While the Opioid epidemic continues to escalate in our community, devastating the lives of those that it impacts, it is only worsening with the rise of Fentanyl and Xylazine in the opioid supply.

In the state of Minnesota, the opioid overdoses in 2021 were 1,354 fatalities, a 29% increase from 2020. The non-fatal overdose rate of 17,781 is a 6% increase from 2020 in nonfatal hospital visits. This number continues to elevate.                                      

This is why Cook County Public Health is committed to partnering with all the first responders of the community to bring forward the Leave Behind Kit initiative. 

Leave Behind Kit is a small kit containing 2 Naloxone doses, Fentanyl test strips, and Xylazine test strips as well as directions on how to use and the resources that are available for help. These kits are specifically designed to be given to any high-risk situation that a first responder or public health employee would encounter. These kits are available to anyone who would like to have one, no questions asked, and anonymity can be honored. These kits are intended to be a respectful, nonjudgmental addition to the resources that can be used to assist those in need.

Pat Eliasen, Cook County Sherriff is proud to assist in the spearheading of this event “Anything we can do to end the stigmatism and help our community, my office is committed to do.”

Any questions regarding this initiative or to access please contact Brenda Port, Harm Reduction Specialist, Substance Use Co-Occurring Case Manager Cook County Public Health at 218-387-3620 or [email protected]