City Subscriptions

  1. City of Duluth
  2. Web Subscriptions
  3. View Press Release

View Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Duluth Public LIbrary
520 West Superior Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802
www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact DPL’s Public Relations Department at
218-730-4236
DATE: 1/16/2020
SUBJECT: RAAN Keeping Hours at the Library on Superior Street
BY: Laura Selden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

RAAN Keeping Hours at the Main Library

[DULUTH, MN] Beginning Wednesday, January 15th, the Rural Aids Action Network (RAAN) will be at the Duluth Public Library weekly in the Partnership Center 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM. The primary purpose will be to distribute Narcan, which also includes one-on-one personal training in how to administer the anti-opiate.

“The hope is that by bringing RAAN into the library, we can help de-stigmatize the need and distribution of Narcan in the community,” says Adult Services Supervisor Steph Myers. “There are many families in our community struggling with addiction and should have Narcan in the home for safety, but may be intimidated by the thought of going to a clinic that is known for AIDS testing and syringe exchange. We have a long way to go to break the stigma and stereotypes associated with addiction.”

On January 9th, data was released by the Duluth Police Deparment reflecting a 64% increase in opioid overdoses and 57% increase in fatalities from 8 to 14 in Duluth in 2019 over 2018. This despite the fact that the trend is on a decline in most of the State. 

“The need for public Narcan distribution is certainly there. Having RAAN in the library once per week is one step towards getting it in people’s hands. It may save lives.”

 

###