IL HR0824

Urges all Illinois schools to educate youth about the dangers of heroin use and the rising numbers of accidental deaths from heroin overdoses.

Expresses that comprehensive drug education programs, including the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, are valuable tools for presenting facts about heroin dangers to Illinois youth.

Encourages schools to promote awareness on Illinois Heroin Abuse Awareness Day on November 4, 2014.

Cites statistics showing heroin use increased 53.5% from 2002 to 2011, with 105 daily deaths from drug overdoses nationally and over 100 deaths in the Chicago Metropolitan Area among individuals under age 35 in 2008.

Notes that the Chicago metropolitan area ranks among the worst nationally for heroin-related problems, with significant increases in heroin-related deaths in Illinois collar counties.