The number of deaths due to opioid and opiate overdose is on the rise in the United States. Opioids can include potent prescription painkillers like oxycodone, tramadol, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as heroin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdose was responsible for almost 645,000 deaths between 1999 and 2021. In 2021, opioids were involved in around 75% of drug overdose fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the symptoms of opioid overdose and what steps to take in case of an incident.

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Join the Village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition at their annual “Your Light Still Shines” event, which is being held in support of International Overdose Awareness Day. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the opioid epidemic, substance use disorders, and what can be done to save lives.  In addition, individuals that died from drug overdose will be remembered and resources will be provided to families that have been impacted.  

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Please join the McHenry County Outreach Program to remember those who have lost their lives due to a substance-related passing. Help raise awareness about the Overdose Epidemic and the fight to prevent it. There will be speakers, a food truck, resource tables, Naloxone training, and the band – The Broken Robots!

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The West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force educates the public on the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The Task Force employs outreach workers who distribute Narcan kits and Fentanyl strips to residents to equip them with Narcan/Naloxone to prevent overdoses. Other resources such as housing information, work/career connections, and treatment options are also given to communities to improve socio-economic situations.

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Check out upcoming Gateway Foundation Alumni Events Calendar here –>  –>