Item Description:
title
Recognizing Opioid Awareness Day in Hennepin County - offered by Commissioner Conley
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WHEREAS, in 2025, more than 2,100 residents were seen in hospital for nonfatal overdoses, and 246 lives were lost due to overdoses involving opioids; and
WHEREAS, substance use disorder affects people of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds, and leads to compounded challenges in daily life in employment, housing, and education, as well as impact on family, friends, neighborhoods and community; and
WHEREAS, the opioid crisis disproportionately affects American Indian and African American residents and expanding access to treatment and recovery services aligns with Hennepin County’s 2020 declaration of racism as a public health crisis; and
WHEREAS, by acknowledging Opioid Awareness Day, Hennepin County is committed to raising awareness, connecting residents to vital resources like Naloxone, treatment, and recovery services, and reducing stigma so people feel empowered and able to seek the help they need; therefore,
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims September 21 as Opioid Awareness Day to reinforce the county’s commitment to addressing the crisis through public health, evidence-based and community-driven strategies.
Recommendation from County Administrator: No Recommendation