U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

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U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) spoke on the House floor last night about the price of addiction and how it is impacting communities throughout Central and Southwestern Illinois. This week the House will vote on several bills to prevent and treat opioid addiction.

In 2014, there were more than 1,700 drug overdose deaths in Illinois – the 8th highest in the nation. Many of these deaths occur in and around Chicago but communities in the 13th District have seen a significant increase in opioid possession arrests and overdose deaths. Earlier this week, Davis accompanied McLean County’s K-9 Unit on a ride along to discuss the increase in opioid overdose deaths and 70 percent increase in controlled substance arrests.

How this epidemic is impacting Central and Southwestern Illinois communities:

‘“We were dealing with heroin and methamphetamine 10 years ago,” said DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner. “It seems like it started to subside a little bit, but now, it’s back.”’ – Herald & Review, Feb. 28, 2016

“Madison and St. Clair County residents are buying opioid prescriptions at a rate that soars above the national average, according to new data from federal agencies.” – Belleville News-Democrat, April 26, 2016

‘"Forty-six percent of the patients in our medically monitored detoxification program and in our residential program are addicted to heroin," Joan Hartman, central region manager for Bloomington-based Chestnut Health Systems, said. "Five years ago, it was 18 percent."’ – Bloomington Pantagraph, Feb. 26, 2016

“Data from Sangamon County Coroner Cinda Edwards showed a total of 18 deaths from prescription drug overdoses in the county in 2012, 11 in 2012, 14 in 2014 and 20 in 2015.” – Springfield Journal-Register, April 26, 2016