Yednock Sponsors Resolution to Help End Opioid Crisis

OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is sponsoring legislation that would push state agencies to do more to help stop the overprescribing of opioids and end the crisis that has gripped communities in the Illinois Valley, along with the rest of Illinois.

“I’ve talked with countless families and residents that have seen the lives of loved ones torn apart by this crisis,” said Yednock. “Fighting the opioid epidemic is one of my highest priorities as state representative. Now is the time to take action and start pushing solutions to help stop the overprescribing and abuse of these dangerous drugs.”

House Resolution 58 encourages the Illinois Department of Public Health to adopt new guidelines around the distribution of painkillers to help stop the opioid crisis. Yednock plans to support additional legislation combating opioid abuse such as further guidelines and restrictions on opioids and related substances as well as looking into stronger protections for emergency first responders who may come into accidental contact with synthetic opioids, like fentanyl.

“This legislation is one step in telling state health leaders that we need to look at ways to stop these drugs from leading into addiction,” said Yednock. “Opioids do not discriminate against a certain political party, downstate or upstate, and this is an issue that all legislators should come together on to help find real solutions to help stop this crisis now.”