Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a set of services and resources for people who use drugs. These services help reduce the potential harm from drug use. Harm reduction programs save lives and empower people to make small changes in their behavior to improve their quality of life.
Need2Know Lake County
Need2Know Lake County offers confidential services for:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C (HCV) prevention and treatment
- Free safer sex and harm reduction supplies
We welcome all people. We do not discriminate based on a person’s race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, past or current drug use, or ability to pay.
For more information, visit the Need2Know website or call 847-377-8450.
Syringe Support
Free clean needles, condoms, and wound care kits help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Need2Know staff also help link people to medical and behavioral health services.
Naloxone
Naloxone saves lives. It is a non-addictive, life-saving medication. It can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. It is easy to get and easy to use.
There are several ways you can get naloxone for yourself or your loved ones. For more information visit the Naloxone Saves Lives webpage.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid. It is so potent that a tiny amount, equivalent to several grains of salt, can cause a fatal overdose. It is difficult for people who use drugs to detect fentanyl, and it is often used to lace illicit drugs.
Fentanyl testing strips can be used to test a batch or single dose of a substance. Based on the results, people can choose to implement measures to reduce the risk of an opioid overdose. These measures might include:
- Using less of the substance
- Going slow or taking test shots
- Not using alone
- Having a naloxone rescue kit nearby
- Not using the substance at all
HIV Services
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV kills cells that fight disease and infection. This makes a person’s immune system weaker. If it is not treated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. With the right care, HIV can be controlled and prevented.
It is important to know your HIV status. Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. For free and confidential HIV testing, call 847-377-8450.
- HIV 101
- HIV and Injecting Drugs (English and Spanish)
- HIV/AIDS Brochure (English)
- HIV/AIDS Brochure (Spanish)
- PrEP and nPEP Brochure (English)
- PrEP and nPEP Brochure (Spanish)
Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment
Hepatitis C is a disease that affects the liver and can be deadly if not treated. Most people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Everyone should be tested at least once in their lifetime. For more information about testing and treatment options, call 847-377-8450.
- Hepatitis C General Information (English)
- Hepatitis C Información General (Spanish)
- Hepatitis C Services Brochure (English)
- Hepatitis C Services Brochure (Spanish)
Information for Pregnant Women
Prenatal care helps you make sure you and your baby are healthy. Make your first appointment as soon as possible and go to all of your prenatal checkups. If you think something is wrong, do not wait - call your provider. For prenatal care appointments, call 847-377-8800.
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (PDF)
- Trastornos del espectro alcohólico fetal (PDF)
- Pregnancy and Alcohol Don’t Mix (PDF)
- Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
- Marijuana Use and Pregnancy
- Consumo de Marihuana y el Embarazo
- Opioid Use and Pregnancy (PDF)
- El Embarazo y los Medicamentos Opioides (PDF)
- Women’s Health Services at the Lake County Health Department
Tuberculosis (TB) Information
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs. Sometimes it attacks other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, spine, or other organs. TB can cause death if not treated.
Some people are at increased risk of being infected with TB. These include homeless persons, injection drug users, and persons with HIV infection.
For more information on TB services in Lake County,
call 847-377-8700.
- TB Elimination
- Tuberculosis Clinic at the Lake County Health Department
515 Keller Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone number: 847-377-8700 - Tuberculosis Program Brochure (English)
- Tuberculosis Program Brochure (Spanish)
Treatment Options
Addictions Treatment Program: The Addictions Treatment Program (ATP) is a substance use disorder treatment center providing inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation services.
Phone number: 847-377-8200
Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Program: Serves individuals between the ages of 12 and 20 in need of counseling and education.
Phone number: 847-377-8961
Outpatient Substance Abuse Program: The Substance Abuse Program (SAP) works to prevent and treat substance abuse disorders. The program offers Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Phone number: 847-377-8120
Women’s Residential Services (WRS): Women’s Residential Services is a residential substance use disorder treatment center for adult women.
Phone number: 847-377-7950
FindTreatment.gov website: Help is available, treatment works, and people recover every day. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects information on thousands of state-licensed providers who specialize in treating substance use disorders, addiction, and mental illness.
Contact Us
Crisis Care Program
3002 Grand Avenue Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-877-8088
Hours: 24/7