SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that raises the age to legally purchase tobacco to 21 takes effect today.

“Throughout this entire process, our number one goal has been to reduce smoking rates in our teenage population,” said Morrison. “Raising the age has been proven to do just that. I am proud Illinois is a leader in protecting teenage health and reducing health care complications and premature death.”

DEERFIELD – Today, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) and leading organizations from across Illinois and Lake County launched a new statewide initiative to address the worsening opioid epidemic.

The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Illinois will focus on improving prevention, treatment and recovery strategies to help save the lives of Illinoisans. The new alliance is made up of more than 20 health care, law enforcement, veteran, community and drug prevention organizations committed to finding solutions to the opioid crisis.

“The opioid epidemic is the greatest public health crisis facing our state, and it is not slowing down,” Morrison said. “Opioid dependence can develop quickly and has devastating effects. A considerate and holistic approach is necessary to help address this crisis, and that is where RALI comes in.”

Join State Senator Julie Morrison for An Evening of Unity, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (9603 Woods Drive, Skokie).

The event will provide an open discussion on the challenges face by immigrant children in the U.S. today and how, together, we can help them.

Interested in attending?

To register, please call the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center at (847) 967-4889 or register online at www.ILHolocaustMuseum.org/Events.

Questions?

Please contact Senator Morrison's office in Deerfield at (847) 945-5200.

Click on the flyer for more information.