Manley Proposes Changes to State Website with Information to Fight Heroin Abuse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to address the ongoing heroin epidemic in Will County, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, introduced legislation that brings changes and creates a comprehensive website with tools and resources to educate the public about the dangers of heroin.

“In 2016, Will County had 77 deaths caused by heroin overdoses,” Manley said. “According to the county coroner’s office, if nothing changes the county could easily have over 100 heroin-related deaths this year. Providing the information and educating the public about these dangers is an important part of combating this epidemic.”

Manley’s House Bill 3161 requires the Department of Human Services to update their existing website about heroin and opioid abuse to better educate the public. The new information will include: the warning signs of heroin and opioid addiction, tips for parents on how to talk about these drugs with their children, a list of places where someone can receive treatment and a toll-free number that people can call with questions about heroin abuse and treatment.

“Trying to talk about drug abuse with family and friends is difficult, especially when there isn’t one place to find all the tools and resources you need to start the conversation,” Manley said. “This website will be a place where people can go to learn the warning signs of these drugs and find out about treatment options, as well as, get individual questions answered. With this additional information that is going to be added to the department’s website, valuable resources will be at our fingertips.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.