The Minneapolis Health Department outlined its ongoing opioid awareness campaign targeting East African, African-American and Native American communities during a recent presentation by public health specialist Tony Zakardi.

The city launched its youth opioid awareness campaign in late 2024, focusing on social media outreach and peer conversations within affected communities. The initiative includes multilingual campaign materials in Somali, Spanish and other languages to reach diverse neighborhoods across Minneapolis.

Zakardi, who is in long-term recovery himself, reported a 15% increase in opioid deaths from 2022 to 2023, with the largest numbers occurring in the African-American community. The department has also documented significant increases in the Native American community, prompting targeted prevention efforts.

The city provides funding to community groups working directly with people experiencing addiction, supporting peer recovery services, housing, treatment and life-saving medications. The department operates Station 14 on the north side and plans to develop a new recovery station on the south side, offering walk-in recovery services regardless of patients' ability to pay.

Zakardi emphasized the importance of community involvement and compassionate outreach, noting that people struggling with addiction often know they need help but face significant stigma. The department encourages residents to maintain regular conversations with youth and approach addiction issues without judgment.