THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME AMERICA’S DEADLIEST DRUG CRISIS, AND THE GOAL OF THE NEW PLAN IS TO REDUCE OPIOID RELATED DEATHS IN ILLINOIS BY 33 PERCENT IN THREE YEARS. STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DR. NIRAV SHAH SAYS OPIOID OVERDOSES HAVE KILLED NEARLY 11-THOUSAND PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS SINCE 2008.

 

 

THIS NEW ACTION PLAN FOCUSES ON PREVENTION, INCLUDING STRESSING THE HIGH RISK OF ADDICTION. IT ALSO CALLS FOR MORE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY PROGRAMS SAYS THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES’ MARIA BRUNI.

 

 

BRUNI SAYS THEY ARE SECURING FEDERAL GRANTS TO HELP FUND THOSE EFFORTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE PLAN ADDRESSES RESPONSE BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF FIRST RESPONDERS WHO CAN PROVIDE IMMEDIATE OVERDOSE TREATMENT.