The Minnesota Department of Health has released some disturbing numbers in regards to opioid use in the state. The department reports there were 422 deaths from opioid overdoses in 2017 which represents a 12% increase from 2016. This figure also represents a steady rise since 2010.

This news comes as the Minnesota Houses voted 94-34 Monday to hold drug manufacturers responsible for the state's growing costs dealing with the opioid problem.Annual registration fees for pharmaceutical manufacturers and drug wholesalers would increase for those that sell or distribute opioids in Minnesota. This would bring in an estimated $20 million dollars a year which would go into a special fund. An advisory council would then make recommendations as to how to spend it.

The Republican-controlled Senate has their own version of an opioid bill and there's a scheduled hear on that today. Both versions are expected to go to a conference committee for resolution.

The Minnesota Department of Health also announced that 783 people took their own lives in 2017 which is a 5% increase from 2016.

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