District 88 supports DuPage County in efforts to educate students about the dangers of heroin

At District 88, the safety of students and staff is the No. 1 priority.

As part of that commitment to safety, District 88 has partnered with DuPage County to educate students and parents/guardians about the heroin epidemic in the county and state and the dangers of that illegal drug.

In an effort to raise awareness about the heroin problem, the DuPage County Coalition Against Heroin is sponsoring an education campaign called “Be a Hero-In DuPage.” DuPage County is sponsoring this student contest to highlight the dangers of heroin use. This is in light of a recent dramatic increase in heroin overdose deaths in DuPage County. The heroin prevention contest will give students the opportunity to design creative and effective outreach materials to raise awareness about this dangerous drug. Contest winners will be recognized at a ceremony on Jan. 23.

Also on Jan. 23, the coalition will host an important Heroin Prevention Forum. Refreshments and resource booths will be available from 5 to 6 p.m., and a program will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the DuPage County Administrative Building Auditorium, 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton.

This is the first in a series of countywide efforts by the coalition to educate residents about the dangers of heroin. At least 45 confirmed heroin deaths were recorded in DuPage County in 2013, a record number. It is estimated there are nearly 150,000 new heroin users each year.

The coalition includes the County Board, DuPage County Health Department, Coroner Rich Jorgensen, State's Attorney Robert Berlin, Public Defender’s Office, DuPage County Sheriff and DuPage Police Chiefs, in partnership with the DuPage County Regional Office of Education. DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin will open the forum.

The goal is to educate students, parents and community members about heroin and its impact, as well as provide information about local resources. Featured speakers will be Bill Patrianokis of the Hero Epidemic Relief Organization and Felicia Miceli of LTM Heroin Awareness and Support Foundation. Personal stories also will be shared.

District 88 will continue to support the county in this effort to ensure the safety of students.