Prairie State Wire

The Pritzker administration has reported a significant decline in drug overdose deaths in Illinois for 2023, with an 8.3% decrease surpassing the national average reduction of 4%. Opioid-related fatalities saw a notable decrease of 9.7% within the state, compared to a national decline of 3%. According to the newly released data, Illinois reported 3,502 overdose deaths from all drug causes in 2023, a reduction of 317 cases from the previous year.

Coinciding with these findings, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) unveiled an enhanced Overdose Data Dashboard designed to provide easier access to data for researchers and the public. Governor JB Pritzker also proposed a plan, pending review by the General Assembly, to consolidate mental health and substance use services into a single Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery within the state's Department of Human Services (IDHS).

Governor Pritzker stated, “My administration has worked closely with community providers, experts in the field, and people in recovery to produce a comprehensive statewide overdose response plan anchored in equity—and today’s announcement reflects those efforts.” He noted various efforts including increased distribution of Naloxone and improved access to recovery homes contributing to the reduction.

The decline in overdose deaths is the first since 2018, with opioids accounting for 2,855 fatalities, down by 305 from 2022, marking a decline of 9.7%. Overdose deaths in Illinois had increased by 5.1% from 2021, with opioid-related deaths rising by 8.2% in the same period. Synthetic opioid deaths, which include substances like fentanyl, reduced by 9.5% in 2023 compared to the previous year. There were significant reductions in deaths linked to heroin and natural and semisynthetic opioids as well, with declines of 21.2% and 17.4% respectively. However, there was a reported 6.4% increase in deaths involving the non-opioid sedative xylazine.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra commented on the progress, “I am encouraged by the reduction in overdose deaths here in Illinois. This decrease is a testament to the leadership of Governor Pritzker and the joint and sustained effort from our communities, advocates, and family members to address this public health crisis." Dr. Vohra highlighted that challenges remain, especially concerning mental health and substance abuse disorders, but emphasized the ongoing efforts to decrease overdose deaths.

IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the effectiveness of providing life-saving resources such as the widespread distribution of Narcan and broader harm reduction initiatives. Secretary Quintero added, “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his support and leadership in addressing the opioid epidemic from many angles, and we look forward to continuing these efforts with our partners at IDPH.”

Efforts contributing to the decline include the distribution of naloxone, community outreach through harm reduction organizations, increased drug checking technology, and better access to medication-assisted recovery. IDHS and IDPH continue to address racial disparities in overdose morbidity, focusing on interventions through specific task forces and funded programs.

Additional initiatives include the IDHS's partnership with the Naloxone Project to increase hospital involvement in naloxone distribution and the Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) in Jails program aimed at populations at high risk of overdose.

The reduction in overdose deaths follows Governor Pritzker's 2022 State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The updated Overdose Data Dashboard now includes a broader range of substance data, aiming to provide greater transparency and accessibility.

IDPH will offer online training sessions on the new dashboard on March 19, 2025. Support for those struggling with opioid use disorder is available around the clock through the Medication Assisted Recovery Now (MAR NOW) service. More information on resources and support can be found on the Illinois Helpline website.

For further details on opioids, the Illinois Department of Public Health provides resources and information online.