Minnesota Overdose Deaths Increased by 22% in 2021

July 21, 2022

Minnesota public health officials reported a record number of overdose deaths in 2021, most of which can be attributed to fentanyl, according to a new report issued July 14 by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). 

The 1,286 overdose deaths reported to MDH last year represented a 22% increase from the 2020 total.  For the first time since 2014, there was a larger percentage increase in overdose deaths in greater Minnesota (23%) than in the seven-county metro area (20%). 

“This increase in drug overdose deaths is alarming, but there are things we can do about it,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “One important step is to expand programs that make it easier for people to access naloxone – a medication that can reverse overdoses and save lives.” 

Preliminary data from 2021 showed a 35% increase in the total number of overdose deaths involving opioids since 2020 (an increase from 685 deaths in 2020 to 924 deaths in 2021).  Drug overdoses from non-opioids also increased from 2020 to 2021, including a 34% increase in overdose deaths involving methamphetamine (338 in 2020 to 454 in 2021) and 81% increase from overdose deaths involving cocaine (85 in 2020 to 154 in 2021). 

Many of the opioid overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. These deaths increased from 560 in 2020 to 834 in 2021. Through analysis of death certificates, MDH found that fentanyl was involved in 90% of all deaths involving opioids. Fentanyl is becoming more common in illicit drugs, even laced in other drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.   

The rise in fentanyl circulating in communities could be a contributing factor in the increase in overdose deaths. Resources like fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdose and are available through community partners and local public health agencies. The Naloxone Finder on the Know the Dangers website can help people locate naloxone, which can be picked up at any time and kept in case of an overdose. 

The MMA, in partnership with the AMA and Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS), developed a physician toolkit designed to reverse the overdose epidemic.  The physician toolkit gives Minnesota physicians resources, information and tools to help treat patients dealing with substance use and substance abuse disorders, and provides opportunities to learn about better care for pain. 

The full report from MDH can be accessed here: Preliminary Drug Overdose Death 2021 Report.