Members of the Leech Lake Band attended a drug awareness meeting amid concerns about substance abuse on the Minnesota reservation. Photo from Facebook

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indians in Minnesota declared a public health emergency in response to a growing number of newborns being found with drugs in their systems.

According to the tribe, the problem has grown noticeably in the past year. Methamphetamine has far surpassed any other drug or substance found in newborns.

At a meeting last week, the tribal council voted 4 to 0 to declare an emergency and raise awareness of the issue. The human services department is also setting up a task force to help mothers, children and families deal with drug and alcohol abuse.

"By returning to our cultural values, we will not stigmatize pregnant mothers with drug use issues," the tribe said in a statement. "The task force work will support and embrace our women towards a healthier lifestyle."