AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/overdose/)
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.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford and Congressman Danny Davis brought together representatives from a number of groups fighting the opioid epidemic on the West Side.
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.
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.
The Heroin Task Force will hold a town hall meeting Oct. 26 at Loretto Hospital.
Several residents share the stories of friends and loved ones who’ve struggled with drug addiction.