Lawmakers and advocates are demanding that more be done to combat the growing number of fentanyl-related deaths in the U.S.

During a press conference this week at the capitol, the group discussed the need for more awareness about how deadly fentanyl is, saying it's 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and heroin.

Representative Rita Mayfield of Waukegan says the issue of addiction needs to be addressed head-on and discussed freely.

"Until we stop stigmatizing people who are using drugs and start funding these programs to give them the support that they need we will continue to not just have these overdoses that are wildly sweeping our nation but we will continue to have violence in our communities. They are linked together" Mayfield said.

Others talked about how Narcan, which can counteract an overdose, needs to be more readily available.

They also say primary care doctors and substance abuse specialists need to work together to help patients battling addiction.