Sen. Durbin visits Lake County to learn how officials are fighting drug abuse
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin met with police, judges, prosecutors and others involved in Lake County's justice system Tuesday to learn what's being done locally to combat drug abuse and reduce criminal recidivism.
The nearly hourlong discussion at the Lake County courthouse in Waukegan focused on efforts to find alternatives to long and overly harsh prison sentences for drug addicts, especially in light of the opioid epidemic ravaging the nation.
"I'm here today to hear what's going on in Lake County," Durbin told the group.
They told Durbin about A Way Out, the fairly new countywide program that encourages addicts to come to police departments if they're ready for treatment.
They also told him about drug treatment options available through the behavioral health agency Nicasa, court programs specifically designed for veterans and people with mental illness and other nontraditional justice programs.
"The traditional ways of conducting business are no longer working," Undersheriff Raymond J. Rose told Durbin.
Among the speakers were two recovering drug addicts who found help through Lake County programs after running afoul of the law.
Durbin called the stories he heard "nothing short of amazing."