Yingling Highlights Drug Take Back Day, Works to Combat Opioid Addiction

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As part of his efforts to keep drugs out of the wrong hands, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is encouraging residents to safely dispose of their expired, unused or unwanted medications during National Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 23.         

“In order to fight against the current opioid crisis and prescription drug abuse epidemic, we must all play a part in removing these medications from our home if they are unneeded or not being used,” said Yingling. “The longer that these addictive drugs are left around the house, the bigger an opportunity there is for someone to abuse them. Whether it’s to prevent addiction or simply to remove clutter from your home, I highly encourage residents to take advantage of the upcoming Drug Take Back Day.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were nearly 3,000 opioid-related deaths in Illinois in 2019, one of the highest amounts in the United States. In order to combat this crisis, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) partners with local law enforcement agencies and community organizations to provide a safe way for residents to get rid of their unneeded or old medications. For more information or to find a site near you, please visit takebackday.dea.gov.

Since entering the General Assembly, Yingling has worked to crack down on the abuse of opioids. He was a chief co-sponsor of the Heroin Crisis Act, bipartisan legislation that increased access to naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdoses. In addition, Yingling supported legislation increasing oversight of prescription medication and helping track the flow of controlled substances like opioids.

“With so many residents in our community struggling with opioid addiction, we must do everything we can to provide support to those recovering as well as work to prevent potential addiction before it ever happens,” said Yingling. “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of my constituents, and I look forward to continuing my work to ensure residents have the resources they need to prevent and overcome addiction.”