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NewsChicago Sun-Times — IllinoisJune 29, 2026United States

Opioid Overdose Deaths Decline in Illinois and Chicago

New data shows a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths across Illinois and Cook County between 2023 and 2024. Experts attribute this trend to increased access to harm reduction tools like Narcan, better data-driven resource allocation, and a shift toward comprehensive treatment approaches.

opioid crisispublic healthsubstance abusefentanylharm reductionmortality statistics
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-Times — Illinois

Why It Matters

The decline in overdose deaths suggests that current public health strategies are effective, but local officials warn that sustaining these results depends on securing new funding as federal COVID-19 relief money expires in September.

Key Facts

  • Opioid overdose deaths in Illinois decreased by 36% from 2023 to 2024.
  • Deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl decreased by 38% in Illinois.
  • Opioid-related deaths in Cook County and Chicago dropped by 37% from 2023 to 2024.
  • Suicide rates in Illinois dropped by 9%, while alcohol-induced deaths increased by 3%.
  • Overall deaths tied to alcohol, drugs, and suicide in Illinois fell by 18%.
  • Nearly 92% of opioid overdose deaths in Chicago involved fentanyl.
  • In Chicago, the 55-64 age group accounted for the majority of opioid-involved deaths in 2024.
  • In suburban Cook County, the 35-44 age group accounted for the largest share of opioid-related deaths.
  • Federal COVID-19 relief funds used for local substance abuse programs expire in September.
  • Illinois is expected to receive at least $1.6 billion from multi-state pharmaceutical settlements.
  • Narcan was approved by the FDA for non-prescription use in 2023.

Who's Mentioned

personRaymond Law“Recovery specialist and long-term survivor of heroin addiction.”personAnn Brekke“Representative from Thresholds recovery services.”personDr. Rachel Rubin“Senior medical officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health.”personJeremy Klemanski“President and CEO of the Gateway Foundation.”organizationGateway Foundation“Provider of residential treatment and mental health counseling.”organizationCook County Department of Public Health“Source of local mortality data and public health initiatives.”personDr. J. Nadine Gracia“President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health.”organizationTrust for America’s Health“Nonprofit that published the 'Pain in the Nation' report.”