On January 15, 2025, Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) and the Westside Heroin and Opioid Taskforce hosted a Day of Service event on the West Side of Chicago to honor and make a commitment to Dr. King's legacy of service. The event was a reminder of how a ROSC beautifully aligns with Dr. Kings words and vision.
Dr. King encouraged cultural groups to work together to accomplish common goals. The two sponsoring organizations of this annual event were HAS and the West Side Heroin and Opioid Taskforce. This partnership exemplifies part of Dr. King's vision of working together for common causes across cultures. HAS specializes in providing bilingual and bicultural treatment and recovery services for Hispanic communities and the West Side Heroin and Opioid Taskforce provides harm reduction services for African American communities.
Present at the event were individuals and organizations representing the components of a comprehensive recovery oriented system of care. A ROSC is a network of clinical and nonclinical services and supporters which work together to support community based recovery. In attendance were: certified addictions counselors, harm reduction outreach workers, recovery coaches, clergy, people in long term recovery, politicians, employment specialists, crisis workers, mental health specialists, medical doctors, recovery homeowners, mobile health providers, employment specialists, SUD providers and Illinois Department of Public Health personnel.
Some of the speakers included: Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford. He is the founder of the West Side Heroin and Opioid Taskforce. Representative Ford stressed the importance of service and collaboration.
Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins. Senator Collins discussed the importance of community action in addressing the substance use disorder crisis which impacts communities.
Project Director Great Lakes ATTC Chicago Mark Sanders. My closing comments were centered around two Dr. King quotes. “Everyone can be great because each of us can serve.” Those present in the room serve as a reminder that there is a role for everyone in a recovery oriented system of care. Dr. King also said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Opioid overdose death has had a dramatic impact on the West Side of Chicago. Those attending the event expressed a strong desire to continue addressing this issue.
As I left the event, I found myself believing that if Dr. King were alive today, he would address substance use disorder and overdose crises which plague communities nationwide. I visualized Dr. King organizing gatherings like the day of service event. In my imagination I can hear Dr. King sharing his powerful words with groups mobilized to address SUD. “All you need to serve is a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”
