Community
You can save someone from overdosing
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A free information session will be held on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. April 27. A representative from the Chicago Department of Public Health will explain how Narcan can be used to reverse an overdose.
drugs
Overdose reversal medication to be available at Austin libraries
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Later this month, patrons at 14 branches across the city will be able to get a free Narcan kit. The Austin locations are at 5615 W. Race Ave., 5724 W. North Ave. and 4856 W. Chicago Ave.
Community
Help save a life, remember those who’ve died from an overdose
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Mark “International Overdose Awareness Day” by joining members of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force at 11 a.m. Aug. 31 at the corner of Pulaski and Jackson, 4000 W. Jackson.
addiction
Encouraging Good Samaritans
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A new state law protects a person who provides emergency medical assistance to someone who’s experiencing an overdose. A Good Samaritan in these cases cannot be arrested, charged or prosecuted for drug violations. State Rep. La Shawn Ford lauds the new law, noting more Good Samaritans are needed to give naloxone, the medication used to reverse an overdose.
News
Resources available to fight opioid use, reduce drug overdoses
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The West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force offers training each month to help reduce the record number of overdose deaths.
opioids
Overdose deaths hit record levels in Cook County in 2020
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Faith leaders on the West Side are being encouraged to get trained on how to stop someone from having an overdose. At the monthly meeting of the 15th Police District’s faith-based leaders, attendees also were urged to complete training offered by the Chicago chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
News
Opioids-related overdoses, deaths continue to climb
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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
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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.
drugs
Emergency meeting held to raise awareness about opioid epidemic
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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.
opioids
Community comes together to destigmatize opioid epidemic
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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.