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Anoka County <br /> ADMINISTRATION <br /> ,,�& Communications <br /> October 7, 2024 <br /> Contact: Erik Thorson, Chief Communications Officer, 763-324-4612, or e-mail: <br /> Erik.Thorsonganokacoun . mn._ov <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> Spotlight on Opioids and Overdose Event is Nov. 2 <br /> Come and see how Anoka County is responding to the opioid epidemic at a free event <br /> 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday,Nov. 2 at Columbia Academy, 900 49th Ave.NE, Columbia Heights. <br /> This event aims to raise awareness about overdose prevention and provide support for <br /> individuals and families who are or may be affected by substance misuse. <br /> Hosted by the Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative (ACOSI), the day will be filled <br /> with insightful education, discussions, informative sessions, and networking opportunities. There <br /> will be presentations by experts on opioids and addiction, free naloxone and training, a panel of <br /> people who have lived through opioid addiction, more than 30 community vendors, interview <br /> opportunities, free coffee and pizza, and more. Vendors will be in the school's gymnasium and <br /> speakers and presentations will be located in the media center. <br /> "Opioids continue to be involved in the highest percentage of overdose deaths in the United <br /> States, and the impact their misuse has on our communities is substantial, said District 7 Anoka <br /> County Commissioner Mandy Meisner, who serves as the county's Human Services Committee <br /> chair. "However,we're starting to turn the page on this issue by providing education and resources <br /> to those impacted by it, and we're proud to have ACOSI leading the way —this group of experts <br /> and invested community members is working hard to raise awareness and subsequently mitigate <br /> opioid addiction and overdoses in our county." <br /> ACOSI has been established to respond to the misuse of opioids in Anoka County. Its <br /> mission is to improve health, save lives, and reduce the impact caused by opioids and other <br /> substances in Anoka County by managing opioid settlement funding and supporting strategic <br /> partnerships. <br /> -more- <br /> Respectful, Innovative, Fiscally Responsible <br /> Government Center A 2100 V Avenue, Suite 700 A Anoka, MN 55303-5024 A www.anokacountymn.gov <br /> Office: 763-324-4700 A Fax: 763-324-5490 <br /> Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer <br />