Renz Center to offer Overdose Educator Training

Renz Addiction Counseling Center is hosting an Overdose Educator Training program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at their Two American Way Elgin location.

Attendees will learn firsthand from Executive Director Dan Biggs of Chicago Recovery Alliance on how to use the narcotic Naloxone, or Narcan, as an overdose prevention measure.

Upon completion of the training, attendees will be given an overdose kit, and qualified as an Overdose Educator.

To register, email Dan Biggs at danb@anypositivechange.org.

"After completion of the training program, our clinical staff will be trained to provide training in our community to first responders, social service personnel, professional community groups and family members of heroin users," said Renz Center's Executive Director Jerry Skogmo. "Only Overdose Educators are allowed under Illinois law to legally carry Naloxone and use it in cases of suspected opioid-related overdoses."

Renz Center provides a continuum of care dedicated to the prevention, intervention and treatment of addictive behaviors related to alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Services range from prevention programs for youth in the schools to outpatient treatment programs for adolescents and adults. Priority is given to pregnant women and women with dependent children. Offices are located in Elgin, St. Charles, and Streamwood.

Renz Addiction Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization funded in part by the federal government, Central Kane County United Way, Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Geneva, and St. Charles 708 boards and other local community organizations. To find out more about Renz Center's programs, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.