2019 Opioid Session

Health Department Hosts Opioid Listening Session with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

On May 30, the DuPage County Health Department hosted an Opioid Listening Session featuring Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D - IL 8th). This is the second year the Congressman has come to hear concerns around the opioid epidemic from DuPage County residents.


In his opening statement, Krishnamoorthi told the capacity audience that addressing the opioid epidemic is a bipartisan effort in Washington. He also noted that despite efforts all over the country, the severity of the epidemic has not lessened.

There is a critical shortage of beds for Substance Use Disorder treatment and treatment is expensive. The Congressman cited a pilot program Elk Grove Village is trying – paying for treatment, believing that over the long run that will prove less costly for the village.

Audience concerns included availability of alternative pain treatments, care for chronic pain patients, the high price of medical marijuana, and HIV and Hepatitis preventive care for current addicts.