Representative Darin LaHood is planning several forums to address the growing number of drug related issues in Illinois.
Heroin and opioid overdose deaths have spiked in Illinois, with an 8.3 percent increase of deaths between 2013 and 2014.
In a statement from LaHood, the 18th District Representative, “looks forward to meeting with medical and public health professionals, law enforcement, treatment providers and those who have personally lost loved ones to these drugs. This epidemic is a complex problem that must have a multifaceted solution.”
According to a press release, Advance Medical Transport teams provided overdose remedies for 826 individuals over a six month period in 2015. Law enforcement in the 18th District seized over 226 pounds of pharmaceutical and other opioid drugs in 2015.
Dates for the forums in Peoria, Springfield and Quincy have not been announced.