County's top priorities for 2017, Dispose unwanted prescriptions free, and More

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Charles Bartels, District 10

January 20, 2017

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Hello Neighbors

We have several major drug-related issues as does the rest of the country. One article below addresses the serious responsibility that we have to dispose of leftover prescription drugs to keep them out of the hands of young people especially.  Another article addresses the growing problem of opioid abuse and the local initiative that has saved so many lives.

Today's inauguration marks the peaceful transition of power in the Executive Branch of our government. By coincidence, I am reading the book "Jefferson" that documents the founding of the United States.  From those earliest days, our country has survived contentious elections and personality politics, proving the Founders' wisdom. They established our form of government with three branches to balance power and protect our nation as a unified people with individual rights and responsibilities. In about one month, leaders from across the county will meet to reinforce the importance of inclusion and diversity as part of Lake County's identity as a great place to live and work.

If you know friends who could benefit from this newsletter information, please invite them to sign up or send an email to me at cbartels@lakecountyil.gov to be added to our e-list.

Regards,

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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

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Chairman Outlines Lake County's Top Priorities for 2017

County Update 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. 


Dispose Your Unused Prescription Drugs for Free

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.

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Lake County Police Officers Receive Crisis Intervention Training

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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.


Radon Gas Testing Kits Available through the Health Department

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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.


State's Attorney's Office Joins Class on Taking Care of Seniors

In conjunction with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, the Faith Committee of the Lake County Domestic Violence Council will host a free workshop titled, "Taking Care of Seniors in Your Congregation." The workshop will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, 607 Belvidere Road, Grayslake. Topics include the importance of seniors sharing their life stories, ways to keep seniors connected and engaged with their institution of faith, how keeping seniors connected can help prevent or interrupt elder abuse, and a call to action. For information, call Sandra Bankston at 847-377-3184.


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Forest Preserve News

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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.


Community News

Mundelein Board provides feedback on parcel between Crystal and Courtland streets
The Mundelein Board recently provided feedback and direction to Springbank on a TIF request and the proposed concept plan for the redevelopment of a 15-acre parcel between Crystal Street and Courtland Street, east of Seymour Avenue. The property, referred to as “SB Mundelein Station" has remained vacant for six years and has fallen into a state of disrepair. 

Springbank purchased the property in 2015 and presented to the Mundelein Board a plan for a combination of residential and commercial uses. The proposed project strategically incorporates green space into the design of the site plan. Learn more

Wauconda implements new ice fishing regulations and shelter fees
The Village of Wauconda Board has approved to implement new ice fishing regulations and shelter fees. Visit the village's Marine Unit page to learn more about these changes.

Join Hawthorn Woods' senior group for potluck lunch
Save the date and join the Hawthorn Woods' Senior Group for lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Hawthorn Woods Barn at the Village Hall, 2 Lagoon Drive. The group gathers for a potluck luncheon the second Wednesday of each month. Each month, a different speaker is featured. Bring a dish to pass and a friend. Learn more


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