We can still build on anti-opioid successes

I was pleased to see the article “Saving Lives,” published on June 8, reporting on the Illinois and nationwide decline in opioid overdose deaths, as well as addressing the increase in non-fatal overdoses and the dangerous adulterants being added to opioids which do not respond to Narcan reversal.

Also importantly reported was that the decline in opioid deaths is disproportionally lower in people of color. Increased effort to reduce this discrepancy is needed.

I applaud organizations like Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition and others reported in the article for their hard work advocating for programs and legislation aimed to further decrease opioid overdose deaths as well as mitigating the downward spiral of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration that many with substance use disorder experience.

Our legislators in Springfield need to pass the Overdose Prevention Site Pilot Program, which will be funded by opioid settlement money and not taxpayer dollars, as well as the Mental Health Parity Act which mandates that health insurance companies cover substance use disorder treatments.

While making significant progress in the management of substance use disorder and the prevention of OD deaths, we must continue to support programs and treatments that will make this event a rare occurrence.

Lori Moss

Gurnee