Opioid Epidemic/Mental Health Facilities
McHenry County has seen a steady increase of opioid addiction and overdoses since the start of the pandemic.
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Our county has been successful in reducing the numbers of overdoses and deaths prior to Covid--19, and is currently continuing to find new ways to reach out to those affected by addiction.
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Funds should continue to be allocated toward drug/alcohol addiction education, counseling, and inpatient and outpatient programs to combat this disease.
Due to reduced or eliminated state funding, most mental health facilities have closed, leaving people homeless and self medicating.
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By funding preventive programs for residents, such as the Drug Court, DUI Court, and the Mental Health Court, McHenry County has been able to help those who have been afflicted with addiction or mental health disease.
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It is widely known that prevention of addiction costs significantly less that care after the fact.
