Save the Date
    "Your Light Still Shines"
    In Support of Overdose Awareness Day
    August 21st at Lincoln-Way WEST H.S.

On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the Village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition will host the annual "Your Light Still Shines” event. In partnership with Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, the event will be held at Lincoln-Way WEST High School, 21701 Gougar Road, New Lenox, IL 60451.

This year’s main presentation will focus on the intersection between mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, we will remember individuals that died from drug overdose and provide resources to families that have been impacted. Activities and scheduled times are as follows:

5:00pm to 6:30pm Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization (H.E.R.O.) and Will County Sheriff’s “Hidden in Plain Sight” Trailers Take a tour of the “Hidden in Plain Sight” trailers, which are set-up as teenager’s bedrooms to educate parents about potentially dangerous items that are often “Hidden in Plain Sight.” Teens engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors often find clever ways to hide what they’re doing. Learn about the latest trends and concealment methods from trained staff members and volunteers.

5:00pm to 6:30pm Unwanted Medication Takeback 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 Will County Sheriff’s table, which will be located near the main entrance. Unacceptable items include needles, sharps, IV bags, thermometers and medical waste.

5:00pm to 6:30pm Informational and Memorial Tables There will be approximately 30 organizations that specialize in substance use disorders, including treatment, counseling, and prevention. Attendees are encouraged to visit the informational tables, speak with representatives, and pick-up helpful literature.

In addition to the informational tables, there will be a designated memorial area to remember 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 Kathleen Burke, PhD, Substance Use Initiatives - Behavioral Health Division, Will County Health Department, will provide FREE Narcan® training to those in attendance. Narcan® (naloxone) is a medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose. Everyone that completes the 30-minute training will receive a FREE Narcan® Nasal Spray Kit.

7:00pm-8:00pm Keynote Speaker and Panel Jim Scarpace, MS, LCPC, is the Community Division President and Chief Clinical Officer for Gateway Foundation. Jim has over 25 years of experience in administration, operations and treatment of mental health, substance use disorder, and criminal justice programs. His areas of expertise include addiction, trauma, group therapy, crisis intervention, family therapy, and advocacy. Jim is also an assistant professor of Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University and has taught graduate classes in clinical psychology since 2003.

Additional questions regarding this program may be directed to Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox (815) 462-6493 or dmartin@newlenox.net

     Stay tuned,

     Wayne