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Free webinar to help identify opioid overdose risks, signs, and how to save lives presented by U of M Extension and Cook County Public Health

Dec 01, 2022 11:07AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: NEXT Distro 

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 1, 2022


In 2020, almost 8,000 people experienced a nonfatal opioid overdose in Minnesota. 3,305 of those people were ages 15 - 44. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, American Indians are seven times as likely to die from a drug overdose as whites, and African Americans are twice as likely to die from a drug overdose as whites.

The opioid epidemic is widespread, and Minnesota is no exception. For those who would like to learn more about the opioid crisis and how to help, there are a couple of upcoming events for Cook County / Grand Portage community members. 

In partnership with Cook County Public Health and Human Services, University of Minnesota Extension is hosting a free webinar for anyone in the community who wants to learn more about factors that increase an individual's risk of opioid overdose, identify signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, and understand the pros and cons of different naloxone formulations. The webinar will take place on Monday, December 12. 

Andrea Orest, Public Health Educator, told Boreal Community Media that "this opportunity will provide the community with more information on general drug overdose while helping to reduce the stigma surrounding drug use and overdose.  It will provide a good introduction for anyone that may be interested in the Narcan training on January 9th.” 

In addition to the above, according to the University of Minnesota Extension website, the presentation will:
  • review resources patients may use to access naloxone
  • describe legal considerations for prescribing and dispensing of naloxone in Minnesota
  • discuss available naloxone and opioid resources for healthcare providers and patients

For more information about the free webinar on December 12, 
visit the University of Minnesota Extension website. 

For more information about the Narcan training on January 9, 
click here.

If you have any questions about the webinar or training, or to learn more information, contact Andrea Orest at Cook County Public Health:  
[email protected]


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