IL SR2457

Heroin-related overdose deaths nearly quadrupled between 2002 and 2013, with more than 8,200 deaths in 2013 alone.

Illinois overdose deaths increased 8.3% from 2013 to 2014 (1,570 to 1,705), with roughly 42% (711) being heroin-related; 761 heroin overdose deaths occurred in 2015.

Safe Passages Initiatives allow individuals with heroin and prescription opioid addiction to surrender drugs to police or sheriff departments without facing prosecution.

Individuals using Safe Passages are placed directly into treatment programs organized by police departments and community volunteers instead of entering the criminal justice system.

Senate resolution supports Safe Passages Initiatives and encourages all Illinois police departments to research and implement the program in their respective cities and counties.