Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Rose 80% in Minnesota Last Year Get our free mobile app St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A soaring number of fentanyl-related deaths pushed overall drug overdose deaths in Minnesota up 27 percent last year. The Minnesota Department of Health says just over 1000 fatal drug overdoses were reported in the state in 2020 compared with just under 800 in 2019. The number of those deaths involving opioids rose nearly 60 percent, while drug overdose deaths associated with synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, were up over 80 percent. “Minnesota families are struggling, and the overdose deaths in 2020 are a terrible reminder that those struggles can result in preventable deaths,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “The year has been unprecedented in so many ways, and the staggering number of drug overdose deaths shows the need to amplify our prevention efforts and strengthen the ability of communities to support people and connect them with services.”