Home - WCSAPC

INFORMATION

SUBSTANCES

SUPPORT

Drug Free Communities Grant

Announcement by Cherry Powell - WCSO Prevention Specialist

OOctober is national substance abuse prevention month. What a great time to announce that the Will County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the Drug Free Communities Grant that will funnel $1.25 million dollars to Will County over the next five years for prevention efforts.

The Sheriff’s Office is the only law enforcement agency in the country to receive this grant. Will County Sheriff, Mike Kelley, started the Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition two and a half years ago in partnership with the office of Will County Executive Larry Walsh. The coalition volunteers, which is made up of community members from healthcare, schools, media, parents, youth, and other stakeholders has worked tirelessly to educate the community on how to prevent substance use among our youth.

We could not be more excited about receiving this grant for the citizens of Will County. To learn more about the coalition, or to become a member, please visit the coalition website and like us on Facebook. You can also find the links on the Will County Sheriff’s Facebook page.

Trailer - "The Sixteen"

Check out the teaser trailer for "The Sixteen" - An Opioid Addiction Story

“The Sixteen” is an independent film project which tackles the opioid addiction epidemic. "The Sixteen," tells the story of sixteen-year-old Gianna and her friends, a group of high-achieving, healthy, vivacious teenagers who, innocently, dabble in the use of opioid pills, ultimately leading them to the dark underworld of heroin/fentanyl addiction. Each teen's path leads to devastating consequences in which lives and families are destroyed. Our mission is to use the film to raise awareness and help with the prevention of opioid use by featuring an intense, raw, realistic view of what this type of addiction looks like in action.

Documentary - SUICIDE: The Ripple Effect

Special Screening of This Film in Morris on November 14th, 2018 - Details on the Flyer

Documentary: "SUICIDE - THE RIPPLE EFFECT"
“Suicide: The Ripple Effect” is a feature length documentary film and MOVEMENT, currently in production, focusing on the devastating effects of suicide and the tremendous positive ripple effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope that are helping millions heal & stay alive. The film highlights the journey of Kevin Hines, who at age 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Today Kevin is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading a message of hope, recovery and wellness. The film chronicles Kevin’s personal journey and the ripple effect it has on those who have been impacted by his suicide attempt and his life's work since. In addition, the film highlights the stories of individuals and families who are utilizing their personal tragedy to bring hope and healing to others.

WHY THIS STORY
Suicide is an epidemic that takes over 800,000 lives globally every year. In the United States alone there are one million suicide attempts and over 40,000 deaths by suicide every year. Our United States Military is devastatingly impacted with 22 Veterans dying everyday by suicide, and that is an understatement.

Research has shown that for every one suicide death, over 115 people are directly, and secondarily effected and the financial cost of suicide in the US is estimated to be over 40 billion dollars annually. Suicide is global public health crisis that is not receiving the attention it deserves and therefore millions continue to die and the ripple effects of these deaths continue to devastate parents, children, families, friends and communities.

This film will shine light on the reality of this ongoing crisis and highlight effective efforts that are helping people stay well and alive. This film is uniting and igniting change that will have a tremendous positive impact on reducing the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world. It is not just a film; it is a movement. There have been other films about suicide but most have been very sombre.

This film will take a very hopeful, intriguing, and yet entertainment-focused approach by highlighting the work being done by individuals who have been directly impacted by suicide. Work that raises eyebrows, and pushes people toward giving back to their communities. In addition, this will be the first full length feature documentary film focused on Kevin’s story, which is very dramatic and miraculous.

Suicide The Ripple Effect Screening Flyer

ABOUT THE COALITION

Dear Will County,

Youth in our communities who abuse substances often experience problems and concerns, including problems in school: decline in grades, poor attendance, performing poorly on a test or important project, getting into an argument or a fight, damaged school property, increased potential for dropping out of school, higher truancy problems, as well as cognitive and behavioral problems that may interfere with academic performance, as well as obstacles to learning for their classmates; health-related problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Our Coalition focuses on coordination and collaboration, connecting multiple sectors of the community as a comprehensive approach to reducing substance abuse among our youth. Our goal is to reduce substance abuse among youth and over time, by addressing the factors in the community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse. Our Coalition members are engaged and valued for their input they actively participate in our evidence-based prevention strategies.

In an effort to build and strengthen our Coalition we have reached out to all areas of the county. Our Coalition focuses on a strategy that includes an evidenced-based model using a public health/awareness approach which incorporates public education/awareness, prevention, and intervention.

Nobody is beyond help. Substance Abuse can be broken!
We need to work as a community, standing together.

Calendar of Events

Drug Take Back Initiative

Collecting Expired Prescriptions and Old OTC Medicines

Hello Will County!
Have you heard about the drug take back initiative?
Right now the county is trying to help those that want to help the community. There is a drug take back going on throughout the county at businesses and other locations. You are able to take your expired prescriptions and old over the counter medicines to locations and hand them over to be destroyed. This is a great plan so that you don't have expired medication in your house that can be harmful to your loved ones. Looking for more information on this initiative? Visit www.willcountygreen.com