A bill that recently passed the Illinois House is aimed at helping prevent drug overdoses by individuals who have been treated at drug treatment facilities.
The bill, which was passed unanimously, now goes to the state Senate and if passed and signed by Gov. Pat Quinn could go into effect as early Jan. 1, 2010, said state Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-8th district, a co-sponsor of the bill.
“One of the main things this bill would do is create a database for the Illinois Department of Human Service to use so they can better track those treated at drug facilities,” Ford told the Defender. “This system in place would also help in preventing drug users from later overdosing because they could not get into a treatment center.”
By the state being able to track those who have been treated at drug facilities, it can better monitor their recovery and follow up with them, he added.
“Drug abuse and addiction is an issue that affects the person who is inflicted with the problem, their family, their community and the taxpayers of Illinois,” said state Rep. Art Turner, D-9th district, who is a supporter of the bill. “Our state desperately needs to do more to prevent drug addiction and to help those who are already addicted,” said Turner.
“The state of Illinois has thousands of prisoners behind bars due to drug offenses; in fact, we incarcerate more drug offenders than any other state except for California. Fewer drug addicts will result in lower health care costs, lower prison costs and diminishing the percentage of this type of crime and the related effects,” said Turner.
State Rep. David Miller, D-29th district, is the chief sponsor and was unavailable for comment.
The bill would amend the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act and may award grants to create or support local drug overdose prevention, recognition and response projects.
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Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The bill, which was passed unanimously, now goes to the state Senate and if passed and signed by Gov. Pat Quinn could go into effect as early Jan. 1, 2010, said state Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-8th district, a co-sponsor of the bill.
“One of the main things this bill would do is create a database for the Illinois Department of Human Service to use so they can better track those treated at drug facilities,” Ford told the Defender. “This system in place would also help in preventing drug users from later overdosing because they could not get into a treatment center.”
By the state being able to track those who have been treated at drug facilities, it can better monitor their recovery and follow up with them, he added.
“Drug abuse and addiction is an issue that affects the person who is inflicted with the problem, their family, their community and the taxpayers of Illinois,” said state Rep. Art Turner, D-9th district, who is a supporter of the bill. “Our state desperately needs to do more to prevent drug addiction and to help those who are already addicted,” said Turner.
“The state of Illinois has thousands of prisoners behind bars due to drug offenses; in fact, we incarcerate more drug offenders than any other state except for California. Fewer drug addicts will result in lower health care costs, lower prison costs and diminishing the percentage of this type of crime and the related effects,” said Turner.
State Rep. David Miller, D-29th district, is the chief sponsor and was unavailable for comment.
The bill would amend the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act and may award grants to create or support local drug overdose prevention, recognition and response projects.
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Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
