 Minnesota will invest more than 17.7 million dollars it received in federal grant funding to help combat the opioid epidemic throughout the state. The investment will take place over two years with the state opioid response grant providing nearly nine million dollars a year to reach Minnesotans struggling with opioids. The funds will help reduce deaths from opioid overdose and will help to prevent opioid use disorder in Minnesota's most vulnerable communities. The new funding will be distributed through grants to Minnesotans counties, tribes and community agencies to build on ongoing work, expand services to new areas, increase the availability of emergency response drugs and also launch new efforts to bring an end to the opioid crisis. Counties, tribes and community agencies will be able to apply for grants through an open process starting next month. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.