Public Health and Safety Committee highlights expanded Narcan distribution and changes to overdose reporting

A committee member reported that in April the county recorded one fatal and one nonfatal overdose and that new state requirements now have emergency personnel reporting overdoses into the ODMAP system, feeding rapid alerts to the county.

"If they do that, then if it's in Will County, then we get an alert on OD map," the member said, describing a consolidated database that provides faster geographic information for intervention planning.

The committee discussed Naloxone Plus, a program that offers a peer‑led warm handoff and outreach after nonfatal overdoses. Committee remarks credited Naloxone Plus with two recent successful referrals into treatment. The report listed distribution metrics for prevention supplies: "We distributed 1,140 boxes of Narcan last month," and staff said 126 test strips were distributed across 49 locations.

Members described expanded partnerships with Joliet Junior College and local school districts to provide prevention and response services and noted that Narcan training has been delivered to a range of non‑health organizations, including casino management and private construction companies.

The session also included a discussion about kratom regulation after committee members said Plainfield is considering an ordinance. One member stated that kratom "touches the same receptors as an opioid" and urged education or a presentation for local officials; other members suggested consistent medical oversight and FDA review as a long‑term approach. No formal policy was adopted at this meeting.

The committee adjourned after approving minutes and set its next meeting for June 4.