Hennepin County Board 05.19.2026

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on May 19, 2026, where key topics included a detailed presentation on the county's EMS efforts to address the opioid crisis, highlighting a pioneering paramedic-driven protocol to administer buprenorphine and ongoing grant-funded EMS Bridge team initiatives. The board also received a legislative session wrap-up, noting a $1.2 billion state bonding bill with projects for which the county will act as fiscal agent, and a historic $205 million direct appropriation to stabilize Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) over the next five years, along with a $500 million reserve fund backed by the rainy day fund. The session included discussions on governance changes for HCMC, reporting requirements, and the establishment of a task force for future hospital governance and financing. Additionally, the board approved a $450,000 increase to a contract with Wellness That Fits LLC for mental health services to Sheriff's Office employees, bringing the total contract value to just under $907,000. Consent and claims registers were approved, and a no-cost agreement with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for programmatic maintenance was authorized by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority. The meeting emphasized ongoing procurement and budgetary actions related to healthcare services, mental health support, and infrastructure maintenance.