Six cut out houses in semi circle on wooden floor

The Minnesota Drug Overdose and Substance Use Surveillance Activity reveals connection between homelessness and emergency department visits for drug use

The Minnesota Department of Health released data showing that a disproportionate number of individuals seeking emergency treatment for drug use or overdose were homeless. The data further demonstrate the impact of structural racism on homelessness and related health challenges. Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham commented: “Minnesota families from every part of the state have been impacted by drug overdoses and deaths”... To prevent these tragic incidents, we must continue to respond with naloxone distribution, treatment programs, transportation and housing. The basics are so important. The reality is that people can’t get treatment if they can’t get to treatment, or if they’re more worried about where they will sleep at night.”

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