Lake County Sheriff's Office Saves 5th O.D. Victim - Sheriff declares, "Heroin epidemic worsening."

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May 13, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Sheriff Mark C. Curran, Jr.
Undersheriff Raymond J. Rose

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:   Antonietta Simonian

Office:     847.377.4174

Fax:         847.360.4796

Email:      asimonian@lakecountyil.gov 



Lake County Sheriff’s Office Saves 5th Overdose Victim

Sheriff Curran States, “Heroin epidemic worsening.” 


Heroin Epidemic

Waukegan, IL - On May 13 at approximately 12:49 a.m. Lake County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to an assist rescue at a residence in the 900 block of Route 60 in Volo. Upon entering the scene, Deputy Alex Dador spoke to the victim’s mother who stated her son was unresponsive and laying on the floor. The victim’s girlfriend was also present at the residence. The girlfriend reported the victim “shot up” three times starting at 11:00 p.m. on May 12, 2015. The girlfriend further stated the victim fell to the bathroom floor and became unresponsive after the third dose of heroin. The girlfriend then stated she woke up the victim’s mother for assistance. The victim’s mother attempted to administer a dose of Naloxone without success. The mother obtained the Naloxone from an anti-drug organization because her son is a drug addict. While Deputy Alex Dador was speaking to the victim's mother and girlfriend, he administered one dose of department issued Naloxone. Within 15 seconds the male victim regained consciousness and began speaking. Wauconda Rescue arrived at the scene and began to treat the victim. The victim was able to get up and walk to the ambulance on his own prior to being transported to NIMC for further medical treatment.

The Naloxone injection administered by Deputy Alex Dador resulted in the fourth save by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the 12th save by Lake County law enforcement since the formation of the Lake County Opioid Initiative. Sheriff Mark C. Curran, Jr. stated, “In less than 5 months, 12 overdose victims were brought back to life. That’s a better statistic than 12 heroin deaths in 5 months. But it underscores a larger problem – heroin is on the rise and as a community we need to do more. I want residents to know our Special Investigations and Gangs Unit is partnering with federal agencies and targeting high-level drug distributors. Our deputies are providing anti-drug forums within our schools and communities. Now, I am asking the public to assist – if you see something – say something. Call Lake County Crime Stoppers at 847.662.2222 – you remain anonymous but the information you provide can save lives.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was at the forefront of the Naloxone initiative working closely with members of the Lake County Opioid Taskforce. The Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Lake County Health Department in training all members of Highway Patrol, Warrants, Civil and CID, as well as members of the Court Security and Jail CRT Teams. In addition, each squad car is equipped with a Naloxone kit and Naloxone is strategically placed in areas of the Lake County Courthouse and Lake County Jail for easy access by CRT members.

The next community drug forum is set for Monday, May 18, 2015 at St. Dismas Catholic Church, 2600 Sunset Avenue in Waukegan beginning at 7:00 p.m. The forum is entitled Drug Awareness: Drugs That are Killing Our Children and What Can We Do To Stop It? Admission is free and more information is available at 847.623.5050.

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