Yednock Sponsors Legislation to Improve Opioid Overdose Reporting

OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, has introduced legislation that would improve the transfer of information relating to opioid overdoses in Illinois, garnering more data and specifics as leaders across Illinois attempt to end the opioid crisis.

“We have seen the opioid crisis rip apart communities across our state and here in the Illinois Valley,” said Yednock. “It’s been one of my biggest goals as state representative to help stop the opioid epidemic. That’s why I have introduced legislation that would provide more information about overdoses so that state and community experts can have more accurate data about overdoses that have tragically proven fatal.”

Yednock’s House Bill 3459 would require coroners in Illinois to reports any death where opioids are a contributing factor to the Illinois Department of Public Health. This would include demographics of the person and their county of residence. This information would then be compiled into a report that would be distributed to the Illinois General Assembly and to leaders in communities.

“As we continue to look at common sense ways to help stop the opioid crisis, we need to ensure that the most up-to-date information is available,” said Yednock. “I’m heard many stories here in the Illinois Valley about how this crisis has personally affected residents and their loved ones, and I am committed to working with my colleagues, local elected officials and leaders, and health care experts to help end this crisis.”