SCSU Alum Appointed to Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction

(KNSI) — A long-time resident of central Minnesota has been appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction.

Retired U.S. Army Major John Donovan currently serves as the Board Chair for the Recovery Community Network based out of St. Cloud. Major Donovan, who lives with his wife in Big Lake, says he is “thrilled and honored to be serving on such a prominent panel and to be doing such meaningful work for the citizens of Minnesota.”

The council will oversee how almost $300 million from settlements from lawsuits leveled against opioid distributors and manufacturers is spent.

He recently received the St. Cloud State University Alumni Service Award for 2022 and the Advocate of the Year Award from the prestigious Faces and Voices of Recovery organization based out of Washington, DC.

“The Advisory Council, along with the recently appointed Addiction and Recovery Director, will provide valuable insight from a variety of perspectives, including those with lived experiences and those from communities that are disproportionately impacted by addiction,” said Governor Tim Walz.

“Minnesota continues to fight against the growing opioids crisis, especially in our Native and Black communities that are disproportionately affected. I am grateful to these community leaders for partnering with our Administration, and with their unique professional and personal experiences, leadership, and dedication to this work, we will be better poised to create more effective solutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.

The RCN is devoted to providing services to people living with or seeking help with substance use disorders in the central Minnesota area.

To learn more about the RCN, click here.

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