Coon Rapids Police Social Worker Hosts Free Community Drop-In Session

Coon Rapids Police Social Worker Hosts Free Community Drop-In Session 

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The Coon Rapids Police Department is inviting residents to meet with its embedded social worker, Lori Halbur, LICSW, during today’s “Meet the Social Worker” community drop-in session. The free event commenced on Thursday, October 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Anoka County Library – Crooked Lake Branch, located at 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433.

The program—held on the first Thursday of every month—offers community members a safe, welcoming space to seek help, ask questions, and connect with vital local resources. No appointment is needed, and all are welcome to attend.

Halbur, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, joined the Coon Rapids Police Department as its first full-time embedded social worker in December 2022. Working side-by-side with a police officer, Halbur responds to mental health-related calls and helps individuals access long-term community support. The program has already demonstrated measurable impact, including a significant reduction in repeat service calls and fewer mental health-related police responses across the city.

“Having Lori on our team has transformed how we respond to mental health and social service needs,” department officials noted in city updates. “Her expertise helps connect people to the right care before situations escalate into crises.”

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, October 2 (continues first Thursday of every month)
• Time: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Anoka County Library, Crooked Lake Branch
• Address: 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433
• Cost: Free; no appointment required

Available Assistance

Halbur provides free, confidential support and referrals for individuals and families dealing with a variety of challenges, including:

• Mental health concerns
• Substance use
• Homelessness or housing insecurity
• Food or financial insecurity
• Job instability
• Parenting or child-related issues
• Support for older adults and caregivers

By meeting in a neutral, community-based setting like the public library, the Coon Rapids Police Department aims to make help more approachable and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking assistance through law enforcement channels.

Residents who cannot attend today’s session can find additional information and future dates through the City of Coon Rapids website or the Anoka County Library events calendar.

MinneapoliMedia