The Minneapolis Health Department is launching a first-of-its-kind pilot program to help community members struggling with opioid addiction. The new Opioid Treatment Project will offer free Brixadi®, a long-lasting prescription injection used to treat opioid use disorder.
Through the program, eligible individuals can receive treatment, free medication and connections to services and support. This includes getting insurance coverage help for longer-term treatment.
“Fentanyl is a deadly, insidious drug that continues to tear families apart and devastate our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “In Minneapolis, we’re fighting back with every tool available—and medications like Brixadi offer a new and innovative approach to battling addiction. This program marks a major step forward in our city’s response to the opioid crisis, and I’m grateful to our Health Department for their committed work and tireless leadership as we confront this epidemic together.”
About Brixadi®
Brixadi is a long-acting medication used to treat opioid use disorder. A healthcare provider must administer it, as it’s not available at a pharmacy. It offers several benefits over daily medications:
- Available as weekly or monthly injections
- Best used with counseling and behavioral support
- Reduces the need for daily medication or home storage
- Improves the chances for long-term recovery
Learn more: Interview about the program
Watch a New Hope in the Opioid Crisis – a conversation with Minneapolis Health Commissioner Damōn Chaplin and Deputy Commissioner Heidi Ritchie, spotlighting the program.
Event details: Elliot Park Drop-in Resource Day
Community members can stop by Elliot Park to learn about the program, meet with doctors and ask questions about the drug.
- When: Thursday, May 29 from 3-5 p.m.
- Where: Elliot Park, 1000 E. 14th St.
“Over 90% of Minnesota’s opioid deaths in 2021 involved fentanyl, hitting Elliot Park neighborhood especially hard,” said Deputy Commissioner Heidi Ritchie, Minneapolis Health Department. “In response, we are expanding low-barrier access to Brixadi®, with help from our community partners, pharmacists, physicians, and advocates. Together, we can end the stigma around addiction and give our friends, neighbors and loved ones struggling hope for a brighter future.”
Media interviews
Contact Health Communications Manager Scott Wasserman to request an interview: 612-477-4450.
How to sign up
- Minneapolis Health Department Mobile Medical Unit team
- Native American Community Clinic: 612-843-5981
- MHealth Fairview Recovery Services:
- 2450 Riverside Ave.
- Walk-in hours available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Partners
- Fairview University Emergency Department
- Hue-MAN Partnership
- Native American Community Clinic
- Elliott Park Neighborhood Association
Additional resources
- Minneapolis Installs First Northside NARCAN® Vending Machine - City of MinneapolisMobile Medical Unit
- Opioids and substance use programs and resources
- Opioid Resources for Youth
- Syringe cleanup and free NARCAN
- Mobile Medical Unit
- Visit our website to learn more about our programs
- Follow us on social media for health updates
- Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest health information
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