THE GOVERNOR’S NEW OPIOID PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION TASK FORCE HAS KICKED OFF A STATEWIDE LISTENING TOUR.

THE FIRST MEETING WAS HELD IN CHICAGO...AND THE GROUP HEARD FROM THOSE AFFECTED PERSONALLY BY THE HIGHLY ADDICTIVE DRUGS. FIRST UP WAS AMY MCCORMICK, WHOSE SON OWEN BECAME ADDICTED AFTER AN OUT-PATIENT HAND SURGERY.

"The use of Narcan has become critical, not only for emergency respondedrs but also those at home, says McCormick. "Physical and mental abuse is out of control."

NARCAN IS AN ANTIDOTE FOR OPIOID OVERDOSES. OPIOID RELATED DEATHS ARE DRAMATICALLY INCREASING IN ILLINOIS. THE TASK FORCE IS WORKING TO REDUCE THOSE NUMBERS.

Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti says the numbers keep growing and it's destroying our families. "We can't just sit back and allow this to happen."

THE GOVERNOR’S NEW OPIOID PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION TASK FORCE IS KICKING OFF A STATEWIDE LISTENING TOUR. THE GROUP IS HEARING FROM FAMILIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND MORE. DURING THE FIRST HEARING IN CHICAGO, DENNIS PAGACH, AN ADDICT WHO HAS BEEN CLEAN FOR MORE THAN A MONTH NOW STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS.

94.1 WGFA