Get The Facts On Opioid Addiction Prevention Thursday In Manhattan

MANHATTAN, IL — As the opioid epidemic continues to spread throughout the country, affecting the lives of those in big cities as well as rural communities, the Village of Manhattan and Mayor Mike Adrieansen will host an educational seminar to help educate the public of the dangers associated with opioid abuse.

The Opioid Addiction Prevention Information Night is scheduled to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at Anna McDonald School, 200 Second St. in Manhattan, and is free to attend.

"Even if we educate one person and it saves their life, then it's worth it," Adrieansen said.

The Will County Coroner's Office has reported 88 cases this year as of Oct. 31 in which the cause of death is linked to heroin or fentanyl.

Presenters will offer information on an overview of the epidemic, how to identify opioid use and overdoes, how to respond to overdoses, and local outreach efforts and treatment referrals.

The Will County Sheriff's Office's Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer will also be on site to help guide attendees via a recreation of a teen's bedroom and possible warning signs of drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders, self-mutilation and other dangerous behaviors.

Scheduled presenters include:

• Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen
• Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow
• Will County 12th Judicial Circuit Court Associate Judge Raymond Nash
• Manhattan police officer Rob Bernardy
• Will County Coroner Laurie H. Summers
• Will County Health Department's Dr. Kathleen Burke
• The Trent Bartolomucci Foundation's Kim Bartolomucci

The information night is geared toward parents, guardians, caregivers and students over the age of 12 who are accompanied by an adult.

Students especially can learn valuable information and tips on opioids to help combat peer pressure and the misinformation surrounding opioid use, Adrieansen said.

"[Students may not] really understand because they might think, 'Oh, that guy's done it before. I'll have some fun,'" he said. "Maybe they don't know the consequences. I just hope that we can help someone and reach someone. If that means a couple hours of our time, then maybe that will be beneficial."

For more information, contact the Village of Manhattan at (815) 418-2100.