Dakota County is responding to the current opioid epidemic. The county is using Opioid Settlement Funding, launching an Opioid Response Advisory Committee and distributing free naloxone.
To find resources in your area, we created the Substance Use Treatment Finder.
The interactive map includes:
- Chemical health providers
- Free naloxone locations
- Prescription drop boxes
- Withdrawal management services
August is Overdose Awareness Month
August is Overdose Awareness Month. This is a time to talk about a serious issue that affects many of our families, friends and neighbors. To increase awareness, people come together to remember those who have died from drug overdoses and to support those who are struggling with substance use.
An overdose happens when someone takes too much of a drug. This can include alcohol, prescription medicine, opioids and other drugs. Sometimes people take too much by accident. Other times, they may not know how strong the drug is or that it's mixed with something dangerous, like fentanyl.
Help prevent overdoses
Education, support and access to treatment make a big difference in preventing overdoses. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Carry naloxone (Narcan): This medicine can stop an overdose and save a life. It's safe, easy to use and free at our county buildings and libraries.
- Learn the signs of an overdose: Slow breathing, blue lips or nails, cold or clammy skin and not waking up are all warning signs. Overdoses can be reversed with naloxone. Check out our free August naloxone trainings.
- Talk about it: Having open, honest conversations with family and friends helps break the stigma around substance use.
- Join us: This August, we'll be attending and hosting several local events. See the following events.
Overdose awareness events
- Aug. 20 – Thrive Family Recovery Resources is hosting an open house and a free naloxone training in Eagan at 6 p.m.
- Aug. 21 – Hastings Fifth Annual Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day at Hastings Public House. The 6–8 p.m. event features a resource fair, guest speakers and a dinner.
- Aug. 22 – Spanish naloxone training from 6–7 p.m. at Rambush Estates (14709 West Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville).
- Aug. 24 – English naloxone training from 1–2 p.m. at King's Place Bar and Grill (14460 240th St. E., Miesville).
- Aug. 31 – International Overdose Awareness Day. Several Dakota County cities will be hosting vigils at dusk. Dakota County staff have resources for anyone who'd like to organize an event. Email phsubstanceuseprevention@co.dakota.mn.us for more information.
Together we can raise awareness, support recovery and prevent overdoses.