Pass/Fail: Illinois recieves vital grant to aid in the fight against opiod crisis; Presidential search lacks any organization and focus

By Lucas Skye

See what’s a pass and what’s a fail as judged by Perspective

Editor Lucas Skye.

Pass

Illinois receives vital grant to aid in the fight against opiod crisis

The Illinois Department of Human Services is receiving a generous grant of $16 million in federal funding to support its fight against the ongoing opioid crisis.

With more than 63,600 deaths being attributed to opiod overdoses in 2016, this is money well allocated.

The $16 million will go towards necessary new treatment and recovery services, the expansion medication-assisted treatment, enhancements to the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program, programs to connect opioid users from hospital emergency departments to services in the community, and pre and post release services for those who are incarcerated in county jails for opioid related violations allowing them to gain vital guidance before and after entering correctional facilities.

The grant will also allow the continued training for first responders who play an instrumental role in saving the lives of those experiencing a drug overdose as well as the administration of Naloxone, an overdose reversal medication. Nearly 900 lives have been saved as a result of such training and Naloxone usage in first response situations.

With such positive results already its imperative state and local governments continues fight the opioid crisis on all fronts.

Fail

Presidential search lacks any organization and focus 

The Presidential Search Preparation Committee has no semblance of clear focus when establishing a Presidential Profile for the job description of the university’s president.

“I wasn’t really sure what task to take on [the Presidential Profile],” said Linda Saborio, executive secretary of the University Council.

During the production of the Presidential Profile, Sabiro admitted to having pulled from other old materials such as the previous presidential profiles and documents. Sabiro wasn’t the only other member in favor of merely recycling the old materials.

“I think we can pull some stories that have already been written, maybe refresh them and put them in here,” said Abby Dean, senior director of university marketing.

Considering the performance of former President Baker and his past of corruption, it seems alarming to see the Presidential Search Committee sees nothing wrong with taking the easy route and the mostly identical job description used during the hiring of former President Baker.

With the prospect of a new president the administration should use this as a chance to turn a new leaf and represent the students’ voice as well as ensure the next president fully understands the magnitude of their position.