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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
- Opioid Crisis in Ramsey County - Ramsey County
- Drug Overdose dashboard - Minnesota Department of Health
Funding for community organizations
Multiple Opioid Response Community Grants have been distributed to community-led organizations whose work addresses the opioid crisis. Learn about the grant awardees.
Naloxone
Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids. Many people keep naloxone with them at all times in case of a health emergency. Learn more about naloxone.
Training
For community organizations
Public Health offers free training for community organizations and partners.
Request training for your staff
For individuals
Individuals wanting naloxone training have several free options:
- Sign up for a free in-person or virtual training from the Steve Rummler Hope Network.
- Call or visit the Syringe Service Program during open hours, no appointment needed.
Stay up-to-date
Find the latest information about the Opioid Response Initiative in the March 2025 Overview Report (PDF). You can also sign up for email updates about the opioid settlement and use of resources 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
Presentation to the County Board of Commissioners
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.
- View the April 15, 2025 presentation.
- View the Dec. 12, 2023 presentation.
- Read the Aug. 17, 2023 summary (PDF)
Preparing staff to respond
As of May 31, 2024, nearly 1,200 Ramsey County staff have been trained to use naloxone and other harm reduction strategies. Funding from the DHS Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) grant supported the ongoing work of our peer specialist as he led trainings for county staff and leadership.
Annual meeting with city jurisdictions
Each year, Ramsey County meets with city and other local jurisdictions to discuss how to use settlement funds to best meet the needs of residents by creating a shared Opioid Response Initiative. Past meetings have been held on Nov. 30, 2022, in November 2023 and January 2025.
Community and partner meetings
Ramsey County has held a number of meetings with local partner organizations and other community leaders to share updates on the current impact of the opioid crisis, gather feedback about community needs and harm reduction already happening in community, and discuss ideas for future use of opioid settlement funds.
- Dec. 4, 2023.
- March 22, 2023.
- June – August 2022 Community Feedback Survey.
- May 26, 2022.
County programs responding to the crisis
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 2023
- Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in Minnesota - MN Attorney General
- Opioid overdose prevention resources - MDH
More information about Xylazine:
Contact Us
Rae Eden Frank
Center for Public Health Protection & Practice Deputy Director
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