Steve Rummler Hope Network

Overdose Prevention: As drug overdose remains the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, we believe that everyone should learn how to recognize and reverse an opioid overdose. The Steve Rummler HOPE Network provides both overdose rescue training and naloxone - the opioid overdose antidote - across the state of Minnesota. Out training sessions have been held everywhere from hospitals and sober living facilities to universities and community centers. Since the inception of our overdose Prevention program in 2015, we have trained over 12,000 individuals on how identify and reverse an opioid overdose, and distributed over 54,000 lifesaving overdose rescue kits. In 2020 we began extending out outreach even further by establishing naxlone pickup sites all across the state of Minnesota, as well as launched an online training module, to eliminate physical location as a potential barrier to naloxone and training accessibility. In 2021 SRHN also began distributing fentanyl test strips (FTS) - a harm reduction tool that can be used to test opioids and other substances for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often used to cut or lace other drugs. In 2020, 4 out of every 5 opioid overdose deaths in MN involved synthetic opioids, so FTS are an important resource that can allow individuals to make informed decisions about their safety.

Advocacy: The Steve Rummler HOPE Network advances public policies and legislation at the local, state, and national levels that will improve care for those suffering from chronic pain, increase oversight of Big Pharma and shift the structural treatment of those with the disease of addiction. Our successes in this program have included the 2014 passing of Steve's Law, "Minnesota's Good Samaritan and Naloxone Law," which allows any layperson to carry and administer naloxone as well as providing limited immunity from prosecution for possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia to those who seek medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose if the items are found as a result of the person seeking help - the overdose victim is protected as well. We also wrote and passed the Opioid Epidemic Response Law in 2019, which will raise funds by fees from drug manufacturers and distributors related to the prescribing, manufacturing, and distribution of opioids in the state. Funds raised by the law will be used to fight the opioid crisis in Minnesota.

Education: The Steve Rummler HOPE Network educates community members on a wide range of topics related to addiction, chronic pain, and the opioid crisis. Providing this information is vital to shifting public understanding on these issues, and can help to break down stigma, build awareness of available resources, and empower individuals to advocate for themselves and loved ones. We also recognize the pivotal role of physicians, APPs (advanced practice providers), medical students, pharmacists and nurses in curbing the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids in our communities. This includes maintaining a high quality of care for those suffering from chronic pain, addiction, or both. Through our partnerships with medical schools, nursing programs, and providers, SRHN creates educational opportunities through lectures based on individualized care, wellness and best evidence-based practices.