Live Love Speaker Series looks at opioid addiction
On Sunday, Feb. 24, Stephen Kavalkovich will speak on "Step Away From Your Grave: Overcome Opioid Addition NOW" at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E Chicago St.
Kavalkovich was a paramedic and one of the first responders to the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Out of that experience and more, he discovered too late that the medications he was taking for pain relief had turned into medications to which he was addicted. That turned into the loss of his certifications, his job, his marriage and access to his children.
The nationally known speaker will discuss how he overcame his addictions. He is host of Mental Health News Radio Network podcast "Rescue the Rescuer." It is geared toward first responders who battle mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorder, and more.
To learn more about the podcast, visit www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/rescue-the-rescuer/.
In January, the Live Love Speaker Series featured the Rev. Kirsten Peachey on "The Opioid Crisis and How to Be Helpful in Elgin." She discussed how traumatic events in a person's life increase the possibility of developing an active opioid addiction.
She is the director of Faith and Health Partnerships for Advocate Aurora Health and helps faith communities support their role as promoters of health and healing.
Each month, the church will host an educational opportunity regarding different aspects of the opioid crisis. They will be focusing on opportunities to collaborate with local substance abuse programs; the local police department; individuals sharing their personal stories of recovery; as well as special tasks force and a nationally recognized speaker.
More information can be found on the church's Facebook page or website at www.fcc-elgin.org, or by calling the church at (847) 741-4045.