Crime & Safety

Suburban Heroin Use Is on the Rise

Recent arrests involving heroin make this presentation worthwhile.

In light of recent arrests involving heroin, and are encouraging community members to attend a presentation that has received wide acclaim in communities throughout suburban Chicagoland.

The Will County HELPS (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions) is a presentation for parents and community members. It is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at Lee F. Rosenquist Auditorium.

New Lenox Police have partnered with Will County HELPS in inviting the community to join county leaders to glean their insights about the problem that is sweeping the suburban region. The presentation features first-hand users and victims—those whose lives have been personally touched by heroin for a discussion about the prevention of heroin use.

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"Too many people are dying and it is up to all of us to put an end to these senseless tragedies," say Will County HELPS representatives.

Baldermann, the former police chief for Chicago Ridge, is hosting the event. Among the list of speakers are: and Will County Judge Ray Nash.

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dr. Joe Troiani, of the , is expected to shed light on the physical aspects of heroin use. And John Roberts, co-founder of (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization), is anticipated to provide a serious perspective about the wide-spread use of heroin.

Kris Adzia, of the , is scheduled as well. And finally, a woman named Danielle H. (her last name has been withheld) is expected to paint a picture of the realities of living life as a heroin addict and how she maintains as a recovering heroin addict.

In addition, Pawlisz noted that a resource table is to be set up and manned with representatives from local treatment providers, churches and the medical community. The staff for the resource fair is slated to be available from 6-7 p.m., one hour before the presentation begins.

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