As a follow up from her press conference last November, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) held a meeting, Friday, February 24th to discuss the next steps in fighting the heroin epidemic plaguing Illinois.

She invited legislators, organizations and individuals around the state who have been instrumental in the fight.

Before joining the legislature in 2003, Sen. Hunter worked as a certified drug and alcohol counselor and prevention specialist.

She has championed this issue while working to bring healing and peace to families and their loved ones struggling with drug addiction.

Drug overdose death rates have risen significantly over the last few years.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids are the main driver of drug overdose deaths. Opioids were involved in more than 33,000 deaths nationwide in 2015.

Illinois saw a significant increase in death rates from just 2014-2015 at 7.6 percent.

The group will continue the conversation with the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council, meeting again March 8, 2017.