Opioid Geographies, UROC, Tuesday, December 5

Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, as well as other pain relievers available by prescription. So what exactly is the opioid epidemic and how is it affecting Minnesota's rural and urban spaces? Does the crisis look the same in rural and urban spaces? If not, what are the differences and what are the shared experiences impacting both groups?

Join University of Minnesota researchers and community experts from throughout Minnesota in a statewide University of Minnesota Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) Critical Conversation on the basics of opioids and how they are impacting our state. The conversation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, December 5 via Zoom and at four in-person broadcast locations around the state including: UROC in North Minneapolis; Beyond Brink in Mankato; KOOTASCA Community Action in Grand Rapids; and Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota in St. Cloud.

The conversation will be moderated by Edward Krumpotich, chair, Minnesota Harm Reduction Collaborative, and feature panelists Charlotte Loonsfoot, Anishinaabe knowledge keeper, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Laura Palombi, associate professor, College of Pharmacy—Duluth campus, University of Minnesota; and John Smith, executive committee chair, Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota, St. Cloud.

Hosted by UROC, the event is co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension, Beyond Brink, KOOTASCA Community Action, and Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota.



The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link prior to the event.

Learn more and register here!