Cook County launches mobile overdose prevention outreach van

CHICAGO - Cook County Health is launching a mobile overdose prevention outreach van.

The program – funded by a grant – aims to provide treatment, educational resources, and recovery support.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says opioid abuse is a disease and that those suffering should not be afraid to seek help.

"Needless to say, we've got a real challenge across our country with overdose deaths and for the last several years in Cook County, 2000 people, 2000 people have died due to opioid overdoses," said Preckwinkle.

The van will serve the hardest-hit communities throughout the county and is staffed by outreach workers equipped with naloxone and fentanyl testing strips.