Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan Tuesday announced the following appointments to the Governor's Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction.
"The Advisory Council, along with the recently appointed Addiction and Recovery Director, will provide valuable insight from a variety of perspectives, including those with lived experiences and those from communities that are disproportionately impacted by addiction," said Walz. "This partnership will work to ensure that individuals at all stages of recovery, and their families, have a voice to improve access to the resources they need."
"Minnesota continues to fight against the growing opioids crisis, especially in our Native and Black communities that are disproportionately affected. I am grateful to these community leaders for partnering with our Administration, and with their unique professional and personal experiences, leadership, and dedication to this work, we will be better poised to create more effective solutions," said Flanagan. "I look forward to seeing what this Council will accomplish over the next four years."
Farhia Budul -- Minneapolis
Colin Cash -- Onamia
Kyle Christianson -- Moorhead
Autumn Dillie -- Minneapolis
John Donovan -- Big Lake
Beth Elstad -- Duluth
Wendy Jones -- St. Paul
Fiyyaz Karim -- St. Paul
Pamela Lanhart -- Burnsville
Jeffrey Lind -- Bemidji
Bobby Marines -- Rochester
William Messinger -- St. Paul
Kate Noffke -- St. Paul
Anderson Saint Georges -- Detroit Lakes
Kimberly Stokes -- Britt
LaTricia Tate -- Minneapolis
Arden Two Bears -- Minneapolis
Travis Winship -- Minneapolis
Walz signed legislation during the 2022 Legislative Session establishing the role of Addiction and Recovery Director, the Subcabinet on Opioids, Substance Use, and Recovery, and its corresponding Advisory Council. The advisory council will meet to identify opportunities for and barriers to the development and implementation of policies and strategies to expand access to effective services for Minnesotans. The advisory council will also examine services and supports needs and provide opportunities for Minnesotans who have experienced addiction.
Additional information about the Governor's Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
Categories: Minnesota, General, Government & Policy