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October 8, 2025

Overdose Deaths Are Down. How is Philly Handling the Crisis Differently?

City Cast Philly

Overdose Deaths Are Down. How is Philly Handling the Crisis Differently?

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We learned this week that there’s some good news when it comes to the city’s opioid crisis: Overdose deaths were down the last two years – and the rate this year is decreasing, too. This comes as the city changes course in how it handles the drug crisis. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Emily Rizzo, Kensington Voice accountability reporter, about this new approach and if it's working. She breaks down a new drug recovery housing facility that was opened by Mayor Cherelle Parker in the Northeast, which the majority of funds from a legal settlement with pharmaceutical companies that sold opioids are going to support. Emily also breaks down why certain service providers are being kicked off the streets of Kensington, which has been the epicenter of the crisis. And how a new expedited court aims to get people into treatment immediately. 

Read more of Emily's work at Kensington Voice here. 

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