Dear HMS Parents,
We would like to invite you to an upcoming community event that is being hosted in our new, beautiful HMS building! Please join us for an evening of education and conversation about a topic that is hitting close to home: “The Opioid Epidemic” in DuPage County. District 181 is happy to welcome leaders in the community to learn and discuss what we all can do together to support our youth and one another with this growing problem.
SAVE THE DATE:
Thursday, February 28, 6:30-8:30 PM
Hinsdale Middle School (Gym)
Note: This event is not recommended for elementary students.
Presenters for the evening will include: (in the following order)
1. Chelsea Laliberte, MSSA, Founder and Executive Director of Live4Lali
Live4Lali started as a family foundation 10 years ago, following the overdose death of Chelsea’s younger brother, Alex. Over the last several years they have done amazing work in addressing the needs of individuals and families affected by substance use. Chelsea is in private practice as a counselor supporting youth and their families with various mental health issues and is considered an expert in the field. She will be discussing signs and symptoms of addiction, early intervention and prevention strategies, and available supports. You can learn more about Chelsea and her organization at live4lali.org.
2. The Stefani Family, including Neuropsychologist, Dr. Roger Stefani
Marge, Roger, and Steve, are the parents and brother of Matt, a former District 181 student who suffered and died of the disease of addiction. They have recently started Hope for Healing, a non-for-profit organization that will focus on raising awareness and understanding, reducing stigma, and providing support for individuals and families affected by drug addiction. Their talk will focus on their personal journey with Matt and what they learned along the way. Steve Stefani will also be presenting to our 8th grade students during the school day.
3. Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney
Mr. Berlin will present on the current statistics, how law enforcement is addressing this epidemic, and how the court system is dealing with this problem.
We are looking forward to spending the evening with you. For further information or questions, please contact HMS Social Worker, Maria Jandak (630-861-4715).