Opioids

A class of drugs that includes heroin, prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone (i.e., Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®), and dangerous synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, carfentanil, and other analogues. Opioids work in the brain to reduce pain and can also produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria.

Prescription opioids are important pain medications that can provide relief for acute or chronic pain. Unfortunately, they can also be prescribed inappropriately and misused. Misuse of prescription opioids increases the risk of developing opioid use disorder (OUD) and may lead to overdose.

Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website for more information, as well as information on Prevention and Harm Reduction.

Illinois has a 24-hour helpline devoted to connecting individuals to treatment for opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. If you need help for yourself, or on behalf of a loved one, call 1-833-2FINDHELP

Naloxone can be a life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. 

Our department partnered with the Evanston Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department to launch an initiative aimed at preventing deaths and hospitalizations caused by opioid usage and overdoses. With this initatie there was Fivev(5) emergency Naloxone boxes installed. 

Individuals may also complete this HIPAA-protected survey to schedule a time to pick up Naloxone at the Civic Center.

• Distributing Narcan to organizations and individuals in need.
• Educating and providing resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• Establishing access to testing for infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C, which can result from intravenous opioid use.
• Expanding training for first responders, outreach teams, and community support groups 
• Engage non-profits and faith communities as a system to support outreach