Mayor's Substance Awareness Forum Unveils Website

ORLAND PARK, IL — Individuals and families of those dealing with substance abuse have a new resource. At a recent Orland Park Substance Awareness Forum (OPSAF) meeting at the Orland Park Police Station, Mayor Dan McLaughlin previewed the group's newly unveiled website.

The OPSAF site offers avenues of support ranging from inspirational stories to treatment and resource options for individuals and families.

"I created the Orland Park Substance Awareness Forum last year because, like other towns across the country, Orland Park was seeing an increase in heroin use and overdoses," McLaughlin said. "The Orland Park community had a mix of programs and help but there was no combined effort to help those affected."

The mayor brought together representatives from a number of organizations including police, fire/emergency medical service, hospitals, youth services, substance counselors, treatment centers, churches, school administrators, teen advocates, government officials and other key community leaders.

"I asked different groups to be a part of this forum so we could all work together as a team," McLaughlin said. "We have a dynamic, compassionate group that has been working together to help the community."

The site, Orland Park C.A.R.E.S (Community-Awareness-Recovery-Education-Support), offers a virtual resource guide that is also available via download or in paper form at various locations around the community.

On Saturday, September 17, the group will hold a resource fair at the Orland Square Shopping Mall at 151st Street and LaGrange Road. The free event, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., will include testimonials, entertainment, raffles, recovery, speakers and giveaways.

Questions may be directed to McLaughlin's office at 708/403-6399.