Governor JB Pritzker yesterday proclaimed August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day and September as National Recovery Month in Illinois.
The observances are aimed at remembering those lost to drug overdoses, promoting prevention efforts and recognizing people recovering from substance use and mental health challenges.
The Illinois Department of Human Services says progress is being made in reducing overdose deaths. During the past fiscal year, organizations participating in the state’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program trained more than 43,000 people to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses.
Those organizations also distributed more than 442,000 naloxone kits and reported at least 4,527 overdose reversals.
Illinois’ behavioral health resources include the Illinois Helpline, which handled more than 22,000 calls during the past fiscal year, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which answered more than 186,000 calls statewide.
Throughout September, IDHS and community organizations will hold events promoting treatment and recovery while working to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
Those needing assistance with substance use can contact the Illinois Helpline at 1-833-234-6343, while anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988.