2018 Hero Helps Community Summit to feature updates from State officials

Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council and Illinois Opioid Task Force

The 2018 Hero Helps Community Summit, slated for Friday, May 11 at the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center in Romeoville, will feature Maria Bruni, assistant secretary of programs for the Illinois Department of Human Services, and Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, both of whom will share the Governor’s new Task Force Recommendations.

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance (IDHS-DASA) was awarded a federal grant for more than $16 million to fight Illinois' opioid crisis. The grant is funded through the 21st Century Cures Act which includes an estimated $1 billion to states over the next two years to combat the nation's opioid crisis. Investment plans for these dollars will be presented.

“Thanks to the efforts of these agencies, Illinois and Will County will receive critical resources to our community to fight the opioid epidemic,” said Paul Lauridsen, event co-chairman.

The State of Illinois Opioid Action Plan is the result of a collaboration with Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, the Department of Human Services, (IDHS/DASA), the Department of Public Health, state agency officials, stakeholders, and other advocates resulting in a strategic framework that outlines approaches to address the opioid crisis in Illinois and its importance. The goal of the plan is to reduce the anticipated number of opioid-related deaths by 33 percent over the next three years.

The event is free and open to the public. A resource fair with 40 vendors and Narcan training will also be part of the summit. Up to four free continuing education credits will be offered. Pre-registration is required for the Narcan training. For more information or to register for the Narcan training, visit the website: www.HeroHelpsSWC.org.