthy:
- Parents who can bounce back from stress
- Strong ties to friends, family and community
- Knowing how children grow and develop
- Getting real help in times of need
- Helping children learn to manage their feelings and get along with others
Accepting the award
County Administrator Nicole Hansen and Commissioner Kurt Mortenson accepted the award on behalf of Otter Tail County.