I need to categorical my gratitude to the Chicago Solar-Occasions for highlighting the current surge in opioid overdoses throughout the current warmth wave that affected our metropolis. As reported, there have been 60 opioid overdoses recorded over a single weekend, which serves as a stark reminder of the continued public well being disaster we face, significantly on the West Facet of Chicago.
This alarming enhance emphasizes the pressing want for complete help in our communities. I strongly urge our leaders in Springfield to move laws that can improve entry to well being care companies, together with preventive measures designed to avoid wasting lives. A well being care initiative targeted particularly on overdose prevention is important to addressing this epidemic.
Each particular person battling substance use deserves compassionate care and the chance for restoration. We should spend money on native well being initiatives that present training, assets and entry to life-saving drugs like naloxone. With the appropriate instruments and help, we will make a major distinction in stopping deadly overdoses and fostering a more healthy neighborhood.
Dependable native reporting, equivalent to that offered by the Solar-Occasions, is important in holding our communities knowledgeable about these urgent points. Your dedication to reliable journalism permits us to advocate successfully for these in want.
Allow us to come collectively as a metropolis and state to confront this disaster head-on, making certain that everybody has entry to the very best hurt discount care and help crucial to beat their challenges.
State Rep. La Shawn Ok. Ford, D-Chicago
Authorities must do extra to advertise a clear atmosphere
Just lately, we’ve examine devastation from wildfires and powerful storms. Local weather scientists say we are going to see extra on account of local weather change.
To scale back air air pollution that causes local weather change, we should scale back carbon dioxide emissions. Sen. Lindsey Graham mentioned, “CO2 emissions generated by man is creating our greenhouse fuel impact that traps warmth, and the planet is warming.”
Our authorities must do far more to advertise clear vitality, equivalent to wind, photo voltaic and geothermal, and scale back our dependence on fossil fuels. This consists of sustaining tax credit for clear vitality — not decreasing them.
I encourage readers to e mail their representatives in Congress. Becoming a member of Residents’ Local weather Foyer and comparable teams is one other nice solution to struggle local weather change.
Make Earth nice once more. There is no such thing as a Planet B.
When our grandchildren ask what we did about local weather change, let’s have a solution.
Gary Leap, South Bend, Indiana
