Halpin Legislation Aimed at Protecting Families from Opioid Abuse Signed Into Law

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Local families will have greater access to information about the dangers of heroin and prescription opioid abuse under a measure sponsored by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, that was recently signed into law.

“Opioid and heroin overdoses claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Illinoisans in 2016, destroying families and breaking up communities,” Halpin said. “A key step to reducing the level of abuse in communities across the state is education about the warning signs and how to discuss the dangers of heroin and prescription opioids with loved ones who may be struggling with addiction.”

Halpin co-sponsored House Bill 3161, which requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to expand drug outreach by creating and maintaining a website to educate the public on heroin and opioid use. Currently, DHS provides early intervention programs for at risk persons and opioid treatment education programs. The website created by DHS will contain detailed information about warning signs of drug addiction, treatment and referral services.

“The growing heroin and opioid epidemic in Illinois requires comprehensive education, treatment and the willingness to give first responders the resources they need to prevent tragedies,” Halpin said. “We have to approach this serious problem from multiple fronts, and this legislation is another tool we can utilize to curb abuse.”

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or at rephalpin@gmail.com.