Physicians Needed for Task Force on Holistic and Effective Responses to Illicit Drug Use

June 20, 2024

The state has asked the MMA to identify and appoint two physicians to serve on a new illicit drug use task force.  

One physician should have expertise in substance use disorder treatment and one should have experience working with harm reduction providers. 

The first meeting of the Task Force on Holistic and Effective Responses to Illicit Drug Use is mandated to occur by September 30; it is anticipated that the task force will meet monthly. 

In 2023, the state Legislature commissioned a set of research reports to help inform illicit drug policy in Minnesota. Recognizing a gap in successful policy, this report was commissioned to advance Minnesota toward a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to drug policy that aligns public safety goals with health and socioeconomic goals.  

The initiative is split into two reports. The initial report, released in February 2024, and available here, reviewed the scientific evidence, current policies and practices, and alternative approaches utilized in other jurisdictions. It presents a summary of the evidence associated with different approaches to drug policy.    

During the 2024 legislative session, the Task Force on Holistic and Effective Responses to Illicit Drug Use was passed into law. The Office of Addiction and Recovery has been directed to administer this 15-member group. The task force must submit a report to the Legislature with recommendations, including specific plans and timeline goals, to implement and fund policies addressing illicit drug use, with the goal of reducing and, where possible, preventing harm to users of illicit drugs and promoting the health and safety of individuals and communities.    

If you are interested in serving on the task force as an MMA representative, please provide a brief statement of interest to Juliana Milhofer, JD,  MMA’s public health and policy engagement manager, by Wednesday, June 26. MMA leadership will review all applicants and send the final list of MMA representatives to the Office of Addiction and Recovery.