DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Update On Opioid Settlement Funds And Proclamation Of August As Overdose Awareness Month In Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Update on opioid settlement funds and proclaim August as Overdose Awareness Month in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
August is International Overdose Awareness Month, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about overdose prevention and honoring those impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The misuse of alcohol and other drugs are important risk factors for chronic disease, disability, and death in the United States. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, in 2023, there were a total of sixty deaths due to drug overdose in Dakota County, which was a slight increase from 2022. Emergency room visits for non-fatal drug overdoses are also on the rise.
Dakota County staff, in partnership with other organizations, are committed to building public awareness and addressing stigma as important steps in supporting people to access treatment and support for both mental health and SUD. To that end, Dakota County staff are engaging in a variety of efforts throughout August to promote education, prevention, and support resources. These include community events, training sessions on the use of naloxone (a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), and public messaging campaigns designed to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about substance use. By fostering a more informed community, Dakota County aims to save lives, support recovery, and honor those who have been affected by overdose.
Staff is requesting that in observance of this proclamation, the Northern Service Center and Dakota County Crisis and Recovery Center be lit up in purple on August 31, 2025, International Overdose Awareness Day. Staff will use inexpensive purple filters with the buildings’ existing lights to create the purple light. Dakota County residents, businesses, and city partners are also encouraged to shine a purple light to honor those who have been affected by overdose.
Staff will provide an update on opioid settlement funds, as well as SUD resources and initiatives, including initiatives focused on awareness, education, and prevention.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners proclaim August as Overdose Awareness Month in Dakota County and supports efforts to promote overdose awareness, evidence-based prevention education, and access to services and supports to serve the mental health and substance use needs of the residents of Dakota County.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, August is International Overdose Awareness Month, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about overdose prevention and honoring those impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD); and
WHEREAS, the misuse of alcohol and other drugs are important risk factors for chronic disease, disability, and death in the United States; and
WHEREAS, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, in 2023, there were a total of sixty deaths due to drug overdose in Dakota County, which was a slight increase from 2022; and
WHEREAS, emergency room visits for non-fatal drug overdoses are also on the rise; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County staff, in partnership with other organizations, are committed to building public awareness and addressing stigma as important steps in supporting people to access treatment and support for both mental health and SUD; and
WHEREAS, to that end, Dakota County staff are engaging in a variety of efforts throughout August to promote education, prevention, and support resources; and
WHEREAS, these include community events, training sessions on the use of naloxone (a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), and public messaging campaigns designed to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about substance use; and
WHEREAS, by fostering a more informed community, Dakota County aims to save lives, support recovery, and honor those who have been affected by overdose; and
WHEREAS, staff will provide an update on opioid settlement funds, as well as SUD resources and initiatives, including initiatives focused on awareness, education, and prevention.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims August as Overdose Awareness Month in Dakota County and supports efforts to promote overdose awareness, evidence-based prevention education, and access to services and supports to serve the mental health and substance use needs of the residents of Dakota County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in observance of this proclamation, the Northern Service Center and Dakota County Crisis and Recovery Center be lit up in purple on August 31, 2025, International Overdose Awareness Day and Dakota County residents, businesses, and city partners are also encouraged to shine a purple light to honor those who have been affected by overdose.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Gina Pistulka
Author: Erin Carder