Ron Turner talks with Mila Tsagalis, Director of Community Initiatives at the DuPage County Health Department about the importance of education on drug use and prevention. Tsagalis says even though DuPage County has been rated the healthiest County in the State if Illinois, drug overdose fatalities as well as usage have increased. Tsagalis explains the drug problem crosses all socio/economic barriers and is predominantly male in the age range on average of 30’s to 50’s, however over the last ten years they have seen the age averages broaden from early teens to people in their 70’s. Tsagalis explains the risk factors that lead to substance abuse disorder could be anything from genetics to childhood trama. Tsagalis says her department focuses on education for the prevention of substance abuse reaching out to middle and high school students both in class and outside of class as well as parents. Tsagalis says the best way to reduce drug abuse is to reduce drug access so educating the community on how to discard their expired or unused drugs. Tsagalis says it’s important for people to realize they have a 24/7 Crisis helpline available to call if they are experiencing a mental health crisis, that number is 630-627-1700. Tsagalis is excited to discuss their Hope DuPage and NARCAN educating program available to the community which can help remove barriers for people who need to receive NARCAN. They can be contacted at (https://www.dupagehealth.org) and (www.hopedupage.org)
Original airdate: 2/25/2024
Closer Look weblink may be shared or posted to social media and/or organization website, but audio may not be duplicated, altered, re-broadcast or streamed without prior approval. May not be used for organizational fundraising purposes. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved)
Ron joined EMF in 2023 and he covers Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, portions of NE and NJ, including major markets Chicago, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
