Elgin event to remember those lost to overdose, suicide

With International Overdose Awareness Day and World Suicide Prevention Day approaching, the community is invited to gather in Elgin for Ecker Center for Behavioral Health’s “Breaking the Silence,” an overdose and suicide awareness event Thursday.

The evening brings together community members, survivors, advocates and local leaders to honor loved ones lost to overdose and suicide, reduce stigma, and share resources that promote healing and prevention.

“Breaking the Silence is about remembrance, awareness, and action,” Dr. Daphne Sandouka, CEO of Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, said in a news release. “We want our community to know they are not alone and that help is available.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Ecker Center, 1845 Grandstand Place in Elgin.

Speakers will include Kane County Coroner Monica Silva, Michael Wood from Banyan Treatment Center, Stephanie Dewinski of Suicide Prevention Services of America and personal testimonies from individuals who will share their experiences of loss, resilience and recovery.

The program also will include a Memorial Walk to honor those lost to overdose and suicide. Families are invited to submit the names and photos of loved ones to be included.

Submissions can be sent to jflory@eckercenter.org by Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Organizations on hand to provide resources will include the Kane County Health Department, which will offer 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline materials and offer support for opioid overdose awareness.

“Overdoses continue to deeply impact our community, and we remain committed to saving lives through prevention, education, and access to resources like naloxone.,” Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson said in the release.

Narcan will be available free, no questions asked and no information collected, with training offered if needed.

Fox Valley Hands of Hope will share grief support resources, including new groups specifically for families impacted by overdose and suicide loss. Suicide Prevention Services of America, which offers education, prevention resources, and compassionate mental health support for youth, families, and the LGBTQ+ community, will also be at the event.