Philadelphia officials unveiled the latest step in the city's ongoing effort to combat the crippling drug crisis.
Beginning this week, Mayor Jim Kenney's Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic will host public meetings as members work to develop a plan of action to address the problem. The 16-member task force was formed in November and met for the first time earlier this month.
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The "Community Listening Sessions" will allow city residents to offer their unique insight into the impact of the opioid crisis on their neighborhoods. The community's input will help the committee design a long-term solution.
Here's the full list of meetings:
• Monday, Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Resources for Human Development, 4700 Wissahickon Avenue Suite 126 in Nicetown
•Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Prevention Point Philadelphia, 2913 Kensington Avenue in Kensington
• Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Greater Philadelphia Health Action, 1401 S. 31st Street in Grays Ferry
• Thursday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: CORA Services, 8540 Verree Road in Bustleton
Additionally, the task force, co-chaired by city Commissioners Drs. Arthur C. Evans, Jr. and Thomas Farley, will meet twice a month for three months to coordinate a plan. The committee consists of representatives from city council, addiction experts, researchers, law enforcement officers and "persons with lived experience."
City officials said that drug overdoses accounted for approximately 1,500 deaths over the last two years. About 80 percent of those deaths involved opioids.
The task force is scheduled to offer a call to action in April.