SPRINGFIELD – As the number of overdoses continues to rise in Illinois and people fall victim to fentanyl-laced drugs, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to mitigate this critical issue with legislation that allows for free distribution of fentanyl test strips to the public.

“Fentanyl overdoses and fentanyl-laced drugs have been a longstanding issue across Illinois residents and families,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation will help organizations make life-saving fentanyl testing available to all residents so they can avoid accidentally consuming fentanyl-laced substances.”

Currently, non-medical persons are authorized to administer naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose under the Drug Overdose Prevention Program established by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Previous legislation permits pharmacists and retailers to sell fentanyl test strips over-the-counter and county health departments are able to distribute test strips to the public for no fee. Additionally, pharmacists, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants or their designee may distribute drug adulterant testing supplies to any person without being prosecuted.

SPRINGFIELD – At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, every state-required health course will provide mandatory fentanyl education to high school students, thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Laura Ellman that took effect Jan. 1.

“In order to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on all fronts, we need to educate our most vulnerable populations, which includes young people,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The age of fentanyl exposure is younger than we think, and I am pleased this law implements such indispensable education for students.”

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, high school students will be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“In order to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on all fronts we need to educate our most vulnerable populations, which includes young people,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The age of fentanyl exposure is younger than we think. Educating high school students on the dangers of fentanyl in their health classes is the next step in ending the opioid epidemic.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

SPRINGFIELD – High school students could soon be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Increasing awareness through education is an effective way to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Educating high school students, hopefully before they are exposed to fentanyl, could mean all the difference between a dependency on addictive opioids and connection to a non-addictive medication.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to provide classroom instruction on food and environmental allergies and allergic reactions sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“Most people can relate to suffering from seasonal allergies, but we also have to consider folks that suffer from food allergies,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Severe allergic reactions are life-threatening situations that can happen anywhere to both students and teachers.”

According to the CDC, one in thirteen children experience food and environmental allergies, which equates to nearly two students per classroom. Strict avoidance of the allergen is necessary, as there is no known cure for food allergies. Avoidance is not always possible, so the CDC urges education centers to develop proactive plans for responding to unprompted allergy emergencies.

SPRINGFIELD – High school students may soon be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated our communities, leaving behind a trail of chaos,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The efforts to make our communities safer started with the circulation of naloxone and other lifesaving medications. Now we must expand our efforts to education.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, opioid overdoses in Illinois increased 33% between 2019 and 2020. The total opioid deaths in the state in 2020 was 2,944. According to the CDC, opioid use and fatalities among minors aged 14-18 increased 109% between 2020 and 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – Veteran- and minority-owned business may soon receive preference in the sale of transferable property thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Oftentimes, former state property can become vacant eyesores in the community,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Extending a preference to veteran-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses concerning the allocation of state property is a great way to lift up those who have previously been left behind.”

Currently, when an administrator determines that property owned by the state will be sold, they must first offer it to municipalities, counties and school districts and to charitable, not-for-profit educational and public health organizations. Ellman’s measure would add veteran-and minority-owned businesses to the list of entities that receive preferential status.

New legislation creates mobile app warning of road conditions

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman that would require the Department of Transportation to develop a mobile application to provide motorists with updates on road conditions passed committee Tuesday.

“Drivers rely on information on road conditions to make it to their destinations safely,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The Illinois Department of Transportation has valuable information that can help keep Illinois drivers safe.”

Senate Bill 1526 stipulates the mobile application must include updates on accidents, construction zones, lane closures and delays, weather conditions, and other various road conditions throughout Illinois. The measure is similar to an initiative of the Indiana Department of Transportation, who have already implemented a mobile application.