opioids

News

Opioids-related overdoses, deaths continue to climb

By AustinTalks | August 31, 2020

Starting at noon Monday at 4000 W. Jackson, state Rep. La Shawn Ford and representatives from several community groups – including Prevention Partnership, Thresholds, The Night Ministry, Fathers Who Care, Rush Hospital, Heartland Alliance and Healthcare Alternative Services – will provide overdose reversal training; distribute Narcan/naloxone and PPE; make referrals to medication-assisted recovery for addiction treatment; and help with housing.

addiction

Austin lawmaker secures $350,000 grant for West Side Heroin Task Force

By AustinTalks | August 31, 2019

State Rep. La Shawn Ford announced the news Aug. 31, which is International Overdose Awareness Day. The lead agency for the award will be Prevention Partnership Inc., a 35- year-old agency located in the Austin neighborhood.

health

Heroin, opioid abuse hitting West Side hard

By Suzanne McBride | January 23, 2019

Free packets of naxolone were distributed at an event held Monday at The Loretto Hospital to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The drug has saved many people from dying of a drug overdose.

Community comes together to destigmatize opioid epidemic

By Blair Paddock | October 9, 2018

Residents can help fight the epidemic by carrying naloxone, the opioid blocker that can stop an overdose. African Americans are dying at a higher rate than whites, experts said at the meeting, held late last month in Austin.

Community

Join a discussion on reducing opioid deaths

By AustinTalks | September 25, 2018

More than 750 people die in Chicago each year from opioid overdose. Join the conversation about what can be done about this public health epidemic. Dinner and childcare will be provided during the event, which will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St.

addiction

Opioid addiction causing problems across West Side

By Suzanne McBride | June 18, 2018

PCC Community Wellness Center hosted health providers and others earlier this month to discuss how the opioid crisis is affecting them, their employers and their communities.

AIDS

Today’s heroin epidemic similar to HIV/AIDS scourge in the 1980s

By Rep. La Shawn Ford | May 3, 2017

West Side residents can take action to protect their friends, family and neighbors from this sweeping problem that’s more deadly than gun violence and motor accidents.