Recent findings from the Kai Shin Clinic have illuminated significant health disparities among individuals in Minnesota living with Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Released on October 8, 2025, these results from an ongoing bloodwork program reveal that rates of serious health conditions among this population are strikingly higher than national averages. The data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive addiction medicine that integrates medical testing to support long-term recovery.
Staggering Statistics Highlight Critical Health Needs
The bloodwork findings indicate alarming prevalence rates for several infectious diseases and chronic illnesses. Among the individuals who have received care at the clinic, the statistics are concerning:
- Hepatitis C: 14.3%, nearly 16 times the national average of 0.9%
- Syphilis: 8.3%, more than 138 times the national average of 0.06%
- HIV: 1.7%, nearly 5 times the national average of 0.36%
- Diabetes (new diagnoses): 11.5%, nearly 20 times the national average of 0.59%
Alana Sasaki, MD, and CEO of the Kai Shin Clinic, emphasized the urgent implications of these findings, stating, “These numbers are staggering, and they reflect the hidden health crisis impacting people living with addiction and those early in recovery. Recovery isn’t just about sobriety; it’s about building a healthier life.”
Integrating Care for Comprehensive Recovery
The clinic advocates for a model of addiction medicine that goes beyond traditional counseling, emphasizing the need for physical health management alongside behavioral care. By incorporating bloodwork into their standard care protocols, the clinic aims to identify and address critical health conditions early. This proactive approach includes mobile phlebotomy, on-site testing, and rapid results, ensuring patients receive timely medical interventions alongside their substance use treatment.
“Addiction medicine means treating substance use as a medical condition with physician evaluation, diagnostic bloodwork, evidence-based medications, and care for co-occurring health needs,” Dr. Sasaki explained. “By making testing fast and accessible, we identify risks early and connect people to the right treatment sooner.”
The Kai Shin Clinic is at the forefront of addiction medicine, providing integrated care that includes primary care, treatment services, and comprehensive assessments for Substance Use Disorders. This holistic approach is designed to address the diverse needs of individuals, emphasizing whole-person recovery. The clinic’s commitment to combining compassion with clinical rigor aims to close critical health gaps within Minnesota’s recovery community.
For more information about the Kai Shin Clinic and its health programs, or to schedule an assessment, visit www.kaishinclinic.com/bloodwork.
As the findings reveal the magnitude of health disparities among those in recovery, the need for such integrated care models has never been more urgent. By addressing both the physical and behavioral aspects of recovery, clinics like Kai Shin are paving the way for a healthier future for individuals navigating the challenges of addiction.