Press Conference Friday: Ford, Congressman Davis to Recognize International Overdose Awareness Day and Join Families in Remembrance Before

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and Congressman Danny K. Davis will stand with family members of those lost to overdoses this Friday to share stories of remembrance, as well as deliver a message of hope as we look to strengthen support for those in need.

Ford, Davis, family members and local leaders will speak at a press conference at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of W. Corcoran Pl. and N. Central Ave. on Chicago’s West Side before leading a community march at 10 a.m. to 5645 W. Corcoran Pl. There, a resource fair will provide attendees critical health resources and material related to overdose awareness.

“Every overdose is a tragedy that hurts families and leaves a hole in our community,” said Ford. “I’m grateful for these brave families who have decided to turn grief into action. We must continue to push forward for better, commonsense resources and harm reduction services that value every single life. Together we can make a difference and save lives.”

“This year’s theme for International Overdose Awareness Day — One Big Family Driven By Hope — holds deep personal meaning for me,” said Pastor Fanya Burford-Berry, Director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force. “I have experienced the pain of losing my brother-in-law, Skipper, and my cousin, Stephanie, to overdose. As the director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, my commitment to this work is fueled by the hope that every person who uses drugs has the opportunity to seek recovery without judgment. IOAD is not only about honoring the lives we have lost, but also about standing together as one family — connecting people with the resources they need to stay alive, find healing, and move toward recovery.”

This year’s gathering comes during a time of uncertainty as the Trump Administration looks to delay and possibly cut critical support for lifesaving addiction and overdose services. Such funding is used to curb overdose deaths caused by fentanyl, methamphetamines and other drugs.

“We need to send a clear and urgent message to Washington that this funding needs to be protected,” said Ford. “The consequences of such a shortsighted decision will cost lives and hurt communities for years to come. Let’s choose to be compassionate leaders. Let’s choose a better path forward.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition, HOPE, Pastor Fanya Burford- Berry, Dr. Twin Green, Dr. Deondré Rutues, Sheila Hanneike, Shelia Blockson, Ed Boone, LaDarius Curtis, Regina Lewis and Rev. Jones

What: Press conference marking International Overdose Awareness Day, free community resource fair

When: Friday, Aug. 29; 9:30 a.m.

Where: Corner of W. Corcoran Pl. and N. Central Ave., Chicago (Resource fair will take place nearby at 5645 W.
Corcoran Pl.)