Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD)

Safe Prescription Drug Disposal

Polk County Public Health seeks to raise awareness of prescription drug abuse. To ensure that old prescription drugs do not find their way into the wrong hands, we as individuals can do our part by getting rid of old prescription drugs safely. To learn more, please read Safe Prescription Drug Disposal (PDF).

Minnesota Opioid Dashboard

The Opioid Dashboard includes statewide data for opioid use, misuse, and overdose death prevention. For more information, please go to the Minnesota Department of Health Opioid Dashboard website.

Opioid Settlement Advisory Council

Polk County is committed to reducing the negative impacts associated with opioid use disorders by partnering with key sectors on an Advisory Council. The Opioid Settlement Advisory Council will guide the spending of National Opioid Settlement dollars to save lives and prevent further damage.

Responsible Beverage Server Training

Responsible alcohol sales businesses are a respected part of our business communities and we appreciate their efforts to help all of us keep alcohol our of the hands of youth. We have two certified trainers on staff to provide FREE training that includes but not limited to the recognition of intoxication; verification of ID's - both false and real; pertinent laws; and strategies for intervention to prevent intoxicated persons from consuming more. For more information, contact us at 218-784-5425.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. However, ACEs can be prevented. We have two certified trainers on staff to provide outreach/additional information on ACES. Contact Polk County Public Health for more information and trainer information. 

For additional information, visit: https://familywiseservices.org/

Tobacco Prevention and Quitting Tobacco

The use of tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and many other health issues in both those people who use tobacco and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke. There are a number of resources available to residents of Polk County who are interested in more information about quitting tobacco, secondhand smoke exposure, electronic delivery devices and options for smoke free multi-unit housing and tobacco free open spaces in Polk County. 

Quit Partner (1-800-QUIT-NOW) is Minnesota’s new family of programs to help people who want to quit smoking, vaping, chewing or using other commercial tobacco products..

Quit Partner offers many free support options and resources for Minnesota residents to help them quit in a way that works best for them. Quit Partner offers specialized programs for people living with mental illnesses or substance use disorders, American Indian communities, pregnant and postpartum women, and youth ages 13-17 (My Life, My Quit).

What are electronic delivery devices?

Electronic delivery devices (e-cigarettes) are battery-operated devices that resemble cigarettes, cigars or pipes. These devices are designed to deliver nicotine, flavors and other chemicals and related substances to users in the form of vapor.

For more information about electronic delivery devices, their safety and regulations regarding their use in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Control’s website on electronic cigarettes.

Additional Information