Hastings family sending message about fentanyl after death of son
A Hastings couple says there is a growing fentanyl crisis in their community after the loss of their son.
Opioid settlement nets Minnesota more than $300 million over 18 years
As part of a settlement for its part in an opiate over usage epidemic, manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the nation’s three largest distributors have agreed to pay Minnesota millions for their roles in selling and promoting the drug.
MDH launches ‘Naloxone Finder’ to increase information, access to overdose drug
As part of an ongoing effort to prevent drug overdose deaths, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is making it easier for people to locate naloxone in the event of a potential drug overdose.
CDC proposes change to opioid prescription guidelines
The nation’s top public health agency is proposing changing — and in some instances, softening — guidelines for doctors prescribing opioid painkillers.
US overdose deaths topped 100,000 in a year for 1st time, CDC says
An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, topping deaths from car crashes, guns and even flu and pneumonia, CDC data shows.
Minnesota to get over $300M from $26B multistate opioid settlement
Minnesota is set to collect more than $300 million from a $26 billion multistate opioid settlement.
93,000 Americans died of overdoses last year, a new record
U.S. overdose deaths climbed to a record 93,000 last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous record was 72,000.
Minnesota to get $50 million from Purdue Pharma settlement, Ellison says
Minnesota will get $50 million over nine years from the settlement of a multi-state opioid lawsuit against drugmaker Purdue Pharma and its controlling family, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Thursday.
Purdue Pharma: 15 states agree to OxyContin maker's bankruptcy plan
Fifteen states have reached a $4.5 billion settlement in OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy plan.
J&J to pay $230M to settle claims it helped fuel opioid crisis
As part of the deal, the drugmaker also agreed to end the manufacturing and distribution of opioids across New York and the rest of the nation.
Hazelden Betty Ford's new CEO taking over at a critical time
A new doctor is taking the helm at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation at an all-important time.
Minnesota gets grant to help recovering addicts return to workforce
Minnesota is making available grants for people who have survived the opioid epidemic and are now looking to return to the workforce.
DOJ sues Walmart over role in America’s opioid crisis
The Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies, helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Minnesota drug overdoses up 31% in 2020
Drug overdose deaths increased 31 percent in the first half of 2020, according to new Minnesota Department of Health data.
As opioid epidemic rages in Minneapolis' Somali community, advocates fight stigma surrounding addiction
The Somali community in the Twin Cities is dealing with its own opioids crisis right now. Several young people have recently overdosed on the powerful opioid fentanyl. A meeting Friday night was held to discuss the issue of opioid abuse.
Drug overdose deaths in Minnesota up by 20 percent in 2019, new record high increase
New numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Health Tuesday show a 20 percent increasing in drug overdose deaths in 2019, reversing an improvement seen in 2018.
Number of overdoses double over last week in St. Paul, including 2 deaths
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota say there have been at least 28 suspected overdoses in the city in the city over the last six days, including two deaths.
Police report 22 overdoses, including 1 death, in St. Paul since Friday
Police say there has been a significant increase in the number of overdoses in St. Paul, Minnesota since last Friday
Justice Department sending $12.5 million to Minnesota for opioid abuse prevention
More than half of the money will go to the BCA, but the rest will be dispersed among Minnesota cities, counties and courts.
‘Meth. We’re on it’: People have mixed feelings about South Dakota’s new anti-drug campaign
South Dakota's latest anti-drug campaign slogan, “Meth. We’re On It,” has not been as well received as originally hoped.