Topic: Opioids
Citizen of the Week: Nicole Bixler of Operation In My Backyard
The Port Richmond social worker offers sustenance, support and care to those struggling with addiction
By Rachel WisniewskiTreating Addiction Behind Bars
More than 60 percent of people incarcerated in the U.S. suffer from addiction. Philadelphia jails could offer a model for helping them get — and stay — sober
By Courtney DuCheneThe Last Chance for Safe Injection Sites?
City Council is set to vote this week on banning safe injection sites from all but one district in Philadelphia. Toronto has modeled another way
By Rachel WisniewskiCitizen of the Week: Pastor Buddy of the Rock Ministries
The Kensington preacher offers local kids a safe haven and a path to hope through boxing and prayer. His 14th annual “Rock the Block” party is on Saturday
By Lisa BryantK & A Makes a Presidential Race Appearance
This week, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy penned a New York Post op-ed on the dystopia in Kensington. It was full of laughable political pablum. But he was also kinda right
By Larry PlattGuest Commentary: Should PA Criminalize Safe Injection Sites?
Two addiction professionals say state and city legislatures need more information before voting to prohibit — or legalize — safe consumption sites
By Jonathan J. Koehler and Alexandra KoehlerPhiladelphia’s Opioid Addiction Failure
A New York Times article about a crippling new drug has drawn national attention (once again) to Kensington. A former city official who worked on the crisis under Jim Kenney takes the Mayor to task for his failure to solve the problem
By Josh KrugerKensington’s Trauma Porn Problem
YouTubers roaming Kensington to record human suffering there have built a cottage industry of crass global gawkers. What can Philly do about it?
By Nick RussoGeneration Change Philly: The Doc Saving Us From Ourselves
Penn physician-scientist Kit Delgado applies what he learns from treating injured patients in the ER to changing the behavior that gets us there in the first place.
By Christina GriffithCitizen of the Week: Rosalind Pichardo
The founder of Operation Save Our City also works in Temple's ER as a trauma victims' advocate, and has administered Narcan to 900 people in Kensington ...
By Christina Griffith