Opioid epidemic

The misuse of and addiction to prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is an increasing crisis that affects families and communities throughout the U.S.

Save the Date: Hennepin County Opioid Framework Overview, December 13

Virtual: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. – noon
All are welcome
Pre-registration is not required
Use the following link to join this event: Hennepin Opioids Public Meeting link

Hennepin County will host a public meeting to outline the Hennepin County Opioid Framework, which includes information on funding provided through the Opioid Settlement Funds (Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement).

The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on Hennepin County's Opioid Framework, strategy and spending to all Hennepin County residents.

With a focus on public health, health equity, and disparity reduction, Hennepin County's Opioid Leadership Team will present data, guiding principles and share strategies.

We invite everyone with interest in this critical issue to join us for this free, public, virtual meeting.

There will be an opportunity for city staff and leaders to provide feedback, and additional questions, comments, and feedback can be provided by emailing OpioidResponse@hennepin.us.

This meeting will be recorded for future playback and the meeting video will be available online at: hennepin.us/opioid.

Learn how Hennepin County is responding to the opioid epidemic.

Open all

Printable overview in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong

English - Hennepin County opioid resources (PDF, 1MB)

Espanol (Spanish) - Recursos para opioides del condado de Hennepin (PDF, 1MB)

Hmoob (Hmong) - Kev pab txog tshuaj loog opioid hauv Cheeb Nroog Hennepin (PDF, 1MB)

Soomaali (Somali) - Tasiilaadka Maandooriyaha ee Degmada Hennepin (PDF, 1MB)

Understanding the opioid epidemic

Opioid overdose deaths are rising

Matching nationwide trends, opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota and Hennepin County continue to rise.

Opioid-related deaths in Minnesota and Hennepin County

Chart showing opioid-related deaths in Minnesota and Hennepin County increasing sharply in the past few years. In 2021, Hennepin County had 340 opioid-related deaths and Minnesota had 924.

Source: Minnesota death certificates, MDH. 2021 data are preliminary; Hennepin County geo-coded death data, CDC.

Most opioid overdoses involve fentanyl

Fentanyl is a prescription opioid that’s also made and sold illegally. It’s up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is driving recent increases in opioid overdose deaths.

People may not know they’re taking fentanyl because it’s mixed into fake pills and other drugs. Fentanyl can be addictive and deadly, even in small amounts.

Opioid-related deaths involving fentanyl in Hennepin County

Chart showing opioid deaths involving fentanyl in Hennepin County increasing significantly in the past few years. In 2021, more than 90% of opioid deaths involved fentanyl.

Source: Hennepin County geo-coded death data, CDC.

Opioid effects are worse for some groups

The opioid epidemic impacts people from all walks of life, but disproportionately affects certain groups.

In Minnesota, American Indian people and African American people experience higher rates of opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations.

These differences are influenced by disparities in the social determinants of health, such as housing, food, healthcare, and economic well-being.

The bigger picture, non-fatal overdoses

Overdose deaths are only a part of the picture. Non-fatal overdoses, hospitalizations, injuries, and trauma are all preventable harms related to the opioid epidemic.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health's opioid overdose prevention page.

Hennepin County’s response

Hennepin County's approach recognizes that the opioid epidemic is complex and requires a multi-faceted health and safety response.

Our response

To date, the following work has been accomplished:

Prevention

Developed an opioid data collection and sharing tool
Supported and obligated providers to use best practice prescribing guidelines
Promoted safe storage and environmentally-sound disposal

Response

Ensured all first responders, necessary county employees and targeted stakeholders have access to and training to administer naloxone
Coordinated two county operated safe syringe services and naloxone distribution

Treatment and recovery

Implemented substance use disorder (SUD) reform in Hennepin County
Sought new state and federal opioid grant opportunities
Ensured contracts have medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) accommodations
Increased treatment options (MOUD) and transition planning in correctional settings and throughout county clinical settings

Eliminating disparities

Increased external and internal substance use disorder (SUD) data infrastructure
Launched multi-year contracts with community organizations who provide culturally relevant response and prevention services to American Indian, African American, unsheltered homeless, and Somali/East African communities

Learn more about the strategic framework

Safe storage and disposal

Safe storage and disposal prevents people from accessing medications that weren't prescribed to them. Protect your friends and family with these precautions:

The Hennepin County Sherriff's Office (HCSO) distributes free medication disposal bags at their office locations and by mail. They also host naloxone trainings. Learn more about opioid overdose prevention.

Overdose response and harm reduction