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Fentanyl Fuels Twin Cities Overdose Epidemic
4 Jun
Summary
- Dakota County saw 25 suspected overdoses recently.
- Fentanyl has replaced meth as the dominant drug.
- An overdose occurs every 30 minutes in the metro.
Sheriff Joe Leko of Dakota County has declared a surge in overdose cases an epidemic, particularly noting 25 suspected overdoses between May 29 and June 2, with two fatalities. This situation necessitates public awareness and poses risks to first responders.
The sheriff observed a shift from meth labs to fentanyl as the primary drug of concern. "We are in a hub, Minneapolis, St. Paul," he stated, indicating that the seven-county metro area experiences an overdose event roughly every 30 minutes.
Hennepin County, the state's most populous, faces a more severe crisis, with its sheriff's office reporting approximately 200 suspected overdose events weekly since March, resulting in about three deaths per week.
Sheriff Leko emphasized the need for open-mindedness and awareness, as these drugs impact individuals beyond traditional drug addiction narratives. Naloxone (Narcan), an overdose reversal medication, is accessible at local pharmacies and through the Minnesota Department of Health.
