Rock Island Today

State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) is hosting a community opioid seminar on Sept. 4 for East Moline to highlight the effects of the opioid epidemic on the state.

“Opioid overdoses are a serious problem and they touch all areas of the state and all kinds of neighborhoods and schools,” Anderson said in a statement. “Opioid overdoses have killed about 11,000 people since 2008 in Illinois.”

More than 1,800 people died of overdoses in 2016. That is twice the amount that died in fatal car accidents. Eighty percent of drug overdose deaths were caused by opioids that same year, Anderson said. 

Gregg Johnson

“These statistics are shocking,” he said. “If you have children or are around young people or work with students, I highly encourage you to come. What you learn here could help save someone’s life.” 

Representatives from the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Moline Fire Department, the Moline Police Department and Trinity UnityPoint Health will also be in attendance. 

Speakers plan to teach the crowd about different ways to combat the crisis.  They also plan to address the warning signs of abuse and ways people can help.

Parents, teachers, students and anyone else who’s interested in the matter are encouraged to attend. 

The seminar is free. The event starts at 6 p.m. at United Township High School in East Moline.

Anderson, a firefighter and paramedic, has represented the 36th Senate District since 2015. It includes parts of Rock Island, Whiteside, Carroll, and Henry counties. 

He is challenged by Democratic candidate Gregg Johnson in November's general election.