CarePoint Remembers Lives Lost to Drug Overdose Epidemic
Summary
The Chicago metropolitan area ranks among the worst nationally for heroin-related problems, including first in the number of heroin-related emergency room admissions, according to a recent Roosevelt University study.“I would give anything to have just one more day with my son—to help him overcome his drug abuse problem,” said John Roberts of southwest suburban Homer Glen, a retired police officer.Yet, despite increasing signs of heroin use in Cook County, heroin-related deaths there have decreased by 16 percent in the past ten years—a trend the researchers attribute to overdose prevention programs.International Overdose Awareness Day was founded by the Salvation Army in Australia in 2001 with these objectives in mind: Allow survivors to publicly mourn for loved ones, some for the first time, without feeling guilt or shame.Accidental drug overdoses—often involving opiate painkillers such as oxycodone—have quadrupled since 1990 and now cause the death of more than 26,000 Americans every year.A surge in heroin use in the Chicago area, particularly among youth, also underscores the need for overdose prevention.
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