Title
Resolution providing for the support of efforts to train and equip first responders with Naloxone.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the use of heroin and the abuse of prescription opiates is an epidemic among young people throughout Lake County, Illinois and the United States; and
WHEREAS, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office, heroin and opiate overdoses are rising in frequency, many of which result in death, including 38 heroin overdose deaths in 2014 and 26 heroin overdose deaths in 2013, with a 45% increase in heroin related overdose deaths between 2008 and 2012 in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board is actively involved with the Lake County Opioid Initiative - a countywide collaborative effort made up of government, first responders, treatment providers, the faith community, the medical and pharmaceutical community, the educational community, as well as people in recovery and other community leaders - to combat this problem; and
WHEREAS, a medication (Naloxone) has been developed to treat opiate overdoses and is being used to save lives in communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Naloxone prevents or reverses the effects of opioids within a few minutes of being administered and can be given as an auto-injection called EVZIO, or as nasal Naloxone; and
WHEREAS, the nasal delivery method for Naloxone has proven to have been effective in that as of today (February 10, 2015), DuPage County law enforcement has saved a total of 32 lives in 2014 and 4 lives in 2015. This method is currently not approved by the FDA, we urge the FDA to approve this safe and effective delivery of Naloxone.
WHEREAS, on December 25, 2014 four Deerfield Police Department officers administered Naloxone and as a result a life was saved; and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2015 the Lake County Sheriff's Office administered Naloxone and another life was saved; and
WHEREAS, the County is working in collaboration with the Lake County Health Department, Sheriff's Office and other public safety agencies to equip and train first responders; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board approved funds in the FY2015 budget to support a part-time position in the Lake County Health Department to help manage the Naloxone program; and
WHEREAS, over 3,000 police officers in 42 communities across Lake County are being equipped and trained with Naloxone.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Board of Lake County, Illinois applauds the ongoing collaboration of federal and state lawmakers, county and municipal leaders and all levels of law enforcement that is critically necessary in order to effectively combat the heroin and opioid epidemic that is sweeping Illinois and the nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the County Board of Lake County, Illinois encourages other Illinois communities to join Lake County in efforts to train and equip first responders with Naloxone as soon as possible in order for them to save individuals at risk of opiate overdose.
DATED, in Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois on February 10, 2015.