Rally to take on drug overdoses

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Updated: March 6, 2012 8:16AM

ROMEOVILLE — Local leaders who are concerned about the growing number of fatal drug overdoses in Will County will tackle all aspects of this public health crisis during a Community Forum and Youth Rally on April 13 on the Lewis University campus.

Teenagers and college students are among those who are encouraged to save the date for this educational forum. The daylong event also will provide information for educators, public health providers, law enforcement professionals, church leaders, elected officials or any citizen who is concerned about the affect substance abuse has in the community.

The forum, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run throughout the day, will feature presentations and discussions by experts in the fields of criminal justice, counseling, health care, education and prevention.

The Youth Rally, which will be from 6 to 8 p.m., will feature performances by nationally known bands as well as testimonials about the dangers of drug abuse and a memorial to young people who were killed by their addictions.

Drug poisoning is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.

Will County has witnessed a dramatic increase in heroin overdose deaths, rising from a few each year to approximately 30 annually for the past three years.

In 2011, 28 Will County citizens died as the result of heroin overdose.

Deaths from all drug overdoses in Will County number about 57 annually.

“Everyone must join together to fight substance abuse and prevent overdose deaths,” said Paul Lauridsen, clinical director for Stepping Stones Treatment and Recovery Center in Joliet.

For more information, visit www.hero
helpsevent.org.