On the recordMay 12, 2016
In 2014, our community leaders, families, and victims alike came together to fight the growing epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse in northern Illinois. Together we launched a district-wide action plan. Today we can celebrate many successes as its recommendations have been implemented. This year DuPage County celebrated 100 lives saved by first responders using Narcan. Lake County officers counted 65 rescues, and there are many more throughout the Chicago suburbs. Tragically, relapses and overdoses still claim lives. I have met families and parents who know this too well. Tim Ryan grew up in my district in Crystal Lake and overcame his own heroin habit only to see his own 20-year-old son die of an overdose. Today, this afternoon, tonight, young people are still using heroin. Prescription drugs are still being abused in our communities. Our fight is far from over. We must continue to work through meaningful community and State partnerships. Connecting affected individuals and organizations with each other is paramount to our future success. The faces and the stories of heroin are real. They demand and deserve hope and solutions. ____________________
