St. Paul, MN – Today the Minnesota House Health Finance Committee discussed legislation authored by Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley) to address and help thwart the ongoing opioid crisis.
“As Minnesota continues to experience an opioid crisis, we know this addiction affects families across the state,” said Rep. Bierman. “Though overdose deaths have overall declined, nonfatal overdoses have increased by 11%. As the DFL-lead on the House Health Finance Committee, I’m committed to ensuring Minnesotans have the prevention and awareness resources they need to thrive.”
Rep. Bierman’s legislation would invest $500,000 per year for a grant to Change the Outcome, an organization that aims to educate students on dangers associated with opioid use and emerging drug trends. The bill specifies that the funding is to deliver: data-centered learning opportunities on the dangers of opioid use in schools and communities in Minnesota; instruction on prevention strategies, assessing personal risk, and how to recognize overdose; information on emerging drug trends including but not limited to fentanyl, xylazine, and pressed pills; and access to resources, including support for those struggling with substance use disorders (SUD).
HF 981 is being considered for inclusion to a future Health Finance budget bill.
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