From the County Health Department:
Recent spike in suspected overdose deaths and non-fatal opioid overdoses reported in McHenry County
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is alerting residents of a recent spike in both suspected overdose deaths and non-fatal opioid overdoses within the last four weeks.
Overdose deaths can be classified as accidental, suicide, or homicide, though they most commonly fall into the accidental or suicide categories.
While these deaths are not yet confirmed as opioid-related, most overdose fatalities in McHenry County involve opioids – often fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
Fentanyl is highly lethal and continues to be found in various illicit drugs, including counterfeit pills sold as ‘legitimate prescription medications’ obtained unlawfully.
For data on local overdose trends, visit the McHenry County Health Atlas.
The MCDH reminds residents of the Good Samaritan Act, also known as the Emergency Medical Services Access Law of 2012.
This law protects individuals seeking emergency assistance, whether by calling 911 or transporting someone to an emergency room for an overdose or related care, as well as those experiencing an overdose, from being charged or prosecuted for felony drug possession under specified amounts.
The MCDH and its partners want residents to remain safe and ensure they have the supplies they need. Fentanyl test strips, used to detect fentanyl in all types and forms of drugs, can help prevent an overdose, while naloxone can help reverse an overdose. Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed in some instances. Rescue breaths may also be needed in addition to naloxone. For instructions on how to administer naloxone, visit narcan.com/en/how-to-use-narcan-nasal-spray.
See the attached flyer for McHenry County Naloxone Access Points. Fentanyl test strips and naloxone are available for free at the following locations in McHenry County:
McHenry County Department of Health (For more information, please call (815) 334-4500.)
- Supplies are available for walk-ins during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm). No ID is required.
- Woodstock: 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Building A
- Supplies are also available for free at MCDH naloxone vending machines located at The Other Side Café and Sober Bar in Crystal Lake, McHenry County College (Cafeteria) in Crystal Lake, Community Health Partnership in Harvard, and the Youth and Family Center of McHenry County in McHenry.
Live4Lali (Supplies for local delivery are available by visiting bit.ly/l4lsupplies or by calling or texting (224) 297-4393.)
- Live4Lali will have supplies available at various events across McHenry County.
- Every Friday, 10am-2pm (except 5th Fridays or holidays) | Community Resource Days at Willow Creek Church (Crystal Lake)
Warp Corps (For more information, please call (815) 985-6256.)
- Supplies are available Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, at 114 N. Benton Street in Woodstock.
The Break Crystal Lake Teen Center (To inquire about available supplies, please call (779) 220-4080 or (815) 557-6734.)
The Other Side Café & Sober Bar (For more information, please call (799) 220-8943.)
- Supplies are available Monday-Thursday (8am-1pm and 5pm-9pm), Friday-Saturday (8am-1pm and 5pm-11pm), and Sunday (8am-11pm) at 135 Beardsley St. in Crystal Lake.
A Way Out – McHenry County (For support & navigation to treatment, call (815) 347-0385 or email mchenryawayout@ndars.org.)
- A Way Out – McHenry County offers substance use assessment on a daily basis from 8am-11pm to anyone in McHenry County that wishes to seek recovery. If you are unable to pay for treatment due to lack of insurance or financial resources, you will not be turned away. A Way Out works with providers that accept several different insurance plans and accommodate those without insurance. See the attached brochure for additional information.
The Other Side Café & Sober Bar will also be hosting the Laugh It Off Comedy Show on Saturday, March 29 at 8pm. New Directions Addiction Recovery Services and the MCDH will be on-site with naloxone, test strips, and program information.
The McHenry County Substance Awareness Coalition (SAC) provides resources to individuals and families in McHenry County to mobilize the community to build a unified focus and empower all residents to participate in substance awareness. The McHenry County SAC meets on the 4th Monday of every month from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the McHenry County Mental Health Board (620 Dakota St. in Crystal Lake) to address identified substance awareness issues in the county. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24. These meetings are always open to the public.
