SYMPOSIUM TO ADDRESS THE RISE OF HEROIN USE IN NEW LENOX AND WILL COUNTY

Village of New Lenox Mayor Timothy Baldermann and the Village of New Lenox announce that a symposium to address the rise of heroin use in New Lenox and Will County will be held on Thursday September 27th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  In partnership with the New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition, the New Lenox Police Department and Will County HELPS (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions) along with the support of the Lincoln Way School District, the event will be held at Lincoln Way Central High School, 1801 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL in the Lee F. Rosenquist Auditorium.   In addition to the symposium, a Resource Fair will be held from 6:00pm to 7:00pm and will feature several organizations that provide services related to the use of heroin and other addictive substances.  Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and to provide information regarding available resources. 

Join local leaders and those whose lives have been personally touched by heroin for a discussion about the prevention of heroin use.  Will County Executive Larry Walsh will provide remarks regarding what Will County is doing to help put an end to the senseless deaths related to heroin use while Will County Judge Ray Nash will speak to the consequences of heroin use from a legal perspective.  Dr. Joe Troiani from the Will County Health Department and Kris Adzia from the Robert Crown Center for Health Education will discuss the impact that heroin has on a user’s health.  John Roberts, co-founder of HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) will share his personal story about losing his son Billy Roberts to heroin in 2010 while “Danielle H,” a recovering heroin addict and someone you would never expect to use any drug, let alone heroin, will share her personal story.

“In New Lenox, two young people have lost their lives this year as a result of heroin use and we want to do everything possible to prevent any additional tragedies,” said Mayor Timothy Baldermann.  “Through partnership and collaboration with the participating organizations, we hope to educate our community of the dangers of heroin use, while providing information and resources where families can go for help,” said Baldermann.

For the purpose of ensuring that enough handout materials are available, kindly R.S.V.P. with the number attending to (815) 740-4680.   

For additional questions and information, please contact Daniel Martin, Public Safety Division Chief at the New Lenox Police Department, via email dmartin@newlenox.net or by phone (815) 462-6100.