Minnesota Opioid Overdose Deaths Decline, But Total Drug Deaths Rise

Minnesota recorded 671 opioid-involved overdose deaths in 2025, according to an October 27 update from the Minnesota Department of Health. That is down from 1,039 deaths in 2022 and 678 in 2024, marking a third year of overall progress in reducing opioid deaths.

The broader picture is mixed. Deaths involving any drug increased 3%, from 994 in 2024 to 1,025 in 2025, and the state reported increases in stimulant-involved deaths and nonfatal stimulant-related hospitalizations. The figures are statewide; they should not be interpreted as Redwood County-specific trends.

The department also described MN-OD-ALERTS, a statewide system launched October 1. It uses emergency medical services information and additional public health data to help identify potential overdose spikes at the county level, giving local and Tribal public health partners an opportunity to respond more quickly.

Why it matters: Local prevention, emergency response and treatment efforts benefit from understanding which substance-related risks are changing. Statewide improvements in opioid deaths do not mean the overall overdose crisis is over.

Original report: https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2026/overdose102726.html