Learn about opioid epidemic in DuPage at College of DuPage Dec. 3

On Thursday, Dec. 3, the Homeland Security Training Institute at College of DuPage will virtually present "The Opioid Epidemic: A Call to Action," debuting at 1 p.m. on YouTube.

Free and open to the public, the workshop is aimed at members of the community, students, and others whose lives may have been affected or who have had a close relative or friend affected by opioids.

Viewers will learn about the current opioid epidemic, HOPEDuPage, the DuPage County Narcan program, and treatment and recovery options that are available to help individuals battling addiction.

"This workshop provides a resource for those with addiction; those who have a family member, loved one or friend who has an addiction; and school counselors, law enforcement, churches, community members and students," said Tom Brady, Associate Dean of Public Services. "The death rates from opioid overdoses have continued to climb through the pandemic in DuPage County and everywhere else. This workshop will help people get involved with, better understand and identify a potential addiction and to learn about resources that are available for treatment."

Speakers include COD Human Services Professor Jason Florin; DuPage County Coroner Dr. Richard Jorgensen; DuPage County Health Department Community Initiatives Coordinator Scott Kaufman; and DuPage County Health Department Director of Community Initiatives Mila Tsagalis.

In addition, community members Brad and Jessica Gerke will share the story of how their addictions developed, how they were able to get treatment, and their resulting recovery.

Learn more about the Opioid Epidemic Workshop at cod.edu/hsti/community-workshops.aspx.

The Homeland Security Training Institute at College of DuPage is focused on education for law enforcement, fire science, first responders and corporate security personnel in the area of homeland security.