Letter to Ms. Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, US Department of Agriculture - Hear from Minnesotans as Part of Fight to Combat Opioid Epidemic
Letter
Dear Assistant Secretary Hazlett:
The opioid epidemic has hit rural communities across this country hard--and rural Minnesota is no exception. That's why I was glad to see that the USDA Office of Rural Development is hosting roundtable discussions on rural opioid misuse across the country.
I enjoyed meeting with you on March 13 and appreciated the opportunity to discuss how we can better address the opioid and drug overdose epidemic in Minnesota. I write today to invite you to come to Minnesota and hear from tribal members, farmers, and others whose communities have been hit hard by this epidemic. At a roundtable in Minnesota, you will hear about the challenges rural Minnesotans face and the innovative work that is happening as communities step up to combat addiction and support families hurt by this crisis.
The opioid and drug overdose epidemic is devastating families and it does not appear to be letting up. In 2016, 376 people died opioid-related deaths in Minnesota, which was a 12% increase from 2015. The crisis has disproportionately impacted Native American communities and, as a result, at least three of Minnesota tribes have declared public health emergencies.
Leaders in Minnesota's farming community are also combatting opioid abuse. As you know, 74% of farmers across the U.S. have been directly affected by opioid abuse, and three out of four farmers say someone in their community could easily access opioids.
Rural issues, including the opioid epidemic, are a top priority for me. That's why I convene a Farm Bill working group with leaders in Minnesota's agriculture community and, as Lieutenant Governor, helped convene a Tribal Opioid Summit. I am eager to bring together leaders from rural Minnesota to discuss how the federal government can better support rural communities.
Thank you for your work on this critical issue. I look forward to partnering with the USDA to make sure rural communities have the resources they need to combat this epidemic.
Sincerely,
Source