Fighting The Opioid Epidemic In Romeoville, Will County

ROMEOVILLE, IL—John Roberts knows all too well how tragic it is losing a loved one to the opioid epidemic. “It is that day we decided we can’t stay at home and lick our wounds,” said Roberts, the founder of the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization.

His son, Billy Roberts, died Sept. 20, 2009. Since then, Roberts has made it his mission to help combat the opioid epidemic.

Founded in 2010, the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization is a program aimed at preventing heroin abuse.

At the annual Hero Helps Community Summit, the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization joined a number of community organizations to reflect on progress made over the last year and the challenges ahead in the battle to combat the opioid epidemic. The event was held May 3, featuring remarks from Gov. J. B. Pritzker, Will County Executive Larry Walsh Sr. and Romeoville Mayor John Noak.

The theme this year was “Continuing Care After Treatment.”

The opioid epidemic is a problem not only in Will County, but also across the state of Illinois.

“We need more mental health providers, psychiatric services, more primary care physicians, nursing professionals, recovery professionals and treatment beds,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker acknowledged the concerns people have for the opioid epidemic and the effort to combat it.

“We’re going to rebuild the social service infrastructure in the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said. “Addiction does not take place in a vacuum. Agencies, services, and programs that provide our families with the tools they need to thrive have been hallowed out for years. We’re going to rebuild it.”

Pritzker said his office is committed to the effort to combat the opioid epidemic.

“I’m proud to say that the state recently secured $15 million from the federal government to enhance our efforts to fight this epidemic,” he said. “This brings our total federal funds received to over $82 million since 2016, and I ensure you that my administration will continue to leverage federal dollars, wherever possible, to fight this epidemic.”

Pritzker said the state will keep emphasizing the distribution of Narcan in rural communities.

“This past year, alone, we’ve trained 710 law enforcement agents in rural communities and distributed 729 Narcan kits,” he said. “Statewide we’ve distributed nearly 1,000 kits to our state police, fire marshals, and correction agencies.”

In 2018, more than 13,600 lives were saved through Narcan.

“We’ll continue to expand its distribution, so we can save lives going forward,” Pritzker said.

Roberts wants to see drug education implemented in every high school. He urges legislators to make it law.

“Until I join Billy, I’m going to fight,” Roberts said. “I’m calling on you to help. We have to do whatever we can to save lives.”

Aside from presentations and panel discussions, the program included a resource fair to enable the public to learn more about the opioid epidemic.

Officials led Narcan trainings for those interested in learning how they can help persons who are suspected to have overdosed on opioids.

Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow presented $2,500 in forfeiture funds to Roberts to help support the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization.

Walsh said the event has come a long way since its launch nine years ago.

In capping off the program, Roberts’ message continues to ring true for anyone who has lost a loved one to the opioid epidemic.

“You must learn what helps and what hurts,” Roberts said.