Beloit declares Overdose Awareness Day amid rising drug crisis

In a recent Beloit City Council meeting, officials addressed the alarming rise in fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl in Rock County, particularly among marginalized communities. The council acknowledged that Black, African American, and Native American residents are disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis, which is exacerbated by the area's status as a high-density drug trafficking zone.

To combat this issue, the council highlighted local initiatives such as the availability of free Narcan and fentanyl test strips at the Bloitt Public Library, and the upcoming overdose awareness walk co-hosted by Janesville Mobilizing for Change on August 31, 2024, coinciding with International Overdose Awareness Day. This event aims to promote awareness and provide resources for substance use prevention and recovery.

Following the discussion on substance abuse, Dr. Willie Garrison presented an overview of the School District of Beloit, emphasizing recent academic improvements and community engagement efforts. He reported two consecutive years of growth in academic achievement, with notable increases in English Language Arts scores across several schools. Dr. Garrison also discussed the district's reconfiguration to better serve students and the importance of maintaining enrollment levels.

The council members expressed their support for the school district's initiatives and the need to focus on positive developments within the community. They encouraged ongoing communication and collaboration to highlight the successes of local schools and foster a supportive environment for students and families. The meeting concluded with a call for the community to rally behind its educational institutions and promote the positive changes taking place in Beloit.