Politics & Government
Yingling-Backed Heroin Bill Passes House
Yingling legislation to curb Heroin use and save lives passes House
For Immediate Release:
For More Information:
May 28, 2015 State Rep. Sam Yingling
Find out what's happening in Grayslakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
847- 231-6262
repsamyingling@gmail.com
Find out what's happening in Grayslakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
GRAYSLAKE, Ill – Heroin’s fatal toll on families and communities across the state will be lessened under recently passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake.
“Heroin continues to have a death grip on our communities,” Yingling said. “Since taking office, I have made combatting this horrible drug and loosening its hold on our area a top priority of mine,” Yingling said. “While previous legislation I sponsored sought to increase awareness of this fatal drug, this measure equips our public safety personnel with more tools and resources to save lives and effectively track patterns and locations of use.”
Yingling is a chief co-sponsor of House Bill 1, which was approved by the Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday. The measure would implement a system for greater communication and information sharing between hospitals, other medical professionals and public safety personnel and help track statewide trends of drug use and overdoses so first responders can monitor patterns and be better equipped to treat overdoses. Such data would also help law enforcement track patterns to isolate problematic areas where dealers are most likely to be. In addition, House Bill 1 would give more victims of heroin addiction opportunities to receive drug treatment and would also expand the criteria for who is authorized to administer the lifesaving Narcan drug.
“We have a responsibility to support tough laws that combat the distribution and manufacturing of drugs, but also to take a compassionate approach to those suffering with addiction,” Yingling said. “Dangerous drugs like heroin tragically rob our youth of promising futures, and we must take every step available to save lives so that no parent should have to bury their child.”
House Bill 1 awaits consideration by the state Senate. Yingling represents the 62nd District, which contains portions of Gages Lake, Grayslake, Hainesville, the Round Lake communities, Wauconda and Wildwood.
###
