Opioid Overdose Prevention
The Public Health Department addresses the issue of opioid overdose in our community through a project that provides free distribution of life-saving naloxone nasal spray and education on how to provide aid in the event of an opioid overdose.
Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and helps to restore breathing. It is safe and will not harm someone who is not experiencing an overdose. The project makes free naloxone available and removes barriers to getting it, increasing the number of people in the community who have naloxone on hand when it’s needed.
This approach will save lives, help our loved ones and neighbors experiencing opioid use disorder find resources, and ultimately improve quality of life in our community.
Where to find naloxone
In Oak Park:
Opioid overdose boxes are installed in seven easily accessible, public-facing locations throughout Oak Park. Each box contains pouches with doses of naloxone and instructions on how to provide overdose first aid:
- Corner of South Boulevard and Harlem Avenue
- Corner of North Avenue and Ridgeland Avenue
- Corner of Randolph Street and Marion Street
- Corner of Washington Boulevard and Austin Boulevard
- Near the alley between parking lot 33 and 900 S. block of Humphrey Ave.
- Maple Park, 1105 S. Maple Ave. on the exterior wall of the restroom
- Oak Park Public Library Main Branch, 834 Lake St. entryway
Click here to open the map in a separate window.
Most of the boxes are accessible 24 hours a day. One box is located in the lobby of the Oak Park Public Library - Main Branch and is accessible while the library is open.
- Live4Lali Mobile Van: Wednesdays – Noon to 3 p.m. at the Harlem Green line station at Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard.
- RUSH Oak Park – Purple naloxone distribution box located in the emergency room lobby, open 24 hours.
In Chicago area:
Opioid overdose response training for community members
The Oak Park Public Health Department offers free, in-person training for community members who want to be ready to respond if they encounter a person experiencing a potential opioid overdose.
Overview of the training
This training covers:
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When and how to respond to an opioid overdose, including the use of naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray,
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The steps to take if you suspect an individual is overdosing,
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How Narcan works, and
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Where to find Narcan for free in Oak Park, Illinois.
The instructor will provide hands-on instruction and answer your questions. You will also receive free Narcan to take with you.
Training Information
Community trainings in opioid overdose response will be offered on the following three dates. Each training is the same, so you only need to register for one training date. All of the trainings will be at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) at 229 Madison St. in Oak Park and will last about an hour, with extra time scheduled for discussion and questions after the training.
Changes and Cancellations
If you need to change the date for which you have registered or cancel your registration, please contact us so that we may open your spot for another participant.
Registration
Contact
Please contact the Oak Park Public Health Department with any questions at 708-358-5480 or health@oak-park.us.
How to provide first aid to an overdose victim
Click the link below for information about how to provide first aid to an overdose victim:
Opioids in Oak Park
In 2022, 151 people in Oak Park experienced an opioid overdose. That means that someone in Oak Park overdoses due to opioid use almost every other day. In 2019, 10.1 million U.S. residents (3.7% of the population) reported nonmedical use of an opioid. Of those, the majority reported misusing prescription opioids.
Any opioid use, including opioids prescribed by a medical provider, puts individuals at risk of accidental overdose and developing opioid use disorder. Common prescription opioids include: hydrocodone (Vicodin®), oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®), oxymorphone (Opana®), morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®), and codeine.
It’s important to overcome the stigma around opioid use so we can openly speak about it with our friends and family and increase the number of people who have naloxone and know how to use it.
Community Partnerships and Acknowledgements
The Opioid Overdose Prevention Project would not be possible without the work of many community members and partners. The Public Health Department would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for dedicating their time, expertise and resources to this effort:
Community Partners
Acknowledgements
- Sheila Haennicke, for creating a video to share her son’s story
- Lesa Kiefer, for donating her time and the supplies to create the waterproof custom lettering for the exterior of all of the boxes
- The King Crimson Men’s Group, for volunteering their time to stuff more than 200 opioid overdose prevention kits, which include Naloxone nasal spray, instructions for use, fentanyl test strips and recovery resources.
- Dr. Sophia Peng, for creating a video to educate viewers on substance use disorder and connecting Health Department staff to resources
- Juan Perez, for assisting with translating project materials into Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions