Speakers Announced for Will County Heroin Forum

The stage is set for the 2014 Hero Helps Community Summit, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at the Romeoville Athletic and Events Center. The theme of this year’s event is  collaboration and how to bring unity amongst various groups and initiatives.

Romeoville Event Center to Host 'Hero Helps' Anti-Heroin Forum

“We have successfully raised awareness about the heroin epidemic affecting communities across the state of Illinois,” said Paul Lauridsen, co-chairman of the event. “Now we want to continue promoting effective practices which includes collaborations to turn the tide in this epidemic." 

Kris Adzia of the Robert Crown Center for Health Education will talk about the heroin prevention initiative that is in its second year of a pilot program in several schools in Will and DuPage counties. She will also discuss opportunities to expand this program to more schools across the state.

George DeTella from the DuPage County Health Department will speak about the life-saving efforts of the DuPage Narcan program (DNP), which has already resulted in saving two lives from heroin overdose in DuPage County.

“The sole goal of the DNP is to save lives and give these people another chance for recovery and life,” said DeTella.

DeTella will also talk more about the details of the DNP and the collaborative efforts among community leaders that have resulted in this program being successful.

Other speakers include: Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow, who will talk about the success of the Will County Drug Court Program; Dr. Celeste Napier, Rush University Medical Center, who will speak to the role of the brain in heroin and other opioid addiction; Dr. Gawtham Gutta, Clinical Associates; Ron Vlasaty, Family Guidance, who will talk about medication assisted treatment and recovery options; John Roberts of the HERO group, who will share information about family support groups for those who have lost a loved one to heroin or have a family member dealing with addiction; and Robert Snipes, Stepping Stones, who will talk about opioid treatment and recovery.

To register or for more information about the summit, visit the website, www.herohelpsevent.com.