ABOUT THE SOUTHSIDE HEROIN OPIOID
TASK FORCE
The Southside Heroin and Opioid Task Force is a coalition of community-based organizations (CBOs), healthcare providers, people with lived experiences, and government agencies united in addressing the opioid crisis affecting individuals across the southside of Chicago. Our mission is to foster collaboration within the Southside community to reduce opioid and substance use disorders, prevent overdose deaths, and enhance the overall well-being of our residents by promoting access to care, treatment, and recovery services.
The stakeholders of the South Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force emphasize the importance of community education in reducing opioid-related overdoses and fatalities. This education not only focuses on the risks of opioid use but also provides practical tools for prevention, such as the use of naloxone (Narcan) to reverse overdoses. In addition to educational efforts, the Task Force is focused on raising awareness about illegal drug use, expanding support services for individuals affected by substance use, integrating mental health and addiction treatment, and fostering coordinated partnerships to achieve better outcomes for the community.
Furthermore, the Task Force advocates for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels to
increase resources and improve accessibility to opioid treatment programs, mental health services, and
harm reduction strategies. By working closely with law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and social
service providers, the Task Force aims to ensure a holistic approach to addressing the opioid epidemic,
supporting both immediate needs and long-term recovery for individuals and families impacted by
substance use disorders.
A mid-year report released by the Chicago Department of Public Health showed that from January to June 2020, there were 573 opioid-related overdose deaths, marking a 54.9 percent increase in fatal overdoses from the first 6 months of 2019. The report further showed that 59.3 percent or 340 of the 573 people who died from an opioid-related death, were Black. The most prevalent areas of use were the West and South sides. Chicago Public Health Data also showed that fentanyl, a powerful synthetic drug, was involved in 82% of overdose deaths. In addition, the rate of cocaine-involved overdose deaths had increased by 47%.
Concerned with the increase in opioid-related deaths, the Chicago Department of Public Health with advisement from the West Side Heroin Opioid Task Force helped to facilitate the formation of the South Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force, with a primary objective of reducing opioid-related overdoses and substance use and mental health disorders in south side communities through education, training, crisis mitigation, and harm reduction education. Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter was asked and agreed to take a lead role as the Task Force Convener.
2022
Year Established
250+
Volunteers
340+
Charitable Donors