HOMER GLEN, IL — Will County Board members from District 7 will host an informational session on Opium Awareness and Suicide Prevention on Thursday, Aug. 31. Dr. According to a release, Kathleen Burke, Will County’s director of Substance Use Initiatives, will lead the session at Homer Township Public Library, starting at 6:30 p.m. The session is open to the public.
“Opioid abuse is a national crisis affecting people across the country, including here in Will County,” District 7 representative Republican Steve Balich from Homer Glen, said in a release. “Hopefully through discussions like this one people will learn how to spot addiction and learn what to do if they need help.”
According to the release, the Will County Board recently approved the second year of funding from a grant from a five-year grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to fight opioid addiction. Will County hired Burke earlier this year as the director of Substance Use Initiatives to assist with coordinating programs associated with the grant.

“Dr. Burke is extremely knowledgeable and a great resource for the County,” Homer Glen Republican Mike Fricilone, also of District 7, said in a release. “I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about opioid addiction or suicide prevention to come on out. Help us by attending our event. Every life matters.”
 

Will County Sheriff Will bring out the “Hide in Plain Sight Trailer.

Research shows that parents often overlook everyday items that may indicate that an
adolescent is engaging in some form of risky behavior.  The “Hidden in Plain Sight”
trailer will recreate a teen’s bedroom to educate anyone over the age of 21 who has
influence over a teenager:  parents, coaches, leaders, and more in identifying signs of
alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, self-mutilation, violence, sex and other  dangerous behavior.
 

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