Dispose unwanted prescriptions free, Get radon gas testing kit, and More

view as a webpage

Bill Durkin, District 8

January 17, 2017

Green Subbanner

Dear Neighbors,

I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email, or give me a call at 847-513-1736. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 8.


Chairman Outlines Lake County's Top Priorities for 2017

Road projects, mental health services, government consolidation, and shared services with municipalities are just a few of the key priorities Lake County will focus on this year. Watch this video as Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor outlines Lake County’s top priorities for 2017 and what they mean to you. 

County Update 2017

Find an Opportunity to Serve Your Community

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” There are opportunities in Lake County to serve your community every day!  Find volunteer opportunities with Lake County government

volunteer

Dispose Your Unused Prescription Drugs for Free

drug disposal

Dispose your unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs properly at disposal boxes across Lake County. And the service is free! In 2016, Lake County disposed of nearly 15,000 pounds. Find a drug disposal box near you, and learn what the program cannot accept.


Forest Preserve Logo

Forest Preserve News

profiles in excellence

Profiles in Excellence
Join us for an inspiring afternoon in honor of black history at Profiles in Excellence, Feb. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Champions––A Tribute to African-American Athletes.” This is an educational, entertaining and family-friendly event, featuring presentations, choir performances, a sports photography exhibit of Walter Payton and more. Admission is free. Learn more

summer camp

Summer camp early bird registration ends Feb. 15
Camps are designed for summer fun and learning and include topics such as nature, recreation, art and history. Week-long sessions at locations throughout the county make it easy to find camps that are convenient for you. Browse our schedule of camps online, and register by Feb. 15 to receive an early bird discount. Learn more

Cultural items to be transferred to Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians
The remains of a minimum of 13 individuals and associated funerary objects belonging to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will soon be transferred from the Lake County Discovery Museum's collections to the tribe under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Ownership of the remains was transferred to the District in 1989 from the County of Lake, which had previously acquired the collections from the privately-owned Lake County Museum of History in 1965. Items will be transferred in a manner that is consistent with the NAGPRA. Learn more about the Museum.


Radon Gas Testing Kits Available through the Health Department

radon test kits play button

In observance of January as National Radon Action Month by the Environmental Protection Agency, you are encouraged to check radon levels in your home or apartment during the winter months. 

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that naturally occurs in rock and soil. It can seep into homes from the soil through cracks in the basement floors and foundations, crawl spaces, poorly sealed sump pumps, porous cinder block walls and other foundation floor and wall penetrations.  

Short-term test kits are available through the Lake County Health Department for $10. Watch this video to learn more about radon and the test kits.


Lake County Police Officers Receive Crisis Intervention Training

crisis intervention training

Crisis intervention officers are receiving specialized training to help them evaluate various mental health crisis incidents thanks to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office receiving the Federal Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Grant. Topics covered in their training include mental health signs and symptoms, geriatric issues, returning combat veterans with traumatic brain injury and PTSD, child and adolescent disorders, autism spectrum disorder, excited delirium, medical conditions and psychotropic medications, risk assessment and law enforcement response. Watch this video to learn more about the training.


Lake County Opioid Initiative Update

Opioid Initiative

A total of 79 lives were saved by law enforcement officers in 2016 as part of the Lake County Opioid Initiative's Police Naloxone Program. A total of 125 lives have been saved since the program began on Christmas Day 2014. The Lake County Opioid Initiative's mission is to develop, implement, evaluate and sustain a multi-strategy county-wide effort to prevent opioid abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. Learn more about the Opioid Initiative.

Also, 56 individuals have accessed treatment as part of A Way Out Program that launched last June. A Way Out is a Lake County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion pilot program designed to fast-track users to substance abuse programs and services. This program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at participating police departments. It ensures no criminal charges will be sought for those that may be in possession of narcotics or paraphernalia as long as assistance is sought out by the prospective program participant. Learn more about the A Way Out program.


Community News

Be Prepared for Frigid Temperatures. Utilize These Warming Centers
The Waukegan Park District reminds residents to stay safe during the winter frigid temperatures. Check out a list of warming centers available in Waukegan. Please remember to check on the elderly, young and pets whenever possible. If medical attention is needed, call 911.

Join next ArtWauk
Come to ArtWauk, a monthly celebration of all arts from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 in downtown Waukegan. Each month is a unique experience as the art exhibits, musicians and featured performances vary from one month to the next. 

Quick Links

Lake County Forest Preserves 

Visit Lake County 

Lake County Partners 

Lake County Crime Stoppers

 

Connect with Lake County

 Open Gov/Board Meeting Agendas

Transportation 

Elections/Voting 

Job Center of Lake County 

 

Community Links

Waukegan Park District 

City of Waukegan 

Waukegan Public Library 

School District 60 

Waukegan Township 

Waukegan Chamber of Commerce