Multiple agencies, entities discuss GF-area opioid crisis

Preliminary data indicates there were 131 drug overdose deaths in North Dakota in 2021 – up from 76 in 2019. And 12 of those deaths occurred in Grand Forks County, which was double the number from 2019.

Those are some of the figures shared at a roundtable discussion this week about the opioid crisis in Grand Forks and surrounding areas, hosted by the North Dakota Highway Patrol and Grand Forks Police.

Toxicology reports showed that the most common drugs present during overdose deaths were opiates and amphetamines.

The goal of the roundtable was to reignite conversation about opioids and related overdoses, and strengthen relationships between entities working toward positive outcomes. Representatives from 19 public and private agencies attended.

Topics included drug trafficking trends, overdose statistics, prevention efforts, and treatment and recovery services.

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(ND Highway Patrol release: )

On October 19, 2022, the North Dakota Highway Patrol and Grand Forks Police Department hosted a roundtable discussion about the opioid crisis in Grand Forks and surrounding areas. The goal was to reignite the conversation about opioids and related overdoses and strengthen relationships between entities working toward positive outcomes. The topics included drug trafficking trends, overdose statistics, prevention efforts, and treatment and recovery services.

During the meeting, the Health Statistics and Performance (HSP) Section within the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services shared preliminary overdose data.

Their data indicates there were 131 drug overdose deaths statewide in 2021 which was an increase from 76 in 2019. Twelve of those deaths occurred in Grand Forks County which was double the number from 2019.

Toxicology reports showed that the most common drugs present during overdose deaths were opiates and amphetamines.

North Dakota Highway Patrol Colonel Brandon Solberg stated, “Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine, and even a small amount can be deadly without proper medical intervention.” Grand Forks Police Chief Mark Nelson stated, “A multi-disciplined approach to a community-based problem is needed because we can’t arrest our way out of this problem.”

Representatives from 19 public and private entities including law enforcement, health and human services, education, elected offices, and local and state governments attended the meeting. Those entities are listed below:

• Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office

• Grand Forks Police Department

• Grand Forks Public Health

• Grand Forks County State’s Attorney’s Office

• Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

• North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

• North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation

• North Dakota Highway Patrol

• North Dakota House, District 18

• North Dakota House, District 43

• North Dakota Senate, District 43

• North Dakota Senate, District 42