When Teresa Ludena Chavez walked into the Anything Helps organization for the first time earlier this year, it was a moment of both hardship and hope. Having been homeless since early May after being released from the hospital, Teresa was searching for basic resources: a shower, hygiene supplies, and a safe space to begin the […]
Fentanyl
Fighting the opioid crisis
HF1379 is a bill that would allow patients to file a voluntary non-opioid directive, which could be a critical step in combating opioid addiction in Minnesota, particularly in Black communities that have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis.
How to stay safe amid rising fentanyl crisis
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine, is causing a dangerous crisis in America, particularly in Hennepin County, where opioid-related deaths have increased by 14% in the African American community and 56% in the Hispanic community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fentanyl-related deaths up 400% since Prince’s death
Prince’s death from fentanyl poisoning has led to a public forum and panel discussion to address the opioid crisis, with panelists discussing the dangers of fentanyl.
