Opioid overdose prevention

We give training on how to recognize and stop an overdose. Training includes how to give Naloxone, which reverses an opioid overdose.

This medication is safe and effective. Emergency medical professionals have used it for decades. Minnesota State law allows anyone at risk for having a drug overdose or witnessing a drug overdose to get a prescription for Naloxone.

After you complete the training, we will mail you a supply of Naloxone for free.

Schedule opioid education and narcan training

Steve Rummler HOPE network

Drug disposal pouches (Deterra bags)

We will mail you Deterra drug disposal bags at no cost. Request a drug disposal pouch.

You can use Deterra bags to safely get rid of medications at home:

1. Put unwanted medication in the bag.
2. Add water, seal and shake.
3. Throw the bag in your trash.

Watch how to use the drug disposal (Deterra) bag

Medicine drop boxes

Get rid of your unused prescription drugs at medicine drop boxes. The drop boxes are available at various sites across the county. You can put your unused prescription drugs in the boxes.

Medicine drop box locations 

Drug take-back events

You can drop off unused prescription drugs and vapes/e-cigarettes with us at events like Drug Take Back Day.

Medical sharps disposal

Information about disposing of medical sharps (PDF)

Opioid overdose deaths are an epidemic in the U.S. and Hennepin County. Deaths are especially high among the county’s American Indian and African American people.

We see the opioid epidemic up close, including among inmates at the jail.

Most prescription drug abusers say they got their supply from friends and family. Learn how to safely dispose of prescription drugs and get trained on how to reverse an overdose while it’s happening.

• Medicine disposal
• Schedule opioid education and narcan training

Preventing overdoses in the jail

The jail medical team is trained to recognize and treat patients affected by opioid use disorder:

• We screen incoming inmates for opioid use and provide opioid withdrawal management and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) as needed.
• Healthcare providers at the jail treat inmates for opioid use disorder.
• Information about community clinics that provide MOUD care is given to all individuals in the jail who report opioid use.
• Naloxone kits are distributed to individuals leaving the jail upon request

Partnerships in responding to the opioid crisis

We work with many people and organizations to help educate the public about the drug dangers, trends and prevention:

• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Hennepin Chiefs
• Hennepin County Environment and Energy
• Hennepin County Health and Human Services
• Hennepin County Sheriff’s Foundation
• Hy-Vee supermarket company
• National Sheriff’s Association
• Native American Community Clinic
• Steve Rummler HOPE Foundation
• RALI MN

To learn more about working with us, email Jerald Westberg.