NEWS RELEASE: Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver Brings Hope and Resources to Wilmington’s East Side
Friday, April 11, 2025
Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver Brings Hope and Resources to Wilmington’s East Side
She continues to advocate for more inpatient rehabilitation centers in Wilmington and has joined forces with recovery advocates to support residents taking the brave step toward healing.
Wilmington, DE – Third District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver has long been a voice for the voiceless, steadfast in her mission to help individuals and families devastated by opioid addiction. Her numerous community outreach events have brought life-saving resources directly to the heart of Wilmington’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.
During her “Stop the Use of Opioid Use” outreach events over 2,000 door knockers and nearly 200 doses of Narcan were distributed within her district, making sidewalks and stoops become stations of hope. Alongside doctors, counselors, and health professionals, she also provided residents with guidance on how to administer Narcan and connected them with treatment options and local support services.
“Handing out Narcan is just a short-term solution,” said Councilwoman Oliver. “The long-term goal is to get people into treatment when they’re ready. But until then, we’re going to give them every opportunity to live and to choose recovery when the time comes.”
3rd District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver (left) distributed a “Stop the Use of Opioid Use” door knocker and Narcan to a resident in her district (right) on July 18, 2024. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, director of communications for Wilmington City Council.
That dedication recently took Councilwoman Oliver beyond city lines, where she visited a rehab center housing 60 Wilmington residents, many from the Third District. Councilwoman Oliver and three other supporters joined a group session, offering encouragement and urging participants to stay the course.
“Supporting all my constituents is a vital aspect of my role,” Councilwoman Oliver shared. “To see these men from my community, now taking bold steps toward healing, is a testimony to what can happen when we care, when we show up, and when we believe in second chances.”
She credits much of this progress to local leaders like Tyrone “Tye” Robinson, whose efforts to guide individuals toward sobriety have not gone unnoticed. Tye, once incarcerated and now sober for over 10 years, has led more than 40 individuals to the “Everything Must Change” recovery program in Baltimore. His journey and unwavering outreach led Councilwoman Oliver to sponsor a City Council resolution in his honor this past February.
Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver (left) stands alongside Tyrone “Tye” Robinson and other participants and supporters at a rehabilitation center. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Oliver.
“Tyrone Robinson represents the heart of what this work is about, redemption, restoration, and relentless love for people,” Councilwoman Oliver said. “He’s a reminder that healing is possible, and his efforts are transforming lives.”
Upon driving through areas once overrun by addiction, like 9th and Pine and Taylor Street, Councilwoman Oliver noticed the emptiness not as a void, but as a sign of progress. “Our streets are quieter today because our men are in treatment, taking it one day at a time. And for that, I am thankful.”
Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver stands with participants and supporters at a rehabilitation center. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Oliver.
Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver extends her deepest appreciation to Tyrone Robinson, Bobby Wilson, and Troy Husser for their tireless efforts in this cause. She remains committed to advocating for more in-patient addiction treatment centers in Wilmington and is calling for support across all levels of government to ensure recovery remains accessible for all.
Together, as a community, Councilwoman Oliver is choosing hope and building a future where healing takes root, block by block.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com