x
Breaking News
More () »

Narcan suppliers concerned about funding cuts

The Department of Human Services says they intend to give out $1 million for Narcan distribution, but could not comment on which entities will receive funding.

An uptick of overdoses across the state has brought the opioid epidemic back to the forefront. 

According to Minnesota's bureau of criminal apprehension there were 17 deaths and 175 overdoses in the last two weeks.

At the Minnesota Recovery Connection in St. Paul Wednesday, Greg Lewis shows a group how to administer the overdose reversing drug Narcan.

"Take your needle, pull the cap," said Lewis demonstrating.

He's with the Steve Rummler Hope Network which is one of the states largest providers of Narcan and overdose training.

The other is Valhalla Place.

Counselor Stephanie Devich is now concerned about funding for supplying Narcan kits.

"Matter of life and death," she said.

Her Narcan efforts the past two years have been supported by federal grant money allocated by the state. Stephanie says she received
roughly $400,000.

Late last year Minnesota was awarded another two year grant, but it has not yet been revealed yet who will get that money.

That leaves Stephanie in limbo, worried she won't have as much money this time around.

"If there's not enough or no funding for places like Valhalla Place that's been the largest distributor, we're going to have a huge gap that's going to be needed to be filled and that gap could potentially be filled with dead bodies and that's the concern right now," said Devich.

Minnesota's Department of Human Services issued this statement:

"Naloxone is an important part of the state’s response to addressing the opioid crisis. We are always looking for additional funding to support community organizations in their work to respond to overdoses, as well as ensuring access to treatment and recovery resources. The Opioid Stewardship Bill passed this session will be an important resource for activities to reduce the impact of opioids on our communities."
 
The department plans to give out $1 million for Narcan distribution, the same as before, but could not comment on which entities will
receive funding because of ongoing contract talks.

Lexi Reed Holtum with the Steve Rummler Hope Network is now looking at other funding options.

"Please sponsor our Gala. Please donate and contribute," said Reed Holtum.

Before You Leave, Check This Out