SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - For the last five years, Sangamon County has continued to see an increase in accidental overdose deaths.
In 2019, 38 people died from accidental overdoses. By 2024, that number rose to 90.Â
"These deaths, in my opinion, are preventable," said Jim Allmon, the Sangamon County Coroner. "Every single one of these numbers is a person, and this person has a family. And that family is extremely distraught every time we talk about these results that come in."
Allmon says it's not just Sangamon County that's seeing this trend. Many coroners he talks with across the state are continuing to see this issue.Â
However, 2025 could be the year the numbers start to decrease, but that's not certain. So far this year, there have been 74 confirmed accidental overdoses, with nine cases pending. That gives a potential total of 83 deaths, with three weeks still left in the year. This already surpasses 2023's number of 82 deaths.Â
"I'll continue to scream from the rooftops that there is a problem and that we're really getting hit hard here in Sangamon County with it," Allmon said. "Narcan saves lives, and we know that ... But the bottom line is, our numbers are still going up every year."
Allmon said the stigma surrounding drug use makes it difficult for people to seek help. All it takes is one bad batch to unintentionally end a life.Â
The Illinois Substance Abuse Hotline number is 833-234-6343. You can also text "HELP" to 833234. Its website will also assist you in getting help for others. There are many organizations in Central Illinois dedicated to helping with substance use issues.Â
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