Primary navigation

    Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council

    In 2019, Governor Tim Walz signed the Opiate Epidemic Response bill into law, which raises funds from drug manufacturers and wholesalers to fight the opioid crisis, while creating the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council to oversee the funding. Printable information page (PDF)

    Find the full list of the most recent awarded grantees in Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council grantees for Fiscal Year 2024 (PDF). Explore all OERAC RFP grantees below:

    The Opiate Epidemic Response law

    The Opiate Epidemic Response law is expected to raise $20 million annually through from drug manufacturers and wholesalers. The fees collected will go into an opiate epidemic response account established in the state government special revenue fund. This means there will be sustainable funding to fight the opioid epidemic and therefore more sustainable treatment and recovery services across the state.

    The purpose of the council

    The Opiate Epidemic Response bill establishes the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council to develop and implement a comprehensive and effective statewide effort to address the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic in Minnesota.

    The council will:

    • Review of local, state and federal initiatives and activities related to education, prevention, treatment and services for individuals and families experiencing and affected by opioid use disorder
    • Establish priorities to address the state’s opioid epidemic, for the purpose of recommending initiatives to fund
    • Recommend to the commissioner of human services specific projects and initiatives to be funded
    • Ensure that available funding is allocated to align with other state and federal funding to achieve the greatest impact and ensure a coordinated state effort
    • Consult with the commissioners of human services, health, and management and budget to develop measurable outcomes to determine the effectiveness of funds allocated
    • Develop recommendations for an administrative and organizational framework for the allocation, on a sustainable and ongoing basis, of any money collected from the Opiate Epidemic Response.

    Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council meetings

    All meetings are open to the public. Public comment time during every meeting, submit questions about the public comment period to BHD_Opioid@state.mn.us.

    Live-streaming webcast: You can view a live-streaming Webex of each meeting and submit written comments or questions in real time. Submitted comments and questions will be addressed during the public comment portion of each meeting. All guests will be muted so the council members can fully participate in the meeting. 

    To request an accommodation: To request a reasonable accommodation to make it possible for you to attend any of the meetings or view the live webcast, please send a request as soon as possible to BHD_Opioid@state.mn.us.

    back to top