Minnesota takes a community approach to opioid epidemic

Drug overdose deaths have increased drastically in Minnesota in the last few years, with greater Minnesota having a larger increase than the metro area for the first time in a decade. The increased use of fentanyl is a contributing factor in this surge.

In response, University of Minnesota Extension and partners worked together to create C.O.P.E. (Community-based Opioid Prevention and Education) to address the opioid crisis in rural Minnesota and Tribal communities. Tactics have included harm-reduction education and training, distributing harm-reduction tools such as fentanyl testing kits and nasal Narcan and creating a public-facing website with easily accessible education and resources.

Education and training include Harm Reduction 101, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, Signs and Saving Lives! and Opioid Overdoses: Risk Factors. Educational resources created include fentanyl educational cards; Talking about Fentanyl, a resource for parents; Talking about Fentanyl, a resource for kids; Naloxone Mini Course; Harm Reduction Mini Course; and Talking to Kids About an Overdose.

Increased community awareness of the issue is evident in project website page views increasing by 58%. The Education and Training page was the second-highest visited page. Requests from community partners for harm-reduction tools increased as well. Partnering organizations have appreciated the ability to reduce stigma around carrying Narcan and have used the fentanyl strips to make potentially life-saving decisions.

Minnesota Health and Human Services has reported lower numbers of overdose deaths. Harm-reduction methods limit the negative impacts of substance use disorders and families and communities made aware are better able to help prevent more deaths.

Project supported by Smith-Lever funds.