As the death toll climbs for opioid-related overdoses in Illinois, state leaders are looking for solutions. Advocates have highlighted a Whiteside County Clinic as a state leader in its outpatient drug rehabilitation program. Jessie Schlacks went to Rock Falls to tour the facility.

Across the country, states desperate to prevent opioid addiction are considering medical cannabis as a solution. In Illinois, where opioids have claimed nearly 11,000 lives over the past decade, the legislature may soon consider a measure that would allow patients with an opioid prescription get access to marijuana instead.

More health care, social service and law enforcement agencies are focusing on opioid addiction in Illinois. People have the chance to learn more about addiction to pain killers on Thursday. 

A bipartisan Congressional group focused on curbing the use of heroin and other drugs Tuesday released a list of legislation focused on law enforcement, prevention and drug treatment.

A newspaper investigation shows that Illinois' 16 southernmost counties are hardest hit by the state's opioid epidemic.

Illinois Department of Public Health data show opioids contributed to nearly 1,200 overdose deaths in the state in 2016. Studies show the opioids' dangers stem from the length and strength of prescriptions.