As advocates for change we know that drug policy has dictated the way Americans view substance
use disorder and mental health. We believe that the approaches of yesteryear have failed, creating mass stigma and harsh measures to dealing with drug users. These strategies have created a lack of emphasis on treatment, safety and compassion. Our aim of promoting drug use as a public health issue instead of a criminal justice issue is a core focus of our work. We are proud to have supported and advocated for state and federal legislation related to issues such as:
- 911 Good Samaritan Overdose Protections
- Naloxone Access and Distribution
- Treatment Access, Availability and Quality of Care
- Substance Use Prevention & Education
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Addiction and Recovery Services
- Harm Reduction and Public Health
For advocacy updates and bill proposals, see the Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition (IHRRC)
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- Executive Director, Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, MSSA, Lake Villa Police Chief, Craig Somerville, and IL State Senator Melinda Bush provided testimony on Lali’s Law to the Senate Mental Health Committee in Springfield, IL. Lali’s Law eventually became a part of Heroin Crisis Act, which initiated pharmacist-prescribed naloxone. Pharmacists can now train and distribute naloxone at pharmacies across Illinois.
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- Congressman Bob Dold, and cofounders, Jody Daitchman and Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, MSSA, in Washington DC the day of the House vote for Lali’s Law (it passed 414 to 5). It is hopeful to become a part of the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA).
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- Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, MSSA, Kathie Kane-Willis, Laura Fry, Alisha Gilani, Tess Benham, Felicia Miceli and Benjamin Waite prepare to lobby in Springfield to override Governor Rauner’s veto of Heroin Crisis Act. We won!