THE FIRST MEETING WAS HELD THIS WEEK IN CHICAGO…AND THE GROUP HEARD FROM THOSE AFFECTED PERSONALLY BY THE HIGHLY ADDICTIVE DRUGS. FIRST UP WAS AMY MCCORMICK, WHOSE SON OWEN BECAME ADDICTED AFTER AN OUT-PATIENT HAND SURGERY.

 

 

DURING THE FIRST HEARING IN CHICAGO, DENNIS PAGACH, AN ADDICT WHO HAS BEEN CLEAN FOR MORE THAN A MONTH NOW STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS.

 

 

NEARLY TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE DIED OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE LAST YEAR IN ILLINOIS, AND OFFICIALS SAY THAT NUMBER IS QUICKLY RISING.

 

NARCAN IS AN ANTIDOTE FOR OPIOID OVERDOSES. OPIOID RELATED DEATHS ARE DRAMATICALLY INCREASING IN ILLINOIS. THE TASK FORCE IS WORKING TO REDUCE THOSE NUMBERS.