AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council passed a resolution that asks the city manager to put together an inter-departmental effort to address the city's opioid epidemic.

Mayor Steve Adler said opioids are one of Austin's fastest growing public health challenges.

The SIMS Foundation, which helps local musicians with mental health and substance abuse recovery services, said the city's artistic community is taking the brunt of it, and the demand for substance abuse services doubled last year.

"We know that artists are often exposed to harmful influences, substance abuse and behavioral health conditions,” Adler said. “They're kind of our canary in the coal mine."  

City officials said the opioid issue in Austin is not as bad as in other parts of the country, but they need to get out in front it before it's too late.