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Renz Center to host 'Opioid 101' program Jan. 30

Community residents are invited to attend an "Opioid 101 (Opioid Prevention, Overdose Education)" program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

Representatives from Elgin Police Department, Renz Addiction Counseling Center, Kane County Health Department, and Abraxas Youth and Family Services will speak on opioid prevention and treatment, what to do when an overdose occurs, and available community resources.

After the forum, opioid overdose training using Naloxone will be held at no charge for registered individuals. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that can reverse an overdose that is caused by an opioid drug. When administered during an overdose, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing within two to eight minutes.

"Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine," said Gil Feliciano, coordinator for a Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin. "When misused, all are addictive. Fentanyl, the deadliest opioid, also is highly addictive and the most lethal."

"Since 2010, there have been more deaths due to drug overdoses than deaths due to motor vehicle accidents in Kane County," as reported in "Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in Kane County," Kane County Health Department July 2017. "The number of deaths due to drug overdoses has more than doubled since 1999."

"Opioids 101" is free, and registration not required. However, registration is necessary for the Naloxone training immediate following the "Opioids 101" program.

For more information and to reserve a seat, contact Gil Feliciano at (630) 883-4944 or gfeliciano@renzcenter.org.

"Opioids 101" is sponsored by the Coalition for a Safe and Health Elgin, whose mission is to promote a safe and healthy community, free of violence and substance abuse through education, prevention and action. Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin is funded in part by a Drug-Free Communities federal grant.

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