Opioid Response Initiative
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine and many others. The misuse of and addiction to opioids is a national public health crisis.
Opioid epidemic in Minnesota
- Opioid Crisis in Ramsey County - Ramsey County
- Drug Overdose dashboard - Minnesota Department of Health
Free naloxone
Ramsey County Residents (pilot project)
If you or someone in your life could benefit from naloxone, a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose (commonly known as Narcan ®), please order today. Ramsey County residents can order one naloxone kit per address. Kits include 2 naloxone doses, breathing barriers, gloves, directions for use and a list of community resources. Kits will be available while supplies last. How to use naloxone (video).
State Mandated/Required Groups
The Minnesota Department of Health in partnership with Department of Human Services has developed a program to order free naloxone for groups that are now required by law to carry/maintain a supply of naloxone. This mandated group includes: schools, corrections, law enforcement, site-based or group housing support settings and sober homes. Learn more and order state mandated naloxone
Naloxone training
2023 - Over 800 county staff have been training on how to use Narcan and other harm reduction resources since the start of the year. Funding from the DHS Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) grant helps support the work of our peer specialist and internal trainings for county staff and leadership that will continue through 2024.
Engaging community, cities and partners
Led and coordinated by Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, the Opioid Response Initiative prioritizes education, awareness, prevention, treatment and recovery. This countywide initiative is informed and co-designed by internal and external partners and people most impacted by the substance use crisis. Learn more about our work with the community below.
Stay up-to-date
Sign up for updates regarding the opioid settlement and how the resources will be used in Ramsey County.
Where the money comes from
In 2021, Minnesota was part of the $26 billion multi-state winning lawsuit against multiple opioid pharmaceutical companies and an opioid manufacturer. In 2022, Minnesota joined five additional multistate settlements worth $20.4 billion with two more manufacturers and three pharmacy chains.
Settlement money is divided between the state, counties and cities over several years. Settlement agreements detail how the funds can be used to combat the opioid crisis, including detailed programs and strategies focused on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. It is our goal to reduce opioid-related deaths and overdoses among our residents.
Working with community
Summary to County Board
August 17, 2023 - The following update was provided to the County Board regarding the Opioid Response Initiative milestones, future opioid response activities and ongoing work being done by the County to fight the opioid crisis in our community. Read summary (PDF)
Partner meeting
March 22, 2023 - Twenty-four invited organizations attended our first Opioid Response Initiative community partner meeting. The meeting provided an update on the current impact of the opioid crisis and the preliminary survey data, to gather ideas on what’s needed and possible to address this crisis, ideas for future us of Opioid funds.
Annual meeting with city jurisdictions
November 30, 2022 - We discussed how we can partner to meet the needs of residents in the Ramsey County through a shared Opioid Response Initiative and how we can leverage settlement funds overtime.
Community feedback survey
June - August 2022 - An electronic community feedback survey was available to Ramsey County residents and others who work in the county (including county employees). The survey asked for opinions on how important is it that Ramsey County prioritize resources for each defined remediation categories outlined in the 1st Opioid Settlement Agreement. Over 350 people responded.
Community update: opioid overdose prevention
May 26, 2022 - Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health held a session for community members to learn about opportunities the county will have related to the opioid misuse prevention resources from the attorney general’s lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies. Opioid overdose prevention presentation (PDF)
County programs fighting opioids
The following ongoing Ramsey County programs are doing their part to battle the opioid crisis in our community.
Medicine Disposal
Safe disposal of unwanted medicine helps prevent crime, substance use and accidental poisoning. Safely dispose of unwanted, expired and unused medicines for free at one of five public drop boxes in Ramsey County. Learn more
Syringe Service Program (SSP)
The SSP is accessible to communities disproportionately impacted by substance use disorder and HIV including low-income individuals, racially and ethnically diverse communities, and people experiencing homelessness. It is the only SSP in St. Paul, and functions primarily as a safe place to dispose of contaminated syringes and receive sterile syringes. Its wraparound services include naloxone kit distribution and overdose prevention education; HIV, HCV, and STI testing and linkage to care; wound care; vaccinations; and referrals to substance use disorder treatment, medical care, mental health, and social services. Learn more
Ramsey County Detox and Withdrawal Management
The Ramsey County Detoxification Facility is now offering medicated withdrawal management services. This new service offers a more holistic approach with high-end stabilization and treatment planning as well as medication assistance with withdrawal. Learn more
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Ramsey County provides culturally responsive Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), focusing on African American and American Indian communities. The service design includes three components:
- Corrections-based treatment is available to people with substance use disorder who enter the Adult Detention Center and the Ramsey County Correctional Facility while they are going through withdrawal.
- Community-based treatment is provided to those referred from community partners, correctional facilities, Ramsey County mental health services, Ramsey County syringe exchange services and Detox.
- Care coordination and community follow up is provided to improve treatment continuity and prevent recidivism.
Learn more
Articles and information about opioids and the opioid epidemic.
- Six New Street Drugs to Watch for in 2022
- Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in Minnesota - MN Attorney General
- Opioid overdose prevention resources - MDH
Contact Us
Gabriel McNeal
Interim Healthy Communities Division Manager
651-266-2400