Rise in Opioid Related Overdoses a Concern

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – A rise in opioid related overdoses throughout the Lakes Area is cause for concern.

Since Dec. 1, 2020 law enforcement within Beltrami County, the Red Lake Nation, the White Earth Nation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the city of Bemidji have responded to 62 overdoses; 10 of those resulted in deaths.

Area law enforcement says enhanced training and the use of Naloxone also known as Narcan has resulted in saving more than 100 lives, however, “the significant increase recently may be attributed to synthetic opioids or Fentanyl which Naloxone has little effect upon.”

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from opioid addiction it is important to know there is treatment available. You can seek help from health care providers, public health organizations and treatment providers. There are also online resources available for addiction through the Minnesota Department of Health.