Renz Center to host candlelight vigil and overdose prevention training Aug. 29
To commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, Renz Addiction Counseling Center in Elgin is inviting community residents who have lost a family member or friend to a drug overdose to a candlelight vigil in their honor on Thursday, Aug. 29. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the center's Two American Way location.
Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain is scheduled to speak. For those who would like to have a loved one's name highlighted at the vigil, contact Renz Center's Yesenia Lopez at ylopez@RenzCenter.org or call (847) 742-3545 before Thursday, Aug. 22.
"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."
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have lost their life to a drug overdose.
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to be high in Kane County. In 2018, 68 people died as a result of opioid-related drug overdoses, reported the Kane County Health Department/Kane County Coroner's Office. That's higher than 2017, with 55 deaths reported.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "In 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States. The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in 2017 was 9.6% higher than the rate in 2016." Additionally, the CDC reported that drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased by 45% from 2016 to 2017.
At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Elgin will be offering an 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. This training is offered several times a year by the Coalition or Renz Center.
Participants will learn how to:
• Tell if someone is overdosing;
• Call 9-1-1 and the information they will need;
• Implement emergency first aid;
• Dispense Naloxone.
They also will offer accidental overdose prevention information; and assessment and treatment options.
A free Naloxone Kit is given at the conclusion of the training session. For more information or to register for the Aug. 13 session, call Renz Center at (847) 742-3545, ext. 267.
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 licensed by the state of Illinois for its adult and adolescent outpatient treatment programs. Renz Center is a nonprofit organization funded in part by the federal government, Elgin Township, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Geneva, and St. Charles 708 Mental Health Boards and other local community organizations. To find out more about Renz Center's programs, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.