Iroquois County officials agree 'heroin is a problem'

He's a relatively new, young state lawmaker, but Representative John Anthony is hoping his law enforcement background will help in a bi-partisan effort to combat a growing heroin and prescription drug abuse problem.

Task Forces are being assembled around the state to gather testimony from people who matter – to find solutions to a big-time crisis.

Anthony is a Grundy County Republican from Morris. He says this proposal can bring results by having both parties work together...

Task Force testimony will bring doctors, pharmacists, public health officials, treatment centers and even judicial people and coroners to the table.

Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum is aware of the red flags.
"Iroquois County had six heroin overdoses in 2014. That's a lot considering how little population we have," Cheatum tells 94.1 WGFA News. "The problem is trying to get involved to say where it's coming from."

Cheatum and police investigators, like medical people, know all too well heroin is a high that takes control of people. And death investigations from overdoses is reason enuough to show the concern is real.

Iroquois County State's Attorney Jim Devine and judges see cases find their way into the courtrooms. Devine said it's not an easy issue to address; there's no easy answer.

Heroin is a much cheaper drug than it used to be; and it's so addictive. He agrees with everything said by the professionals. DUI cases so often are heroin-related and it spreads to family matters like raising kids and it involves theft because individuals need their fix...so they'll do anything to get it.

94.1 WGFA