Lawmakers and advocate want more to be done to combat the growing number of fentanyl related deaths.
During a press conference last week at the Capitol, the group discussed the need for more awareness about how deadly fentanyl is, saying it’s 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and heroin. Representative Rita Mayfield of Waukegan says the issue of addiction needs to be addressed head on and discussed freely.
“Until we stop stigmatizing individuals who are using drugs, start funding these programs to give them the support we need, we will continue to have not just these overdoses that are widely sweeping our nation, but will continue to have violence in our communities. They are linked together.”
Representative La Shawn Ford of Chicago says the money from recent opioid-related settlements can be used towards these efforts.
“This coalition is working with the Governor and DHS to make sure the money is spent to make sure everyone has access to Narcan and medical assisted treatment services so they can live a normal life and not die from street drugs like fentanyl.”
Others talked about how Narcan, which can counteract an overdose, needs to be more readily available and the need for primary care doctors and substance abuse specialists to work together to help patients battling an addiction.
