Heroin Epidemic Forum Scheduled for Nov. 20 in Plainfield

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So far in 2013, there have been 29 heroin overdose deaths in Will County, including three in Plainfield, according to the coroner's office. In 2012, one person in Will County died from a heroin overdose nearly every week.

Manley and Bertino-Tarrant were recently appointed to Illinois' new Young Adult Heroin Task Force to take a closer look as the epidemic as it relates to teenagers, and to suggest programs and strategies for high schools to implement.

"We must take every step possible to protect our children against this deadly drug," Manley said in a press release. "In addition to hearing the facts from experts, we will also brainstorm solutions and establish a dialogue between parents, students and community leaders about the harmful effects of heroin use and the preventative steps we must take together."

Walsh said the best way to fight the scourge is to educate children and parents about the dangers of the drug. "Heroin continues to have devastating effects on families across our county," he said. "We must teach our children why this drug is so deadly."

Added Glasgow, "It is imperative that parents understand the harmful effects of this addictive drug, especially as its popularity grows among young people."

The Nov. 20 event will feature prevention strategies and discussion on how to spot the signals that a loved one or friend has become addicted to heroin. 

The forum will also include firsthand accounts about how heroin use affects every aspect of an addict's life, as well as a discussion about the myths and realities surrounding reports of "krokodil" in Will County.

"It is important to share information of this harmful and deadly drug with as many people as possible," Bertino-Tarrant said in a release. 

For more information contact Manley's full-time constituent services office at 815-725-2741 or repmanley@gmail.com.