Pappas Applauds New Video Campaign to Promote Illinois Opioid Helpline

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is promoting a statewide video campaign by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), which will bring awareness to their new Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances.

“Illinois needs new, comprehensive solutions to combat the increasing problem of opioid abuse, and this helpline will provide guidance to the countless people struggling with addiction,” Pappas said. “Supporting the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances is one of many steps I plan to take to assist Illinoisans working through opioid and other substance abuse.”

Pappas is highlighting IDHS’s new statewide video campaign to promote the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances. The helpline connects individuals struggling with opioid or other substance abuse problems, and anyone affected by the disease, directly with treatment and recovery options. Videos feature individuals who share their stories of recovery and organizations from across the state who are providing treatment and recovery services for opioid and other substance use disorders.

This year, Pappas supported stronger penalties for heroin and fentanyl dealers, and worked for greater oversight on prescription medications. Pappas also backed House Resolution 58, which calls on the Illinois Department of Public Health to take further steps to reduce the over-prescription of addictive medications.

“There are numerous potential solutions to this epidemic, and a hotline will help connect those in need with recovery and treatment options,” Pappas said. “There is no one clear path to healing and recovery for those suffering from opioid other substance use, so I will continue to work to provide more options for people dealing with these problems.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid or other substance use disorder, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP or visit HelplineIL.org.