GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS A LAUNCHING A STATE OVERDOSE ACTION PLAN TO COMBAT THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC IN ILLINOIS. 

THE PLAN AIMS TO PREVENT OVERDOSE DEATHS AND TACKLE THE MANY RAMIFICATIONS OF BATTLING A DRUG ADDICTION SAYS THE GOVERNOR.

THE INITIATIVE, DUBBED "SOAP" INCLUDES MOBILE VANS EQUIPPED WITH RECOVERY MEDICATION, DEPLOYING MORE NARCAN O-D KITS AND ADDRESSING PROBLEMS RELATED TO ADDICTION INCLUDING HOMELESSNESS AND KEEPING A JOB SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY GRACE HO.

IN 2020, THE NUMBER OF OPIOID DEATHS IN ILLINOIS INCREASED BY 33 PERCENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.