ST. PAUL, MN – A new report released today highlights the impacts of opioids on Minnesota Tribal communities across the state. The report, a summary of the Tribal-State Opioid Summit that took place last fall, points out strategies that are working now, and makes specific recommendations for how state and tribal leaders can continue to partner to address the issue of opioid addiction afflicting Minnesota communities.

 

“Since 2000, deaths from opioid overdoses have increased by 430 percent in Minnesota. While the makers of these prescription painkillers are making billions in profits, Minnesotans are dying and our public health system is overwhelmed by the demands for prevention, treatment and recovery,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “Minnesota is taking some important first steps, but we need to do more. I welcome this report, as tribal and state leaders continue to partner in this work. But then we need to take action, this legislative session, to respond to the scourge of opioid addiction, and help to the hundreds of Minnesotans who need it.”

 

Last fall, Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith partnered with Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations to convene the Tribal-State Opioid Summit, to develop strategies for prevention, treatment and recovery.

 

The 2017 Tribal-State Opioid Summit Report recommends a number of strategies to address the issue of opioids in Minnesota, including strengthening partnerships between tribes, the state, and the federal government; supporting cultural engagement and other culturally-focused services; and improving treatment and prevention efforts throughout the state.

Nationally, since 2000, deaths from opioid overdoses have increased 200 percent. In Minnesota, opioid deaths have increased 430 percent over the same period, disproportionately affecting women and Native Americans. An estimated 80 percent of Americans addicted to heroin started out taking prescription-pad medications.

 

The 2017 Tribal-State Opioid Summit Report summarizes the discussions and outcomes of the 2017 Tribal-State Opioid Summit. The report highlights strategies that are working now, and makes specific recommendations for how state and tribal leaders can continue to partner to address the issue of opioid addiction afflicting Minnesota tribal communities.

 

The report focuses on the following categories:

 

·         Prevention

·         Interventions and Treatments

·         Prenatal Exposure

·         Prescription Monitoring Practices

·         Law Enforcement and Public Safety

·         Summit Evaluation

 

 

Opioid deaths have increased 430 percent in Minnesota since 2000. Eighty percent of Americans addicted to heroin started out taking prescription pain medications. Governor Dayton’s budget, An Opportunity Agenda for a Better Minnesota, includes funding to improve statewide tracking of overdoses in Minnesota so law enforcement and health officials can respond more quickly and effectively. It also would invest $4 million for Minnesota’s Tribal Nations and urban American Indian communities to fund prevention programs to reduce opioid addiction.