Willis Promotes Overdose Awareness Day

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, is highlighting International Overdose Awareness Day, which falls on Saturday, Aug. 31 this year.

“Opioid abuse and subsequent overdoses continue to claim too many lives across Illinois and the nation,” Willis said. “Illinois can and must do better to end the opioid crisis, and that effort will require lawmakers, community leaders and first responders to work together.”

Willis is promoting International Overdose Awareness Day, which is a global event held on Aug. 31 each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. Willis backed legislation like House Bill 2222, which would provide emergency first responders with real-time information on opioid overdoses, and House Resolution 58, which asks the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and adopt new guidelines for the prescription of opioid prescription drugs.

Willis is encouraging people to call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP if you or someone you know is experiencing opioid use disorder.

“I am fighting to build a stronger Illinois and middle class, and we need to continue developing policies that help people get the health care and services they need,” Willis said. “The tragedies of losing family and loved ones will not stop unless Illinois takes more action, and the time for that is now.”