With the COVID-19 crisis triggering a rise in substance abuse addiction, veteran Republican state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi is fighting back.
Mazzochi recently took part in an RX Abuse Leadership Initiative of Illinois (RALI) online event aimed at educating the community to the perils of substance abuse.
“Addiction is a very personal issue and it’s also something that really does impacts families and communities,” Mazzochi said during the forum posted to YouTube. “I think that’s why we’re seeing a community response.”
Mazzochi is on record in asserting she thinks the economic shutdown born of the pandemic has had a great impact on the mental health of many. Over the last year, as the virus has lingered, her DuPage County community has experienced an increase in opioid-related deaths.
“We’re trying to make sure that we’re tackling the issue on all sides,” Mazzochi added. “We’re sharing best practices and making people aware to try to bring these cases of addiction down.”
RALI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the warning signs associated with opioid abuse and offering safe options for the disposal of unused prescription drugs. The organization and Mazzochi were joined at the online event by Trinity Services, the Pledge for Life Partnership and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association.
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