SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed a plan Wednesday to provide naloxone to people leaving jail and prison if they were incarcerated for drug-related charges or have a substance use disorder.

Sponsors said programs in correctional facilities that provide medications for opioid use disorders reduce the risk of fatal overdose by 80%.

Related Links

Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) said Illinois should provide adequate recovery services for people after they are released from jail or prison. He noted that studies have shown overdose is the leading cause of death for people recently released.

"Opioid education and naloxone distribution programs increase the participant's knowledge about the signs of overdose, how to respond to overdose and their confidence and willingness to respond to an overdose," Slaughter said.

Narcan

The Democrat noted that Illinois can pay for this program by using funds from national opioid settlements and federal grants.

House Bill 5527 passed out of the House on a 92-17 vote. The proposal now moves to the Senate for further consideration. 

Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.