Kane health department, Cougars partner to battle opioid crisis this summer
This summer, the Kane County Health Department and the Kane County Cougars will work together to help prevent opioid overdose in the community by raising awareness and providing information and resources like naloxone to combat the opioid crisis.
According to a news release from the health department, the partnership is expected to leverage the Cougars’ platform and influence to educate fans about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of overdose prevention.
“The Cougars are proud to support the Kane County Health Department’s efforts,” Cougars Vice President and General Manager Curtis Haug said in the release. “By working together, we can make a meaningful impact and support those affected by the opioid epidemic.”
The initiative aims to be a significant step toward raising awareness and providing vital resources to combat the opioid crisis by sharing important information and lifesaving tools with more Kane County residents.
Key initiatives of the collaboration include:
• Public awareness campaigns: During home games, the Cougars will play a video from the health department’s Your Story Matters campaign, which encourages anyone affected by the opioid epidemic to visit overdoseinfo.org for support and resources.
• Training and resources: The health department will provide training sessions for Cougars staff on the administration of naloxone so they can be prepared should an overdose emergency arise.
• Community outreach events: The health department staff will be on hand at Northwestern Medicine Field for the July 30 and Aug. 30 home games to distribute free naloxone, the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray, and provide attendees with support services information.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Kane County Cougars in this vital initiative,” health department Executive Director Michael Isaacson said in the release. “The opioid crisis continues to affect many families in our community, and through this collaboration, we hope to increase awareness, provide essential resources, and ultimately save lives.”
For more information on the opioid overdose prevention initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Kane County Health Department’s overdose prevention website at overdoseinfo.com or the Kane County Cougars’ website at kccougars.com.