Halpin Works to Fight Illinois’ Opioid Epidemic Head On

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing his fight to combat opioid abuse in communities throughout Illinois, state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is sponsoring a resolution to address the over-prescription of addictive opioid painkillers.

“When used appropriately, prescription opioids can be an important component of the treatment of chronic pain,” said Halpin. “However, as the amount of opioids prescribed to patients continues to grow, we’re seeing more instances of misuse, addiction, overdoses and deaths in communities across the state.” 

Halpin is sponsoring House Resolution 58, which encourages the Illinois Department of Public Health to adopt new guidelines for painkillers, including prescribing opioids in small quantities with attention to a patient’s past exposure to opioids and informing patients of the risks associated with opioid prescription drug use. The guidelines also encourages medical providers to prescribe non-opioid medication when possible to reduce the risk of dependency on addictive opioid prescription drugs.

“Improving prescribing practices will help prevent misuse of opioids due to their addictive qualities,” said Halpin. “This legislation aims to address the opioid epidemic in a meaningful way by stopping addiction before it starts.”

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, free, confidential 24-hour support services are available at 833-2FINDHELP.