Renz Center to host candlelight vigil

In recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, Renz Addiction Counseling Center in Elgin is inviting community residents to participate in two free events designed to both save a life and remember individuals who have been lost to drugs or alcohol.

Starting at noon, Renz Center is offering Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Prevention Education and Training to anyone who may be impacted by an accidental overdose.

Naloxone is an antidote to opioid drugs, such as narcotic pain medications or heroin, and when administered during an opioid overdose can reduce the chance of death or brain and tissue damage due to lack of oxygen.

During each training session, participants will learn how to tell if someone is overdosing; call 911 with the needed information; implement emergency first aid; and dispense Naloxone. Participants will get information on accidental overdose prevention information and assessment and treatment options.

A free Naloxone Kit will be given at the conclusion of the training session. Each one-hour training session will begin at the top of the hour, with sessions running until 8 p.m.; no appointment necessary.

For upcoming Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Prevention Education and Training dates, call Renz Center at (847) 742-3545.

Later in the evening, at 7:30 p.m., community residents who have lost a family member or friend to drugs or alcohol are also invited to a candlelight vigil. No appointment is necessary, and individuals who would also like to have a loved one's name highlighted at the vigil should call Renz Center at (847) 742-3545 or info@renzcenter.org on or before Thursday, Aug. 25.

"The candlelight vigil is a special occasion to remember loved ones lost to alcohol or drugs," said Renz Center's Executive Director Jerry Skogmo, "and an opportunity to come together as a community to remind those struggling with an addiction that overdose prevention is key and treatment is possible."

In 2014, more people died from a drug overdose than any year on record.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "The majority of drug overdose deaths (more than six out of 10) involve an opioid, such as prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin. From 2000 to 2014, nearly half a million people died from drug overdoses; 78 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose alone."

These events will be held at Renz Center's Two American Way location in Elgin. For information, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.

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, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Geneva, and St. Charles 708 boards and other local community organizations.