DeKalb Times

The Illinois Department of Public Health has seen an increase in overdose deaths, including those caused by fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is some awful stuff and it’s turning up all over,” Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) wrote on Facebook. “We lose people every year who unknowingly consumed a dangerous dose, like my cousin in 2016. I’ve worked with my peer, Rep. (La Shawn) Ford (D-Chicago) on a few measures we hope will work to save lives.”

The Gateway Foundation reported people gain access to fentanyl through prescription, or it's bought mixed with other drugs on the street.

WBEZ reported on May 31 that Cook County had a record number of fatal overdoses in 2021, mostly affecting middle-aged Black men, according to an analysis of medical examiners' records.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported most overdose cases are from illegally made fentanyl.

“Fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine are extremely potent drugs that have wreaked havoc in too many of our communities,” said John Lausch, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, in a release. “We will continue to focus our efforts on individuals and groups who traffic dangerous drugs and prosecute those offenders in federal court.”

In December 2021, The University of Illinois Chicago shared a Chicago Tribune story about the city handing out testing strips for individuals who have concerns about the purity of their drugs.

The report noted: “The free kits include the strips, ketchup cups, a stirrer and sterile water, along with instructions and information on how to seek treatment. Interested people can email OSU.CDPH@cityofchicago.org to request them for pickup or mail delivery.”

The Associated Press reported Michael Piazza from Des Plaines was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment after his child died through fentanyl poisoning.

In April 2022, House Bill 4556 was passed that would expand access for pharmacists and other health care professionals to distribute fentanyl testing strips to help reduce opioid overdoses. Gov. Pritzker signed the bill into law on June 2.