Engaging Muslim Faith Leaders in Minnesota’s Fight Against the Opioid Crisis
In a powerful collaboration between public health and faith leaders, the Minnesota Department of Health worked with Twin Cities imams, including Imam Sharif Mohamed of Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque, to educate Muslim leaders on opioid use, prevention, and treatment resources.
📉 With opioid-related deaths increasing across the state, this program brought together 20 Somali community leaders for a three-part training that included:
- Data and tools from the state’s Opioid Dashboard
- A visit to Alliance Wellness Center, a culturally competent treatment facility
- Community messaging strategies tailored for mosques and local outreach
🕌 Imam Sharif highlighted the importance of involving trusted faith voices:
“When public health efforts ignore faith leaders, they begin with a measure of distrust.”
🤝 This initiative is being recognized as a model for how to build trust and address public health challenges in culturally meaningful ways.
🔗 Click here to read the full article on the Minnesota Department of Health website
