Every day in the U.S. an estimated 78 people die from an opioid overdose, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The state of Illinois was recently awarded a portion of $53 million from Congress to combat its opioid epidemic and reduce opioid overdose death rates. In the midst of the country’s …
An event was recently held at the Gateway Center in Collinsville to address the nation’s opioid epidemic. The conference, called Come Together for Change, was attended by several local agencies intent on tackling the opioid addiction crisis, including drug rehab centers in Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois, and the Partnership for …
Treatment admissions for heroin addiction in the Chicago metropolitan area are more than double the national average, according to research conducted by the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy at Roosevelt University. Though the entire U.S. is facing an opioid addiction crisis, Chicago ranks at the top of the list for emergency room visits associated with …
Illinois has asked the federal government if the state can use Medicaid funds to pay for substance abuse and addiction services that aren’t usually covered by the health insurance program. Governor Bruce Rauner and administration are seeking a 5-year waiver from certain Medicaid rules to expand access to preventative care and community-based programs that address …
Illinois voters have ruled in favor of investing more state funds into addiction treatments and Illinois rehab centers, according to a recent poll commissioned by The Illinois Observer. State lawmakers say voters want to address the rising heroin and opioid abuse epidemic to help lower its devastating impact on Illinois communities. With more funding, addiction …
Walgreens has announced that an opioid overdose antidote called naloxone will now be available without a prescription in its pharmacies throughout Illinois. Up until now, the nasal spray had only been available to those with prescriptions, and at rehab centers in Illinois that treat opioid addiction. Increased access to naloxone could help prevent opioid overdoses …