The Minneapolis City Council on Nov. 20 adopted an honorary resolution recognizing November as National Child Safety and Protection Month and highlighted local efforts to prevent accidental childhood poisonings.

Council member Palmisano read the resolution, noting that between 2018 and 2023 the city saw a 176 percent increase in reports of potential cannabis poisoning and that reported poisonings of children under 5 rose from 7 to 24 percent of those reported incidents. "By recognizing National Child Safety and Protection Month in the context of Minnesota's evolving cannabis landscape, the city reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of all children in Minneapolis," Palmisano said.

Caitlin Hanson, trauma prevention specialist at Hennepin Healthcare, accepted the resolution and described the hospital’s prevention work. "It's super it's an honor to receive this, and I'm very excited to promote the safe cannabis storage," Hanson said, describing an upcoming baby-safety event and the hospital's emphasis on data-driven prevention, education and legislative action.

Evelyn Carberry, cannabis and substance-use prevention coordinator at the Minneapolis Health Department, said the department launched a safe-storage campaign after tracking increases in accidental childhood poisonings. "We are promoting safe cannabis use by storing cannabis and other substances locked up tight and out of sight," she said.

The resolution and the remarks that followed center the city's public-health response to increased availability of cannabis products, including edibles and concentrates that can resemble candy or beverages. The resolution directs city departments to continue education and prevention work aimed at reducing accidental exposure among children.

The honorary resolution does not create new regulation; it affirms partnership among city departments, Hennepin Healthcare and community groups and encourages caregivers to adopt safe-storage practices as part of broader injury-prevention efforts. The council took the vote during a sequence of ceremonial recognitions at the start of the Nov. 20 meeting.