Opioid Response Initiative

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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

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).

Order a naloxone kit

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.

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Where the money comes from

Working with community

County programs fighting opioids

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