Report says opioid overdose deaths are falling in Cook County, but experts are cautious
In a major turnaround in the opioid crisis, overdose deaths are falling across Chicago and Cook County.
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In a major turnaround in the opioid crisis, overdose deaths are falling across Chicago and Cook County.
Dr. Jenny Hua joined CBS News Chicago to discuss the new training.
This study could predict national trends in life expectancy, researchers say.
March 6 is Black Balloon Day, in memory of those lives lost. But there are some encouraging new numbers on fighting the opioid epidemic in Illinois.
Family members who fight for their loved ones' memories in Chicago Heights said they are encouraged by the progress they are seeing.
Keisha House said people trust their hairdressers and barbers, and great communication takes place while in those chairs.
This comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an overall decrease in opioid overdose deaths across the country for the first time since 2019.
So far, 90% of the opioid deaths in 2023 have involved fentanyl, a painkiller 50 times more powerful than heroin.
"Anything that is life-saving should be accessible to everybody."
Sheriff Tom Dart is joining Cermak Health and the South Side Heroin Opioid Task Force to highlight how naloxone can help people who overdose on opioids.
"There's been times that it's been real close. One of which, I think you're all aware of, was covered by CBS 2 News."
With so many Americans addicted to opioids, Narcan is no match for the epidemic that is hitting a grim new milestone around Chicago.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed 2,000 people died of opioid overdoses last year.
The mobile unit will distribute first aid kits and Narcan, the FDA-approved medication to reverse opioid overdose.
It's a way the CTA said it can help with the opioid crisis. Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose very quickly. The box will likely be similar to one in Rockford where instructions are inside the box.
Training on how to use Narcan spray in an overdose emergency will also be provided.
In the 12-month period ending in Oct. 2022, the United States recorded 101,750 overdose deaths, primarily from opioids.
In a major milestone in the opioid epidemic, the FDA approved the overdose reversal drug Narcan for sale over-the-counter sales. The drug can be administered through a nasal spray when someone is overdosing. It's becoming increasingly available. But the number of overdoses in Illinois show no sign of slowing down and this most recent move is being met with skepticism.
Cook County is on track to break a record that no one wanted – 2022 will likely be the worst year on record for opioid overdose deaths.
"The Narcan is available in little plastic boxes on the wall, kind of right in the lobby area of each of these places. There's a lot of Narcan, and now you can take as much as you want to. You can take you can empty out the box if you want all of them."
