Hennepin County is inviting community organizations, service providers, and residents to partner in strengthening violence prevention efforts across the county.

To support collaboration, the county will host both in-person and virtual information sessions. These gatherings will give potential partners the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and help shape how this important work moves forward together.

Building Safer, Stronger Communities

Over the past several years, violence prevention staff within Hennepin County’s Safe Communities area have worked closely with community-based providers in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. Their shared goal is to increase safety and ensure residents have access to:

• Basic needs and essential resources
• Meaningful employment opportunities
• Safe spaces to grow and learn
• Psychological support and a sense of being valued
• Freedom from fear
• Pride and belonging in their communities

Through collaboration, the county and its partners aim to create protective environments for young people, connect them with caring adults and positive activities, and promote healthy families.

“Violence prevention is a collective effort,” said Ifrah Jama, violence prevention coordinator for Hennepin County. “Every young person has the potential to choose peace over violence. We can support and guide them in recognizing the strength of compassion and understanding. Empowering our youth to become leaders in peacebuilding is at the heart of our violence prevention effort. They are the change-makers of tomorrow.”

Get Involved

As the county prepares to seek proposals for 2027 programming, community members are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual feedback sessions to learn more and share input.

Virtual Gathering:
Tuesday, March 10
1 p.m.

Learn more: Community violence prevention request for proposals

Organizations and residents who are committed to creating safer neighborhoods and expanding opportunity for youth are strongly encouraged to participate.

Together, we can build communities where every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Minneapolis – In a groundbreaking effort to expand access to life-saving overdose intervention tools, the Minneapolis Health Department, in partnership with Hennepin County, has installed the first NARCAN vending machine in North Minneapolis. The machine is located at Fire Station 14, which also operates as the City’s Safe Station—a trusted and welcoming space for individuals seeking help with substance use and recovery.

The vending machine is stocked with more than 100 boxes of NARCAN, with each box containing two doses of the opioid overdose reversal medication. It is accessible 24/7 and available at no cost—no ID, insurance, or appointments required.

Fire Station 14 serves as more than just an emergency response hub—it’s a point of connection. Those who walk through its doors can access peer recovery specialists and a network of support services aimed at helping people take the next step in their recovery journey.

Support is here, and it’s closer than you think. By putting tools like NARCAN directly into the hands of community members, Minneapolis is taking a vital step toward building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.

Watch the announcement: https://www.youtube.com/live/K6HeebdcXL0

Find resources: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/…/current-concerns/opioids/

Health officials are urging people to contact their health care provider if they ate a hamburger, especially if undercooked, at a table-service restaurant since Oct. 31 and then developed diarrhea, particularly bloody diarrhea, in the following week.  

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified 10 cases of E. coli O157 infection in people who had eaten burgers at multiple locations of Red Cow, a table-service restaurant chain with locations in Hennepin, Ramsey and Olmsted counties. One additional case reported dining at Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis, which received the same ground beef product suspected in this investigation. The ground beef product was also distributed to other establishments, so additional cases from other locations could be identified.  

So far, cases have reported meal dates of Oct. 31 through Nov. 7, and illness onset dates range from Nov. 4 through Nov. 9. Cases range in age from 9 to 70 years. Two cases have been hospitalized. Additional potential cases are under investigation.  

Red Cow and Hen House Eatery owners are fully cooperating with the investigation and have made multiple changes, including product changes, to prevent further illnesses. MDH is working with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and multiple local environmental health agencies during this ongoing investigation.  

Symptoms of illness caused by E. coli O157 typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools, but only a low-grade or no fever. People typically become ill two to five days after exposure, but this period can range from one to eight days. Most people recover in five to 10 days. However, about 5% of E. coli O157 infections lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that involves acute kidney failure and other severe problems. Treatment with fluids can help prevent HUS, but E. coli O157 gastroenteritis should not be treated with antibiotics, which can increase the likelihood of HUS.  

Anyone who believes they may have developed an E. coli O157 infection should contact their health care provider.  

Approximately 100 cases of E. coli O157 infection are reported each year in Minnesota. More information on E. coli O157 and how to prevent it can be found on the MDH E. coli website.

-MDH-