Peoria Standard

The rise in opioid overdoses continues to affect communities across Illinois, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl being a significant factor. Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows that there were 3,261 fatal opioid-related drug overdoses in 2022 and 2,855 in 2023. Since 2013, deaths from synthetic opioids have increased by over 3,300%.

In October, State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) hosted a town hall in Carol Stream with community leaders and healthcare professionals to discuss the opioid crisis. The event was organized with the Illinois Harm Reduction & Recovery Coalition and aimed at reducing stigma around addiction while providing resources.

“Opioid addiction continues to impact our community, but together we can ensure we are able to help more families and individuals get the support they need,” said Rep. Sanalitro.

Legislation passed in 2024 sought to address this crisis further. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), supported by State Rep. Ryan Spain and others, led an effort resulting in a new law (P.A. 103-0980) that expands access to free fentanyl testing strips. The law allows the Illinois Department of Human Services to establish or authorize programs for distributing these strips as part of harm reduction strategies.

State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), who co-sponsored the legislation, stated: “The opioid crisis in Illinois continues to devastate families in every community regardless of race or income. We have made meaningful progress in mitigating this crisis, but the surge of fentanyl overdoses remains a persistent challenge and has victimized many people who are unaware they are exposed to deadly toxins. The new law addresses one more factor associated with the rise in opioid-related deaths in our state and prevents fatal outcomes for unsuspecting people. Fentanyl test strips are a life-saving resource and should be accessible to everyone.”

This year also saw new proposals targeting child safety amid the epidemic. Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) introduced House Bill 1478, which would create penalties for those who endanger children by exposing them to fentanyl.

Co-sponsor Rep. Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen) commented: “There is no higher priority for any adult, whether or not you are a parent or a public official, than protecting children from harm. Anyone who allows a child to be exposed to fentanyl should face severe consequences as policymakers and public health officials work with law enforcement to improve public education about the prevalence of fentanyl and work to mitigate risks.”

Leader McCombie also introduced House Bill 2804, proposing stricter penalties for selling drugs containing fentanyl.

Efforts have included increasing awareness about naloxone—a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses—which has been demonstrated publicly by lawmakers such as Rep. Bill Hauter on the House floor.

Ryan Spain has served as state representative for Illinois’ 73rd District since his election in 2017 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Spain.

For more information on treatment options or combating opioid misuse, residents can visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.