To Help Combat the Opioid Epidemic, Commissioner Monica Gordon Announces Funding for Family Guidance Center Mobile Unit
To Help Combat the Opioid Epidemic, Commissioner Monica Gordon Announces Funding for Family Guidance Center Mobile Unit (Cook County, IL) — Cook County has seen a record 2,000 people die from opioid overdoses over the last several years. In response to the devastating toll the opioid epidemic is having on families and communities, the Cook County Office of Behavioral Health is providing nearly $1 million to combat the alarming crisis over the next three years.
Joining Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Commissioners Dennis Deer, Monica Gordon, former Commissioner Deborah Sims and Chicago Alderman Ronnie Mosley, the elected officials representing Roseland, Pullman and the south suburbs, got a chance to see how the Family Guidance Center Mobile Unit will be used to reverse the growing number of opioid-related deaths.
According to Commissioner Gordon, the southern Cook County area saw an 82% increase in opioid overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to previous years.
“The mobile unit has embarked on a mission to provide comprehensive support and intervention to those in need,” said Gordon. “Their commitment to meeting individuals where they are, both geographically and emotionally, set them apart as true champions of compassion and empathy.”
Gordon shared that her own family has been touched by the opioid epidemic, having lost an uncle 16 years ago.
“Once again, your zip code should not determine your life expectancy,” reiterated the 5th District Commissioner.
FGC plans to distribute over 40,000 overdose prevention kits to residents across Cook County over the next three years.
The initial funding for the program is thanks to the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. Gordon said, however that continued funding is needed because lives are depending on it.
To Help Combat the Opioid Epidemic, Commissioner Monica Gordon Announces Funding for Family Guidance Center Mobile Unit
Responses