State Representatives to announce important legislation in response to the heroin epidemic in Illinois

State Representatives to announce important legislation  in response to the heroin epidemic in Illinois

At the 2015 Hero Helps Community Forum, scheduled for Friday, April 10, State Representatives Lou Lang (D-16) and Sam Yingling (D-62) will be speaking about new legislation recently introduced to address the growing heroin crisis in Illinois.

Lang has introduced legislation which will limit the overprescribing of opioid painkillers which has been directly linked to the growing problem of heroin abuse across the country. This legislation will also expand the use of Narcan at the state and local level.

“Our hope is this new legislation will further the efforts to reduce heroin abuse in Illinois,” said Lang. “The expansion of the availability of Narcan will help save lives.”

Rep. Yingling, as Chairman of the Young Adult Heroin Task Force, brought together members of the Illinois General Assembly and school officials from across the state to suggest programs to be implemented in the high schools to teach students about the dangers of this powerful drug.

“Prevention and education are very important components in this fight against heroin abuse,” Yinglang said. “If we can prevent young people from ever trying heroin that is a large majority of the battle.”

Families, public officials, law enforcement, health care providers, educators, and the public are all encouraged to attend and learn more about the heroin and other drug overdose crisis and potential solutions. The event includes a resource expo with representatives from more than 30 organizations available to provide information on their services.

CPDUs, CMEs and CEUs are being provided for education, medical, social work professionals, licensed professional counselors, and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support professionals.

The 2015 Hero Helps Community Forum will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and will conclude at noon. The event is being held in the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center, 55 Phelps Avenue in Romeoville. While pre-registration is not required, those planning to attend are encouraged to visit the website: www.herohelpsevent.com to sign up.