Conroy Passes Substance Use Disorder Legislation in House Mental Health Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Taking a stand for those encountering substance use disorders, state Rep. Deb Conroy, D – Villa Park, passed sweeping legislation in the House Mental Health Committee last week which expands coverage to critical access to care.

“We cannot afford to stand idly by while the victims of substance use disorders continue to struggle simply because coverage to resources they desperately need is inadequate,” said Conroy, Chair of the House Mental Health Committee. “As an advocate for mental health and those confronting substance use, I’m acutely aware of inequities that exist in our system that do not go far enough to help the most vulnerable. That is why I’m sponsoring a bill which demands more from insurances providers, establishes access to grant dollars, and expands access to prescription drugs.”

Conroy’s House Bill 2589 amends the Substance Use Disorder Act by expanding commercial insurance coverage to addiction treatment medication while also opening the door to grant funds that will enable victims to receive better access to treatment. Conroy’s legislation would help increase distribution of opioid antagonists, expand access to peer recovery specialists, provide housing public health fairs, promote harm reduction activities and provide connections to community partners.

“There are countless victims whose livelihoods would drastically improve if this bill is signed into law,” said Conroy. “It is critically important that we meet this moment in order to continue forging a path forward for those most in need.”