Full Notification

“YOUR LIGHT STILL SHINES”
In Support of International Overdose Awareness Day
 
On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, with the support of Lincoln-Way School District #210, the Village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition are hosting "Your Light Still Shines."  In support of International Overdose Awareness Day, residents are encouraged to attend this event to learn more about the opioid epidemic, substance use disorders, and what can be done to save lives.  The event will be held at Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 Gougar Road, New Lenox, IL 60451.  Attendees are encouraged to enter the campus off of Gougar Road as most of the activities are inside or just outside of the auditorium. 
 
Timetable 
5:00pm to 7:00pm - H.E.R.O. and Will County Sheriff’s Police “Hidden in Plain Sight Trailers” │ Drive at Entrance
Take a tour of both “Hidden in Plain Sight” trailers.  The trailers are set-up as teenagers’ bedrooms to educate parents about potentially dangerous items that are often “hidden in plain sight.”  Teens engaging in substance abuse and other risky behaviors (sexual, suicidal) often find clever ways to hide what they’re doing.  Learn about the latest trends and concealment methods from trained staff members and volunteers from these organizations.
 
5:00pm to 7:00pm - Unwanted Medication Takeback│ Drive at Entrance
Each year, millions of Americans resolve to clean out their medicine cabinets.  Medicines unsecured in the home can cause confusion and medication misuse, resulting in serious health implications.  Medications, especially opioid-based pain killers, can fall into the hands of teens and lead to addiction.  Please use this opportunity to properly dispose of over-the-counter and prescription medications at the New Lenox Police Department’s table, which will be located at the doors leading into the building.  Items not in their original containers must be packaged in non-leaking containers.  Unacceptable items include needles, sharps, IV bags, thermometers and medical waste. 
 
5:00pm to 7:00pm - Informational and Memorial Tables │Outside Auditorium
It’s estimated that there will be over 20 organizations that specialize in substance use disorders, including treatment, counseling, and prevention.  Attendees are encouraged to visit the tables, speak with representatives, and pick-up helpful literature.  In addition to the informational tables, there will be a number of tables that will serve as memorials to those that lost their battle with addiction.  Attendees that have lost a loved one to a drug overdose are invited to bring a framed photo that will be displayed during the event.  Grief support team members will be on hand to provide assistance and additional resources to those in need.
 
6:30pm to 7:00pm - Narcan® Training │ Auditorium
Dr. Kathleen Burke, Dr. Kathleen Burke PhD, Substance Use Initiatives, Behavioral Health Division, Will County Health Department, will provide FREE Narcan® training to the public.  Narcan® (naloxone) is a medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose.  Everyone in attendance will receive a Narcan® Nasal Spray Kit upon completion of the training. 
 
7:00pm to 8:00pm - Main Presentation │ Auditorium
Tom Farley, brother of the late actor and comedian Chris Farley, who died in 1997 as a result of substance use, will be the keynote speaker.  Mr. Farley will also serve as moderator for a distinguished panel of substance use prevention experts who will discuss lived experiences (in opioids and mental health), harm reduction, medical assisted treatment, the stigma of a substance use disorder, and more. 
 
For additional information regarding this event please contact Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox, via email [email protected] or by phone (815) 462-6493.