State representatives discuss fentanyl on communities

SPRINGFIELD, ILL (WICS/WRSP) — State Representative La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) joined advocates Thursday morning to discuss the impact of fentanyl on communities across the state.

Participants at Thursday's discussion discussed how the narcotic fentanyl has wreaked havoc on their families and the state along with resources available for those in need.

Rep. Ford was joined by the Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition, other state representatives, and advocates.

State representatives shared stories of people they knew who overdosed or have been affected.

“Today we’re here to make sure that we sound the alarm and let everyone know that there is help but we have to intensify the efforts in order to save lives in Illinois," Ford said at the press conference.

Ford also explained how the legislature can act to support treatment and services that can help those in need of care or support.

He said penalties need to be increased and stop the flow of drugs from coming into neighborhoods.

Representatives and advocates also discussed Narcan, a drug that can help treat an overdose in an emergency situation, and how it can help.

Ford says according to the CDC, between Jan. 2021 and Jan. 2022, there were over 4,000 deaths from opioids that could have been prevented. That marks a 12.63 percent increase from the year before.