MDH launches opioid podcast series to provide hope, help

The Minnesota Department of Health says it will launch a new podcast series aimed at addressing the evolving opioid epidemic.

MDH said the series, called "Stories from the Field," will focus on providing a voice to those who’ve experienced a substance abuse disorder, offering resources to help those who use drugs and illustrating the complexities of the epidemic.

The series will feature several health care experts, community leaders and others devoted to reducing the number of Minnesotans affected by the crisis.

According to MDH, the epidemic continued to escalate in 2020, with 373 overdose deaths reported in just the first six months of the year. A total of 428 Minnesotans died from an opioid overdose in all of 2019.

"We know that every death by overdose is a preventable death," MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. "We need to set our sights on providing support and resources to all Minnesotans who are affected by opioid use disorder, and all communities where substance use leads to personal, family, and community suffering."

The podcast series tells real stories from real Minnesotans. MDH said it’s just another tool in the department’s opioid overdose prevention work.

Click here to listen to the series. More information is available here.