Pilot Overdose Prevention Sites in Illinois & Save Lives

Overdose Prevention Advocate

Thanks to advocates statewide, Illinois has embraced harm reduction, creating and expanding a network of harm reduction and recovery support agencies statewide. The reality is that overdose deaths in Illinois will continue to rise unless we implement ALL available strategies that work.

IHRRC has partnered with State Representatives Ford and Cassidy and Senators Feigenholtz and Peters on House Bill 110, which would allow the IDHS to set up overdose prevention sites (OPS'), hygienic locations where people can use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained staff, including medical professionals, peer support specialists, and clinicians. Participants can test their drugs for traces of fentanyl. If an individual overdoses, a staff member will act quickly to reverse their overdose and connect them to treatment, housing, job training, and other essential services.
Without a pulse, recovery is not possible!

Peer-reviewed data gleaned from the 100+ overdose prevention sites in 11 countries - including New York City - report that OPS programs:

✓ Prevent overdose deaths
✓ Facilitate entry into medical and mental health treatment
✓ Reduce the spread of infectious diseases
✓ Reduce public drug use and crime
✓ Lead to safer disposal of drug litter

The State of Illinois must approach substance use as a public health issue and take steps to save as many lives as possible. It's time to pass House Bill 110!

To learn more about OPS and HB110, check out our links below.

Fentanyl deaths will continue to increase if the state does not double down on its promises to Illinoisans by implementing strategies that work and new strategies that have been successful in other major US cities and over 100 cities nationwide.

To: Overdose Prevention Advocate
From: [Your Name]

People do not have to die from overdoses. With fentanyl deaths rising at alarming rates, we know no corner of this state is unaffected by substance use and overdose. Maybe it has directly impacted you and your family as it has mine.

When my brother, Alex, died from an accidental overdose in 2008, mentioning addiction, drug overdose, or even the word heroin was loaded with an abundance of shame and stigma. Over time, through grassroots organizing, statewide advocacy campaigns, and necessary policy changes, Illinois has stepped up to the challenge of implementing essential solutions that save lives.

But, here’s the unfortunate reality, as much as we have done, we have much to do. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that in 2021, 3,013 Illinoisans died from an overdose. The CDC recently said that between January 2021 and January 2022, 4,061 Illinoisans died. These are not just numbers - they're our neighbors, friends, siblings, spouses, parents, and children. They deserved another chance at life.

Overdose prevention sites would save lives and money and create safer communities. People do not have to die from entirely preventable and reversible overdoses.

Please sign our petition and help us pilot overdose prevention sites in Chicago. We don't have a moment to lose and many lives to save.

In solidarity,

Chelsea Laliberte Barnes
Co-Chair, Illinois Harm Reduction & Recovery Coalition
IllinoisHarmReduction.org