Initiatives from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) were recently recognized with Digital Health Awards from the National Health Information Resource Center.
The DHS Get Gambling Help campaign received a Gold Award for a video entitled “Terra’s Story”. The moving digital documentary was designed to reach Minnesota adults struggling with problem gambling and those at risk of addiction. Viewers can learn more about the DHS program that funds inpatient and outpatient treatment, research, a resource library, public education and awareness efforts, in-service training; and a statewide, toll-free, confidential 24-hour helpline at 1-800-333-HOPE.
The successful DHS Know the Dangers opioids campaign is designed to share life-saving information with those in need and their families. Minnesota’s response to the opioid crisis includes a significant effort to increase access to medication-assisted treatment, reduce unmet treatment needs, and lower opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery. The State of Minnesota received an award for a video entitled “Pop Quiz”.
On a related basis, MDH received Gold for a new Naloxone Finder interactive map that is being accessed by thousands each month. The Minnesota Department of Health funded the interactive map – in collaboration with DHS that placed it on the Know the Dangers website – to help people search for and find Minnesota pharmacies or Syringe Service Programs that provide naloxone.
Also related, HIDTA received a Bronze Award for the “Franken-Pills” Overdose Campaign, designed to reach young adults. HIDTA is a key initiative of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), providing counties with federal resources to assist the coordination and development of drug control efforts among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials.
DHS, MDH and HIDTA worked with Minnesota strategic and creative firm, Russell Herder, to develop the award-winning resources.
The Digital Health Awards is an annual competition that recognizes the world’s best digital health resources. A panel of experts in digital health media served as judges and selected the most highly ranked from more than 500 entries. The Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), organizer of the Digital Health Awards, is a national information clearinghouse for professionals who work in consumer health fields.
