In a move aimed squarely at stemming the rising tide of opioid addiction in Minneapolis, the city's Health Department is rolling out a pilot program that offers an innovative treatment: free Brixadi® injections. For locals caught in the grip of the fentanyl crisis, this could spell a significant shift towards recovery and stability, as the long-acting drug is used to treat opioid use disorder.
Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the gravity of the crisis and the urgency of the response, saying, "Fentanyl is a deadly, insidious drug that continues to tear families apart and devastate our neighborhoods," according to a statement made by the Minneapolis official news. The program is not just about the medication, though. It extends to include support services, insurance coverage assistance for longer-term coverage, and elevates the city's ongoing fight against a pervasive epidemic.
Today, between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., community members are invited to Elliot Park for a "Drop-in Resource Day" to learn more about this opportunity. It's an opportunity to meet with professionals and gain insights into the benefits of Brixadi. Deputy Commissioner Heidi Ritchie underscored the importance of taking swift action, especially considering that "Over 90% of Minnesota’s opioid deaths in 2021 involved fentanyl, hitting Elliot Park neighborhood especially hard," as stated by the Minneapolis, City of Lakes.
For those looking to sign up for the Opioid Treatment Project, interested parties can reach out to the Minneapolis Health Department Mobile Medical Unit or contact the Native American Community Clinic and MHealth Fairview Recovery Services directly during walk-in hours. The program is a collaborative effort with partners like Fairview University Emergency Department and the Elliot Park Neighborhood Association. Additional resources, including syringe cleanup and free NARCAN services, can be found on the Health Department's website or by following their social media updates.
