Bill Legalizing Needle Exchange Programs to Combat Opioid Epidemic in IL Passes with Support from Heartland Alliance, Healthcare Leaders & Legislators
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (PRWEB) May 28, 2019 -- Already the worst public health crisis of this generation, the opioid crisis has led to over 70,000 annual deaths nationwide, with Illinois experiencing almost 3,000 annual overdose deaths and the fastest rate of increase in overdose mortality in Midwest. Supporters look forward to the Governor signing the bill into law this summer.
This legislation, sponsored by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-31), State Representative Deb Conroy (D-46), and supported by Heartland Alliance, Live4Lali, the Chicago Recovery Alliance, and other community advocates, seeks to reduce the worst harms of the opioid epidemic by legalizing needle exchange programs and promoting effective overdose prevention programs across the state.
We have health policy experts, as well as direct medical services providers available to speak on the impact of this bill and what it means for Illinoisans facing the opioid epidemic.
See the attached release or click here for full details and please reach out if you have any questions or would like to set up an interview with an expert.
Amber (Cason) Crossen, Heartland Alliance, http://www.heartlandalliance.org, 312.870.4960, [email protected]
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