State Representative Lou Lang to outline the new Heroin Crisis Act

2016 HERO-HELPS-Southwest Coalition Community Summit

     The 2016 HERO-HELPS-Southwest Coalition Community Summit slated for April 29 at the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville, will include State Representative Lou Lang (D-16) who will present a specific outline of the new Heroin Crisis Act. Lang was the chief sponsor of House Bill 001 which ultimately became this new law.

     “We are very fortunate to have Rep. Lang with us again this year to help us understand the elements of this comprehensive new law,” said Paul Lauridsen, event chairman.

      The new law has requirements for the disposal of unused prescription drugs, changes in insurance coverage for treatment, new requirements for state recording of drug overdose cases, and over the counter dispensing of Narcan, a potent antidote that can reverse the effects of heroin overdose.    

    “Illinois has become ground zero in the national crisis of heroin and opiod abuse,” Lang said. “The bill we passed last year, over the veto of the Governor, is groundbreaking legislation that will serve as a national model to combat this deepening tragedy. We must implement this new law to its fullest to save lives and to educate. We must enlist all willing hands to pitch in and make this work.”

     Lang was recently honored with the Elected Official Service in Advocacy Award of Excellence by the National Council for Behavioral Health, a state associations of addiction services. Lang was noted for working closely with advocates, opponents and fellow Illinois legislators to pass Illinois House Bill. Lang built a coalition of supporters who fought for and secured the needed votes.

     This is the fifth year of this event which has brought attention to the issue of heroin and prescription drug abuse across Will County, the state of Illinois, and the entire nation.    

     Free continuing education units are provided for many professions including educators; physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, social work and professional counselors, and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support professionals.

     For more information, visit the website: www.herohelpsevent.com.