SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Governor J.B. Prizker announced that Illinois recorded an 8.3% drop in 2023 drug overdose deaths.
This exceeds the nationwide decline of 4%. Opioid overdose deaths declined 9.7% in the state compared to 3% nationally. The data shows 3,502 overdose deaths in Illinois in 2023, which is 317 fewer deaths than last year. This new data comes from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which unveiled an expanded Overdose Data Dashboard.
“My administration has worked closely with community providers, experts in the field, and people in recovery to produce a comprehensive statewide overdose response plan anchored in equity—and today’s announcement reflects those efforts,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. “From expanding overdose education and Naloxone distribution services to increasing access to recovery homes, we are seeing how our targeted investments are making a difference and saving lives.”
“I am encouraged by the reduction in overdose deaths here in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This decrease is a testament to the leadership of Governor Pritzker and the joint and sustained effort from our communities, advocates, and family members to address this public health crisis. However, much more work needs to be done. Mental health and substance use disorder is a priority of our Healthy Illinois 2028 State Health Improvement Plan, and IDPH is proud to display our new upgraded overdose data dashboard as an effort to bring more information to the public and engage in deeper partnerships for impact. Our goal remains implementing evidence-based solutions to further decrease overdose deaths here in Illinois.”
Deaths involving heroin and natural and semisynthetic opioids decreased by 21.2% and 17.4%, respectively in 2023. Officials say that the decline could be attributed to community outreach through harm reduction organizations and drug overdose prevention programs; the availability of fentanyl test strips and other drug checking technologies; updates to the statewide standing order for opioid reversal agents; and improved access to treatment and medication-assisted recovery.
If you or someone you know has an opioid use disorder, there is help, including treatment, available immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the Medication Assisted Recovery Now (MAR NOW) service, a care manager can help callers determine the best treatment options and connect them to a provider for an immediate telephone appointment and medication prescription. Care managers can also facilitate a same- or next-day, in-person appointment. Callers are connected to ongoing treatment with a community provider that best meets their needs. To connect with a MAR NOW care manager, visit the Illinois Helpline online at https://helplineil.org, call 833-234-6343, or text “HELP” to 833234.