White Earth Nation promotes opioid services amid increasing overdose incidents

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The White Earth Reservation Business Committee issued a news release addressing recent opioid overdoses and highlighted many of the services the nation provides to combat drug addiction and overdoses.

According to a news release, the committee states the primary reasons for these recent overdose deaths are: people using alone; using the same dosage after a break in using; and using another drug that was unexpectedly cut with fentanyl.

The committee states: “(White Earth Nation department) teams share our community grief over the loss of loved ones, neighbors and friends … Together we remain dedicated to saving lives and overcoming tragedies. The White Earth Band will continue to make available every resource it has to address the increase in overdoses.”

The news release also lists many programs and services already operating on the White Earth Reservation, which include: Widespread employee and citizen naloxone rescue training and free naloxone supplies; on-call peer recovery support specialists; on-call crisis response units; and residential chemical dependency treatment options for adults, adolescents and families. 

They also pledged to initiate new support services, which includes a new pilot program to provide pre-trial release harm reduction training and Narcan kits. They also said they plan to hold informational and discussion-based meetings with community members to hear concerns and ideas about how to address problems with being connected to a recovery program.

If you need assistance, please contact:

White Earth Police Department (218) 983-3281

White Earth Behavioral Health (218) 983-3286

White Earth Police Department Tipline 1-877-410-8550

White Earth Overdose Response Coordinator Ralph Goodman (218) 401-3198