The Hmong and Karen communities—two indigenous groups in East and Southeast Asia—in Minnesota have seen a rise in substance addiction among the youth, according to Sahan Journal. The substances include fentanyl and other opioid drugs.
The Karen Organization of Minnesota has also addressed concerns over the rise in drug addiction, telling the MinnPost that Karen parents around the state are growing more concerned that their children are becoming addicted to opioids.
“‘It’s a big concern,'” Alexis Walstad, the co-executive director of the Karen Organization of Minnesota told MinnPost.
Both Sahan Journal and MPR News are planning to address this concerning issue by hosting a discussion at Washington Technology High School in St. Paul, Minnesota on November 14. This discussion will include health experts, community outreach members, and youth advocates.
The Sahan Journal reports that the discussion will discuss the possible genetic factors and lived experiences of the Hmong and Karen people that may contribute to substance abuse.
Additionally, the discussion on November 14 will address the need for additional mental health resources for the Minnesotan communities of color, as well as destigmatize the cultural impacts of treatment options.
The community discussion will be co-moderated by Samantha HoangLong by Sahan Journal and Angela Davis from MPR News, and will take place at 1495 Rice Street in St. Paul–according to their Eventbrite.
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