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
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
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.