Pennington and Red Lake County Public Health and Home Care is committed to an opioid response that addresses the needs of our communities, is grounded in evidence, and embraces a philosophy of harm reduction.
Spanish version: Infografía: Recursos sobre Opioides y Reducción de Daños (Spanish)
Brief Overview
Opioid overdose deaths are a leading cause of death in the US.
Pharmaceutical companies played a role in the marketing of opioids as safe and effective for pain that mislead providers to overprescribe opioids to their patients. Many states have filed lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. The state of Minnesota settled with these companies, with the requirement that funds are allocated to Minnesota counties based on population size and potential need. Both Red Lake County and Pennington County received opioid dollars and have created coalitions/groups aimed at targeting substance use based on the community needs.
Source: Garnett MF, Miniño AM. Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 2003–2023. NCHS Data Brief, no 522. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2024. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc/170565.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of natural or lab-made drugs that can be prescribed by a healthcare provider or illegal drugs (e.g., heroin). Opioids that are prescribed by providers are used to help patients with pain, cough, or diarrhea. However, improper use can lead to opioid use disorder. Opioids attach to receptors in the brain that are responsible for release of a chemical called dopamine, a key player in the “reward center”. The reward center is important for responses to the foods we like or positive social interactions that make us want to do that again. If someone improperly uses opioids, overtime they will need more to feel pain relief or pleasure because the body will stop making natural chemicals for this.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Opioids. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction are strategies and ideas to reduce consequences of drug use. It is also a movement to help reduce stigma and increase the rights for people who use drugs. It accepts that drug use occurs, understands that drug use is complex, prioritizes individual and community well-being, and emphasizes non-judgmental programs and services to people who use drugs. Please visit: National Opioid Action Coalition on how to help end stigma around opioid use.
Source: CDC. (2024, May 2). OD2A Case Study: Harm Reduction. Overdose Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/od2a/harm-reduction.html
Source: Harm, N. (2020). National Harm Reduction Coalition – Harm Reduction Truth. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9f5rz75swE
Drug Contaminants
Drug contaminants can be found in any substances. However, they are more commonly found in opioids, especially illicit substances. Never mix any substance with other substances. Always test any substances before using them.
Xylazine
It is a sedative approved by the FDA for animal use but not in people. It is not an opioid. Xylazine causes lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory issues. Xylazine also causes blisters, lesions, and ulcers that go through the skin and muscle, often following injection sites. It is added to fentanyl or other opioids such as heroin. When mixed with other substances, it significantly increases the risk for an overdose. The state of MN has seen an increase of overdoses from 2024-2025 for xylazine making this a top public health issue. Still consider giving Naloxone.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). What You Should Know About Xylazine. Overdose Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/what-you-should-know-about-xylazine.html
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, February 22). What You Should Know About Xylazine. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT1bxOc-et0
Nitazene
It is a potent synthetic opioid that is more powerful than fentanyl. Nitazene was originally developed for pain relief but never received approval. The frequency and presence of nitazenes has been increasing. Nitrazenes are also a huge concern as it is harder to reverse overdose and can be undetected in urine samples.
Source: Roberts A, Korona-Bailey J, Mukhopadhyay S. Notes from the Field: Nitazene-Related Deaths — Tennessee, 2019–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1196–1197. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7137a5.
Medetomidine
Similar to xylazine, it is a sedative used for animals and not humans. It is also not an opioid. Medetomidine can cause central nervous system depression, vasodilation, and bradycardia. Like other contaminants, it is also used in combination with fentanyl and other opioids. Similar to nitazene, it is harder to reverse overdose, especially in combination with other contaminants. The state of MN has also seen an increase in medetomidine overdoses from 2024 into 2025. Still consider giving Naloxone.
Source: Medetomidine – CAMP. (2025). Penncamp.org. https://penncamp.org/medetomidine/
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is the most widely known drug contaminant. It is a synthetic opioid used that is used on humans for pain. It is more potent than many other opioids. Small amounts are enough to cause overdose, especially in combination with other substances. Symptoms include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. Naloxone, otherwise known to some as Narcan, can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 7). Fentanyl. Overdose Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Protect yourself from the dangers of fentanyl (:60). www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu_WtBrmScs
Free fentanyl test strips: Fentanyl Test Strips. | Steve Rummler HOPE Network
Free Xylazine test strips: Xylazine Test Strips | Steve Rummler HOPE Network
Source: NYCHealth. (2023, March 9). Fentanyl Test Strips: Instructional Video. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LPE_XvY1u4
Signs of Opioid Overdose
-Unconsciousness or won’t wake up
-Slow or someone having breathing problems (choking sounds, gurgling, snoring)
-Discolored skin, especially in the lips or nails
-Pupils in the eye do not react to light and are small
-Slow heartrate
If you see any of these signs or symptoms, call 911 and use naloxone!
