Sangamon Sun

The number of fatal opioid-related overdoses in Illinois remains high, with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl being a major cause. Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows there were 3,261 fatal opioid-related overdoses in 2022 and 2,855 in 2023. Since 2013, deaths linked to synthetic opioids have increased by over 3,300%.

In response to this crisis, State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) hosted a town hall last October in Carol Stream with community leaders and healthcare professionals. The event aimed to address the stigma around addiction and provide resources for those affected.

“Opioid addiction continues to impact our community, but together we can ensure we are able to help more families and individuals get the support they need,” said Rep. Sanalitro.

Legislative efforts have also focused on harm reduction. In 2024, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) led legislation that was enacted as P.A. 103-0980. This law allows the Illinois Department of Human Services to distribute fentanyl test strips at no cost to promote harm reduction and prevent overdoses. These strips can detect fentanyl in various substances, which is important because fentanyl is often hard to identify visually.

State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), who co-sponsored the law, said, “The opioid crisis in Illinois continues to devastate families in every community regardless of race or income. We have made meaningful progress in mitigating this crisis, but the surge of fentanyl overdoses remains a persistent challenge and has victimized many people who are unaware they are exposed to deadly toxins. The new law addresses one more factor associated with the rise in opioid-related deaths in our state and prevents fatal outcomes for unsuspecting people. Fentanyl test strips are a life-saving resource and should be accessible to everyone.” Keicher has served as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 70th House District since his election in 2018, succeeding Robert W. Pritchard.

Further legislative action includes House Bill 1478 introduced by Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). The bill would make it a Class X felony—with prison terms between six and thirty years—for knowingly or recklessly endangering children under eighteen by exposing them to fentanyl.

Co-sponsor Rep. Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen) stated, “There is no higher priority for any adult, whether or not you are a parent or a public official, than protecting children from harm. Anyone who allows a child to be exposed to fentanyl should face severe consequences as policymakers and public health officials work with law enforcement to improve public education about the prevalence of fentanyl and work to mitigate risks.”

Leader McCombie also introduced House Bill 2804 that would classify selling or dispensing any scheduled drug containing detectable amounts of fentanyl as a Class X felony.

The state has promoted awareness about naloxone—a nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses—and its availability over-the-counter. Rep. Bill Hauter demonstrated its use during a session on the House floor by having Rep. Amy Grant administer it.

More information about treatment options is available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.