Appointments to Opioid Advisory Council Announced

Panel to set priorities, recommend initiatives to combat epidemic

Nineteen individuals selected for their personal and professional experience with opioid addiction and its consequences will help guide Minnesota’s efforts to combat a drug and overdose epidemic that has spread to every region of the state.

The members of the newly appointed Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council bring a wide range of background and expertise to address a complex and multi-faceted problem. The council will hold its first meeting on Friday, Sept. 27. Its first report and project funding recommendations are due in March of 2020.

“The opioid scourge has claimed hundreds of lives, torn families apart, strained health care systems, exploded county budgets and ravaged our tribal communities,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This advisory council will help us understand the problem from a variety of perspectives and help us set priorities as we try to repair and recover from that damage.”

Among other things, the council will make recommendations about projects and initiatives to be funded through the Opiate Epidemic Response Fund, which is expected to raise $20 million annually through fees collected from opioid prescribers, drug manufacturers and distributors.

“The opioid epidemic has had a devastating effect on families and communities across the state, particularly among indigenous communities. With this new advisory council we will work towards innovative, community-driven solutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We are determined to end this crisis and are grateful for the tireless work of advocates and legislators who transformed unimaginable pain into action.”

The council is made up of legislative and tribal leaders; health care professionals; experts in addiction treatment, mental illness and public health; a state district court judge; individuals in long-term recovery from opioid addiction; and those who experience chronic pain.

Eleven of the council’s 19 voting members were appointed by Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead, with another eight directly appointed by statute. The council is under the administration of the Department of Human Services. 

“Nearly 175 people applied for a seat on the council, so there was great public interest in finding measurable, effective and sustainable solutions to this problem,” said Commissioner Harpstead. “In addition to experience, members were chosen with geographic and gender diversity in mind. We placed special emphasis on including members from communities especially hard-hit by the epidemic.” 

Voting members include:
Willie Pearl Evans – Anoka, MN
Public Member

Kathryn L. Nevins, DNP – Nevis, MN
Public Member

Darin Prescott, DNP – Morton, MN
Tribal Representative

Nicole Anderson – Onamia, MN
Tribal Representative

Esther Muturi – New Hope, MN
Mental Health Advocate Representative

Alexia Reed Holtum – Minnetonka, MN
Nonprofit Organization Representative

Wendy Burt – St. Paul, MN
Minnesota Hospital Association Representative

Roy Sutherland – Minneapolis, MN
Licensed Opioid Treatment Program, Sober Living Program, or Substance Use Disorder Program Representative

Sarah Grosshuesch – Delano, MN
Local Department of Health Representative

Toni Napier – Ogema, MN
Alternative Pain Management Therapies Representative

Judge D. Korey Wahwassuck – Grand Rapids, MN
Judge or Law Enforcement Officer

Peter Carlson – Cannon Falls, MN
Minnesota Ambulance Association Representative
Direct Appointment

Dr. Anne Pylkas – St. Paul, MN
Minnesota Society of Addiction Medicine
Direct Appointment

Katrina Howard, PharmD – Minneapolis, MN
Board of Pharmacy Representative
Direct Appointment

Representative Erin Koegel – Spring Lake Part, MN
Minnesota House of Representatives
Direct Appointment

Representative Dave Baker – Willmar, MN
Minnesota House of Representatives
Direct Appointment

Senator Mark Koran – North Branch, MN
Minnesota Senate
Direct Appointment

Senator Chris Eaton – Brooklyn Center, MN
Minnesota Senate
Direct Appointment

Dr. Halena Gazelka – Rochester, MN
Minnesota Medical Association
Direct Appointment

Non-voting members include the:

• Commissioner of the Department of Human Services or a delegate
• Commissioner of the Department of Health or a delegate
• Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or a delegate

For more information, visit the Opioid Advisory Council’s webpage at https://mn.gov/dhs/opioids/oer-advisory-council.jsp