RUSH University Medical Center hosts outreach event to educate church leaders about opioid epidemic

CHICAGO — Health professionals are teaming up with faith leaders to help people in Chicago suffering from opioid addiction.

In communities of color, many churches are joining the fight, including Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on the South Side.

RUSH University Medical Center hosted pastors, bishops and church elders to educate them about the epidemic and inform them about ways they can support people struggling with substance abuse.

Cook County’s Medical Examiner reported more than 2,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2022. About 70% impacted were Black and about 20% were Latino.

The Medical examiner said opioid overdose deaths for 2023 are expected to fall just short of the previous year’s number.

The hope is that church leaders can help break the stigma of addiction and save lives.

The outreach event was one of six that will be hosted by RUSH, which will take the program to churches around the city next, starting with Fellowship Missionary Baptist