Opioid Response Initiative
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, also known by its brand name Narcan, reverses the effects of opioids. There are two types of naloxone: nasal and injectable/intramuscular. Many people keep naloxone with them at all times in case of a health emergency. The FDA has extended the shelf life of some nasal naloxone kits. Find the updated expiration date of a naloxone kit.
Learn more
- How to use naloxone (video)
- Opioid harm reduction resources (PDF)
- Drug overdose prevention - Minnesota Department of Health
Community distribution project for residents
At the beginning of 2024, 1,592 naloxone kits were distributed to community during the distribution pilot project. Community members placed online orders to receive kits with instructions, resources and information about naloxone and how to administer it to someone who needs it. Orders were open for a month and half, from Dec. 11, 2023 - Jan. 26, 2024.
State Mandated/Required Groups
The Minnesota Department of Health in partnership with Department of Human Services has developed a program to order free naloxone for groups that are now required by law to carry/maintain a supply of naloxone. This mandated group includes: schools, corrections, law enforcement, site-based or group housing support settings and sober homes. Learn more and order state mandated naloxone.
Naloxone training
Community organizations
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is offering free naloxone training for Ramsey County community organizations and partners. Public Health staff will come to your location for the training session. Each session lasts approximately 1 hour, depending on the needs of the organization. Each person that attends training will receive a naloxone kit.
Individuals
Individuals wanting naloxone training can call or visit the Syringe Service Program. Call with questions or walk-in during open hours, appointments are not needed. Syringe Service Program hours.
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
Preparing staff to respond
May 31, 2024 - Nearly 1,200 Ramsey County staff have been trained to use naloxone and other harm reduction responses. Funding from the DHS Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) grant helped support the ongoing work of our peer specialist the internal trainings for county staff and leadership.
Summary to County Board
August 17, 2023 - 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. Read summary (PDF)
Partner meeting
March 22, 2023 - Twenty-four invited organizations attended our first Opioid Response Initiative community partner meeting. The meeting provided an update on the current impact of the opioid crisis and the preliminary survey data, to gather ideas on what’s needed and possible to address this crisis, ideas for future us of Opioid funds.
Annual meeting with city jurisdictions
November 30, 2022 - We discussed how we can partner to meet the needs of residents in the Ramsey County through a shared Opioid Response Initiative and how we can leverage settlement funds overtime.
Community feedback survey
June - August 2022 - An electronic community feedback survey was available to Ramsey County residents and others who work in the county (including county employees). The survey asked for opinions on how important is it that Ramsey County prioritize resources for each defined remediation categories outlined in the 1st Opioid Settlement Agreement. Over 350 people responded.
Community update: opioid overdose prevention
May 26, 2022 - Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health held a session for community members to learn about opportunities the county will have related to the opioid misuse prevention resources from the attorney general’s lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies. Opioid overdose prevention presentation (PDF)
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
Email us