Webinar: Uncovering Health Disparities, Racial Equity and Substance Use Prevention in Minnesota

Session Description:

The overall drug overdose mortality rate in Minnesota is relatively low. However, this makes it easy to overlook a significant health disparity occurring within our state. African American and American Indian populations in Minnesota are dying from drug overdose deaths at disproportionate rates compared to whites. In fact, these disparities in drug overdose mortality rates are two of the greatest in the nation.

In order to ensure better health for all Minnesotans, program and policy decisions about preventing substance use, misuse, and overdose must apply a racial equity lens. Hear from staff at the Minnesota Department of Health to learn what is contributing to this disparity and how you can take action to help diminish it.

Participants will leave knowing:

• What the opioid epidemic in Minnesota looks like and what significant racial disparities exist within it.
• The important context and factors which contribute to these disparities.
• Practical ideas to implement in your existing substance use and misuse prevention strategies, applying a racial equity lens.

Date: Tuesday February 26, 2019

Time: 2:00 – 3:00pm CST

Register: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/ixtjbnoeboce&eom

Presenters:

Nate Wright

Nate Wright is the Lead Drug Overdose Epidemiologist in the Injury and Violence Prevention Section at the Minnesota Department of Health. He is the project coordinator for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded Enhanced State Opioid Overdose Surveillance System. His work defines and describes the epidemiology of opioid and drug overdose, as well as substance use mortality, morbidity and behaviors in Minnesota. Prior to his current position, he completed the Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Program administered by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In spring 2018, he also began as a co-chair of the CSTE Overdose Subcommittee.

Jackie Dionne

Jacqueline (Jackie) Ann Dionne, is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe.  She currently serves as the Minnesota Department of Health’s first Director of American Indian Health/Tribal Liaison.  Because of the unique sovereign status of tribal governments, the director works closely with the commissioner and executive leadership of MDH in strategic planning to maximize use of resources

Registration here