Fenton forum looks at opioid addiction
Heroin addiction and related deaths are increasing to epidemic levels, with usage trajectories spanning all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds.
In response to this growing scourge, Bensenville and Wood Dale will present a community education forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the Community Room at Fenton High School, 1000 W. Green St., Bensenville.
DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen, a former trauma surgeon for more than 20 years, took office in late 2012 and quickly became alarmed at the number of heroin-related deaths. There were 98 such deaths in 2017, which is the same number reported in 2016 and is nearly double the 51 reported in 2015, with victims ranging in age from their 20s through their 60s.
"The numbers are startling and show that we continue to have a serious problem of addiction and death related to legal and illegal opioids," Jorgensen recently told the Daily Herald.
He is on a mission to spread the word that this epidemic spans all ages, all races and all socio-economic backgrounds.
Bensenville Police Chief Frank Kosman and Wood Dale Police Chief Greg Vesta will be facilitating the evening for the Fenton communities and updating what is currently happening in the towns.
Featured speakers will be Jorgensen along with Mark Piccoli, director of the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, who will speak about the current overall problem in DuPage County. Jenifer Downs Sandack, supervisor of outpatient addiction services for Edward-Elmhurst Health, will speak about treatment and services available for individuals and families.
Learn what's driving the heroin epidemic and what you can do about it. Discussion will focus on:
• The production, distribution and demographics of heroin use and abuse in DuPage County;
• The physiology, short- and long-term effects of heroin addiction;
• Narcan treatment protocols and how they have saved lives;
• What lies beneath this growing problem - a substance abuse epidemic; and
• Practical things you can do - tips, ideas, resources for help.
The public program is free.
If you go
What: Community forum on heroin and opioid addiction
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11
Where: Community Room at Fenton High School, 1000 Green St., Bensenville
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 766-2500 or fenton100.org