August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember those lost, acknowledge the grief of those left behind, and fight to end overdose. According to a July 20 report from the American Medical Association, more than 35 states have reported increases in opioid-related deaths during the pandemic. 

Help is available. The Illinois Helpline is a statewide resource for substance use treatment and recovery services. Services are free, confidential, and available to anyone 24 hours a day. To access the Helpline, call 833-2FINDHELP or text “HELP” to 833234. 

Lake County also offers harm reduction services, including free naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Call (847) 377-8450 or visit www.lakecountyil.gov/harmreduction for more information.