Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition driven by changes in brain circuitry, and is not a “bad choice” or a moral failure, but rather a complex disease caused by genetic and environmental factors, as well as trauma and life experiences.
Health + Wellness
Find stories and resources by some of the state’s top Black physicians that aim to address current disparities in prevention and treatment within our communities.
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Getting off the emotional roller coaster of opioid addiction
The opioid crisis has become a nationwide public health emergency, causing euphoric highs and emotional lows for users and their families, and seeking professional medical help, building a support network, getting drug therapy, seeking support, setting boundaries, and getting educated on addiction can help manage the emotional roller coaster.
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Opioid addiction and mental health
Opioid addiction and mental health disorders often occur together, with individuals struggling with mental health conditions using opioids to self-medicate and opioid use causing mental health struggles, and providers should consider a simultaneous treatment model to address the whole person.
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How to spot and respond to an opioid overdose
In 2022, Hennepin County saw its highest number of opioid-related deaths to date, with fentanyl being a major factor, and the county has a robust network of resources to prevent and treat opioid overdose.
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Opioid addiction: What you need to know
Opioid addiction is a public health epidemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent decades, with 377 Hennepin County residents dying from opioid-related deaths in 2022 alone.
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Black patients prescribed more opioids
The Minnesota Department of Health has launched the Office of African American Health to combat racial disparities in healthcare, including the disparities in pain management for Black patients.
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Health insurance helps keep you, your family and your community healthy
Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare provide comprehensive health coverage for individuals with low incomes, including immunizations, prescription medications, annual physicals, dental care, and emergency care, as well as transportation assistance and access to preventive care.
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As white ‘deaths of despair’ made news, Black ones skyrocketed
The rate of opioid deaths among Black people has nearly tripled since 2015, surpassing the rate among white people, and the gap has closed due to the increasing use of illegal drugs and alcohol-related deaths.
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From American Dream to addiction: Seeking hope as overdose deaths decline
The opioid crisis in the United States is still a major issue, with overdose deaths dropping by 10% in the 12 months ending in April 2024, but still remaining significantly worse than before the pandemic.
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Cracking down on medical debt collection
The CFPB and state governments are taking action to combat abusive medical debt collection practices, protecting over 100 million Americans from $220 billion in medical debt and shielding consumers from the detrimental effects of medical debt on economic opportunities.
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Polysubstance drug use a ‘fourth wave’ of opioid epidemic
The United States is experiencing a fourth wave of opioid epidemic, with a staggering increase in the combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine use, and a decrease in heroin and prescribed opioid use, leading to a rise in overdose deaths.
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Racial trauma: Why my family broke our silence
SIKESTON, MO. — I wasn’t sure if visiting a cotton field was a good idea. Almost everyone in my family was antsy when we pulled up to the sea of white. The cotton was beautiful but soggy. An autumn rain had drenched the dirt before we arrived, our shoes sinking into the ground with each […]
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Nitazenes are a powerful class of street drugs emerging nationwide
Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids that are more potent than morphine and fentanyl, and have been linked to over 200 drug-related overdose deaths in Europe and the U.S.
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$5 million grant aims to reduce stroke disparities in Minnesota
The American Heart Association and the Minnesota Department of Health have received a $5 million grant to improve stroke care for underserved populations, with a public awareness campaign and implementation of care standards.
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Study confirms higher breast cancer mortality rates for Black women across all subtypes
Black women in the US face higher mortality rates from breast cancer compared to white women, with disparities present across all subtypes, and researchers suggest targeted, multilevel interventions to close the gap.
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A new fentanyl vaccine looks promising
Researchers have developed a vaccine for fentanyl addiction that has shown promising results in rats, but it is unlikely to be a silver bullet due to the complex nature of drug addiction.
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Gaps Project works to close breast cancer mortality disparities
Monisha Washington, director of the Breast Cancer Gaps Project, is working to eliminate the 41% higher mortality rate from breast cancer among Black women by implementing innovative community-driven solutions.
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Federal changes aim to reduce prescription drug costs for older adults in Minnesota
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare enrollees will benefit from price reductions on prescription drugs, with the first wave of price controls taking effect next year and additional drugs covered in 2025, resulting in significant savings for older Minnesotans.
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Making dentistry accessible, affordable, and free of fear
Dr. Quint Lester, a Black dentist motivated by his faith, has purchased Hilltop Dental Clinic in Maplewood, Minnesota, and is committed to providing a safe and compassionate environment for patients.
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Opioid crisis: Hennepin County’s multifaceted response
Hennepin County is addressing an unprecedented opioid crisis with a four-pronged approach of prevention, response, treatment and recovery, and eliminating disparities.