[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 75 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H2295-H2296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THE FACES OF OPIOID ABUSE DEMAND A SOLUTION
(Mr. HULTGREN asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, in 2014, our community leaders,
families, and victims alike came together to fight the growing epidemic
of heroin and opioid abuse in northern Illinois. Together we launched a
district-wide action plan. Today we can celebrate many successes as its
recommendations have been implemented.
This year DuPage County celebrated 100 lives saved by first
responders using Narcan. Lake County officers counted 65 rescues, and
there are many more
[[Page H2296]]
throughout the Chicago suburbs. Tragically, relapses and overdoses
still claim lives.
I have met families and parents who know this too well. Tim Ryan grew
up in my district in Crystal Lake and overcame his own heroin habit
only to see his own 20-year-old son die of an overdose.
Today, this afternoon, tonight, young people are still using heroin.
Prescription drugs are still being abused in our communities. Our fight
is far from over. We must continue to work through meaningful community
and State partnerships.
Connecting affected individuals and organizations with each other is
paramount to our future success. The faces and the stories of heroin
are real. They demand and deserve hope and solutions.
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