Schneider Invites Lake Co. State’s Attorney Nerheim as Guest to State of Union

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) today announced that Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim will be his guest at President Trump's State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Nerheim has been an outspoken leader in his county's efforts to directly tackle the opioid epidemic afflicting our entire nation.

"The opioid epidemic doesn't discriminate based on geography, economics, race, or party affiliation," said Schneider. "Taking on the problem must also cross these dividing lines. Mike has been a leader in Lake County, promoting drug treatment solutions and bringing together law enforcement, medical professionals, community leaders, and elected officials to address the crisis. I'm honored Mike is joining me for the State of the Union Address and hope Congress can learn from Lake County's bipartisan example as we seek solutions to reduce opioid addiction."

"I am grateful to Congressman Schneider for inviting me to be his guest at the State of the Union and proud to work with him in combating the opioid epidemic," said Nerheim. "This problem effects every community in Lake County, and beyond, and as such requires that we all work together to effectively address it."

Lake County is home to the pioneering "A Way Out" program, which allows community members to seek substance abuse help and treatment at any participating police station without fear of arrest or criminal charges, and has helped more than 307 individuals to date.

As State's Attorney, Nerheim convened the first "Call to Action" meeting of the Lake County Opioid Initiative to bring together law enforcement, first responders, treatment providers, local hospitals, school districts, faith-based members and government officials to analyze the challenges and formulate preventative solutions.

Schneider is a member of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force in the House of Representatives, and recently joined a bipartisan group of members urging President Trump to work with Congress to advance additional funding to address the crisis as part of the public health emergency declaration.

Schneider also introduced H.R. 2063, the Opioid Preventing Addiction through Continuing Education (PACE) Act, which would require health care providers who prescribe opioids to complete continuing education on responsibly prescribing the medication, as well as identifying the signs of misuse and abuse. A modified version of this bill addressing Department of Defense doctors passed the House as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).