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 30). What to Do if You Think Someone is Overdosing. Stop Overdose. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/response/index.html
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone, widely known as Narcan, is a medication used to reverse overdose from opioids. It cannot reverse overdoses or conditions associated with improper use for other drugs. Naloxone has saved lives and is essential for first responders, schools, and even community members. Naloxone can be bought without a prescription. If you ever see someone who is unconscious/not responsive, slow breathing or not breathing, purplish skin, and pupils that don’t respond to light, call 911 and administer Naloxone if available. Naloxone can be injected or sprayed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024, April 30). Lifesaving Naloxone. Stop Overdose. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/naloxone.html
Source: How To Use NARCAN Nasal Spray. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9Sv64FJPhg
Naloxone Access Points
Free harm reduction kits offered for Red Lake County residents. Refer to advertisement above!
Naloxone is also located here at our office in limited quantity. Please email magriechen@penningtonmn.gov if interested.
Northwest Regional Development Commission (Steve Rummler Hope Network Naloxone Access Point)
109 S Minnesota St, Warren, Minnesota, 56762, US
RiverView Healthcare Pharmacy (Steve Rummler Hope Network Naloxone Access Point)
323 S Minnesota St., Crookston, Minnesota, 56716, US
Purchase Naloxone Here (Compra Naloxona aquí): Naloxone Finder – Know The Dangers
The Good Samitarian Law
The Good Samaritan Law is legal principle that protects people who help and provide assistance to those in emergency situations, such as a drug overdose. This law is to encourage people to help people without fear of being sued or prosecuted. For more information, please visit: Sec. 604A.01 MN Statutes
Good Samaritan Law & Definition – Can I be sued? (2018). (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIbxFRCW3XQ
Medication Disposal/Drop Off Locations
Medication disposal and drop locations can found at:
-Sheriff and Police Departments
-Fire and Ambulatory Departments
-Hospitals, Clinics, and Pharmacies in the area.
Drop off unwanted or unused pills at these locations during hours of operation
Other specific locations:
Law enforcement Center
102 1st St W, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Sanford Thief River Falls Clinic
3001 Sanford Pkwy, Thief River Falls MN 56701
Other options for purchase:
Safe At-Home Medication Disposal | Deterra Drug Disposal System
Infographic Opioid and Harm Reduction Resources
Infografía: Recursos sobre Opioides y Reducción de Daños (Spanish)
Resources created by County Opioid Coalitions
For Pennington County residents ONLY:
Pennington county has decided to have a prevention specialist, who is a licensed addiction counselor (LADC) and RN, to help youth who may be struggling with substance use. If you know of a child that may need help with substance use, please talk to your principals and other school administrators, the Thief River Police Department, and Pennington County Social Services for the referral process.
For Red Lake County residents ONLY:
For those who may be experiencing substance use disorder or know someone who is dealing with a substance use disorder, we have created harm reduction kits for the community. Red Lake Social Services, Red Lake County Sheriff, Inter-County Community Council, and other organizations in the community will have access to these kits.
Please visit or inquire about these kits at these locations. Please visit the red lake county website to find participating locations for more information: Red Lake County. Make sure to go to the top of the website to “Services” and look for” Law & Public Safety” and/or “Public Health & Services.”
If you also need financial assistance because you are seeking treatment and recovery services for substance use, please also inquire about this opportunity at these locations.
Be sure to look at out for Naloxone training events in the community for Pennington & Red Lake County.
Naloxone education and training with panel experts: TBD
Resources for Treatment and Recovery
Please visit: Treatment and Recovery Locations to find the best place for you and your family.
Please visit: Telephone Recovery Support – Minnesota Recovery Connection to talk with a peer support specialist weekly to aid in the recovery process for individuals with a substance use disorder.
Please visit: Minnesota Warmline – Mental Health Minnesota to talk with a peer support specialist today about mental health issues. This is a free service.
Other harm reduction services for more resources:
Steve Rummler HOPE Network | Providing Hope. Join The Fight!
National Opioid Action Coalition
Partners
Thank you to the Steve Rummler HOPE Network for partnering with us and supplying us with harm reduction resources for our community. If you need Naloxone, please visit: Naloxone Access Point Program | Steve Rummler HOPE Network. Scroll down to the “Request a Kit” Section. If you need drug test strips, please visit: Fentanyl Test Strips. | Steve Rummler HOPE Network and Xylazine Test Strips | Steve Rummler HOPE Network.
Thank you to the Pennington and Red Lake County Opioid Coalitions, composing of many different partners and organizations in the community, for connecting many members of the community and increasing access to substance use resources for the community.
Data and More Information
Drug Overdose Dashboard – MN Dept. of Health
Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic | Overdose Prevention | CDC
Lifesaving Naloxone | Stop Overdose | CDC
Fentanyl | Overdose Prevention | CDC
Drug Disposal: FDA’s Flush List for Certain Medicines | FDA
Shatterproof | Reversing the Addiction Crisis in the U.S.
Community events
September 16th Be the Voice Lincoln High School
October 23rd 5:30-7:30pm Red Lake Falls Community Hall
October 25th 10:30am-12:30pm Oklee Community Hall
Please contact us if you would like opioid overdose prevention education, training, getting naloxone, and/or resources.
Created by Miranda Griechen, Public Health Educator