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Panel highlights Will County overdose toll and urges local recovery supports
Summary
Panelists urged reducing stigma, staying present with people in pain and expanding local recovery supports after Delia told Homer Glen residents that Will County recorded 72 drug‑related deaths in 2025 and that at least one occurred in Homer Glen.
Delia, a licensed therapist who spoke to the Village of Homer Glen Behavioral Health and Addiction Recovery Committee, told attendees: "In Will County alone, 72 people died from a drug related cause in 2025." She said 31 of those deaths involved fentanyl or heroin and that some overdoses included xylazine, which complicates reversal with naloxone (Narcan). Delia added: "At least 1 of those 72 people died right here in Homer Glen."
Panelists described how loneliness and shame can deepen addiction and make people less likely to seek help. "This addiction does not start in a vacuum. It starts in pain," Delia said, urging presence and nonjudgmental support from friends and neighbors as a first step toward recovery.
Lee Powers, a clinical intern at Lotus Healing and Wellness, listed local recovery meeting options near Homer Glen (meetings in Mokena, Crest Hill and Orland Park) and described practical signs that someone may need help — withdrawing from family, low motivation, mood changes, emotional numbing — and immediate actions: check in, offer to sit with the person, and call 911 for an overdose. Lee noted that "Narcan can be obtained at most pharmacies without an individual prescription under the statewide standing order" and reminded listeners that staying with an overdosing person after administering naloxone and calling emergency services is essential.
Speakers urged the community to reduce stigma, carry naloxone when possible and increase low‑barrier peer supports. The committee said it will publish links to local recovery resources on its webpage and provide a recording of the panel for residents who want to review the discussion.
