Heroin Use in DuPage County an 'Epidemic,' State's Attorney Says

A drug symposium held on Nov. 7 at Hinsdale South High School featured several speakers, including DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, with first-hand knowledge of the dangers of heroin in the suburbs today.

Thirty deaths from heroin overdose have occurred in DuPage County during the last 12 months, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said during an event at Hinsdale South last week. Related: Biggert, Officials: Battling Heroin Epidemic Begins With Education Read More on Patch's "Heroin: Naperville's Drug Reality" Page “This is a real epidemic that we’re faced with,” Berlin said. Since last year, community forums have been held to help educate the public about the rise of heroin use in Naperville and the surrounding area. After seven deaths in Naperville due to overdoses within the past year and a series of educational forums that followed, parents and officials are becoming well aware of the drug’s popularity and dangers. The county’…

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Congresswoman Biggert to Hold Heroin Forum Tonight

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert is set to hold a Heroin Education and Prevention Forum next week at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall.

Congresswoman Biggert to Hold Forum on Naperville's Heroin Reality

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert is set to hold a Heroin Education and Prevention Forum next week at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall.

Teen heroin use in Naperville has garnered significant attention this year after the deaths of seven young people and the premiere of a student-produced film documenting the issue. Now, local politicians are trying their hand at tackling the problem. Read More on Patch's "Heroin: Naperville's Drug Reality" Page U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert is set to host the Heroin Education and Prevention Forum next week at North Central College. A Drug Enforcement Administration special agent as well as health education and addiction specialists will also join Biggert for the event.  The forum will be held at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., on Monday, July 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public. “Heroin use among kids …

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Naperville Police: Heroin Doesn't Discriminate

The heroin epidemic is growing in Naperville and neighboring suburbs and it effects every type of family regardless of social status or wealth. The drug doesn't discriminate.

Parents who think they have a child who may be involved in drugs should act on their gut instincts. Don’t just snoop, be a cop. That was what parent Amy Miller told a packed audience of parents, children, teachers and community members attending a drug forum Thursday night at Neuqua Valley High School. Miller’s daughter Megan was 18 and a senior at Neuqua when she died Jan. 29 from a heroin overdose. “Don’t pick your battles, fight them all,” Miller said. “When the health and wellbeing and life of your child is at stake you have to do everything.” Miller was a participant at the Community Forum on Drugs. Indian Prairie School District 204 and Naperville School District 203 partnered for the programs. Another forum was held earlier this …

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Police, School Districts Partner for Heroin Discussions

Two meetings will be held next week to help educate residents, parents and students, about the heroin problem in Naperville.

The Naperville Police know that the best way to try and curb the heroin problem in town is to have the support, understanding and cooperation of residents in the community. Naperville is not the only community struggling with a heroin problem; it is an issue in communities around the Chicago area and across the country, according to one police department official.  The Naperville Police Department has said there is a growing heroin problem here that needs to be addressed. Several presentations have already been held this year to discuss the problem. Two more meetings are scheduled for next week one 7 p.m. Tuesday at Naperville North High School and another 7 p.m. Thursday at Neuqua Valley High School. The programs will be similar to some …

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