Politics & Government
Yingling Urges Action on Heroin Crisis Bill
state Rep. Sam Yingling calls on the legislature to act immediately on passage of anti Heroin bill
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May 20, 2015 State Rep. Sam Yingling
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Grayslake, Ill – With reports of Heroin use on the rise across Lake County, state Rep. Sam Yingling (D – Grayslake) is calling on the legislature to act immediately on a measure aimed at curbing heroin usage and reducing fatal over doses.
“Heroin abuse is a very frightening, real problem that plagues our communities, and it remains abundantly clear that despite lawmakers best efforts, there needs to be a new approach to addressing and solving the problem of drug use,” Yingling said. “We need to act immediately and pass the Heroin Crisis Act so more young adults and their families aren’t wrecked by this horrible drug.”
Yingling is a chief sponsor of House Bill 1, which remains in a House committee. The measure creates the Heroin Crisis Act, and it would implement a system for greater communication and information sharing between hospitals, other medical professionals and public safety personnel. The measure would 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 prosecutors discretion to defer convictions allowing for more victims of heroin addiction to receive drug treatment. The legislation would also expand the criteria for who is authorized to administer the lifesaving Narcan drug.
“Our law enforcement and public safety officials are on the front lines fighting this heroin epidemic and their recent heroics saving young adults from overdosing must not go unnoticed,” Yingling said. “We must continue to give them all the tools and information they need to combat this widespread problem, and I urge the legislature to take immediate action.”
Yingling represents the 62nd District, which contains portions of Gages Lake, Grayslake, Hainesville, the Round Lake communities, Wauconda and Wildwood.
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