State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that recognizes the impact of the opioid crisis on children and families across Illinois through the Senate on Friday.

“The opioid crisis has taken thousands of Illinois residents’ lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It’s time we shine a light on the impact it has left on children and families. We need to prioritize support programs that can bring real, valuable solutions to these problems.”

Senate Resolution 36 recognizes the impact of the opioid crisis on the children and families of Illinois and affirms the General Assembly's support for home-visiting and early intervention programs as essential components of the state’s multifaceted approach to combating the opioid crisis.

The Turner-led measure calls on the General Assembly to support early intervention and home-visiting programs with settlement funds from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers. The resolution calls for these programs to be further invested into and expanded.

Opioid addiction can lead to negative outcomes for children such as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and adverse childhood experiences, and can affect families by causing increased maternal mortality.

Senate Resolution 36 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.