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House Bill 2 would allow the Illinois Department of Human Services
to create overdose prevention sites, and would connect drug users
with treatment programs.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, says
fentanyl-laced drugs are killing Illinoisans on a daily basis.
Ford said funds from the opioid settlement with pharmaceutical
companies could be used for the program
“According to the [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention],
more than 10 Illinoisans will die today, and tomorrow and the next
day from an accidental opioid overdose,” Ford said.
The idea is not a new one. Safe injection sites operate in 14
countries, including Canada, France and Germany.
In the U.S., Rhode Island became the first state to authorize the
sites in 2021. The governors of California and Vermont vetoed safe
injection site bills last year.
Opponents worry the sites encourage drug use and that they will lead
to the deterioration of surrounding neighborhoods.
“I really think a lot of people in the communities are going to see
an increase in crime and drug sales,” said state Rep. Terra
Costa-Howard, D-Lombard.
The measure passed out of the House Health and Human Services
Committee and is headed to the House floor.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois
for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio
news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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