The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly 18,000 people in Illinois died from opioid overdoses from 1997 to 2017.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is launching a new campaign to highlight the stories of Illinoisans who've faced struggles with addiction and are now getting treatment. Officials say their goal is to de-stigmatize opioid addiction by showing that people from all walks of life in Illinois have suffered during the opioid epidemic.

The online video campaign includes television spots, social media ads and billboards.

Officials are also pointing those who might need assistance to HelplineIL.org . State officials say they’ve received over 40,000 visits to the website.

More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM