Mundelein police chief honored for opioid program

State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) presented Mundelein Chief of Police Eric Guenther with a resolution from the Illinois House of Representatives honoring him for receiving the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, the American Medical Association's top government service award.

"Chief Guenther and I share the same sentiment that substance abuse is not a criminal justice issue, but rather a public health issue," Edly-Allen said.

"Throughout history, we have seen policy failures when battling substance abuse, and it is imperative we learn from those failures and create effective ways to combat the opioid crisis. Chief Guenther's efforts on 'A Way Out' is the purposeful leadership needed to implement innovative solutions."

"When confronted with an opioid epidemic that has overwhelmed police departments and first responders across the country, Chief Gunther found an innovative solution that is working for his community and giving people with substance use disorder a chance at recovery," said AMA Board Chair Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D.

"A Way Out" allows those struggling from substance abuse to seek rehabilitation through law enforcement rather than face arrest.