The Kane County Health Department is dedicated to supporting our community in addressing the increasing opioid overdose epidemic by supplying police departments, substance use treatment centers, schools, workplaces, churches and the public with life-saving naloxone, a medication used to reverse an overdose caused by opioids. We also support community organizations who work with at-risk populations to reduce opioid overdose deaths.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, contact the Illinois Helpline at 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234. The Helpline is free and confidential, and you don’t need to have insurance to access treatment.
As of January 1, 2024, House Bill 3428 requires that all school districts to maintain a supply of an opioid antagonist, and that it should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected. The Kane County Health Department can supply schools with naloxone and train staff at no charge. Learn more
Email the Opioid Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution Program
Other Substance Prevention
Tobacco and Vaping
The Kane County Tobacco Control and Prevention Program serves all Kane County residents, workplaces and organizations toward a smoke and tobacco-free environment for all. We work with individuals, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and other groups across Kane County to prevent tobacco initiation among youth, promote quitting tobacco use among adults and youth, eliminate secondhand smoke exposure, and promote compliance with the Smoke-Free Illinois Act.
Cannabis
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive substance that produces the “high” associated with smoking cannabis and can also lead to central nervous system depression.
THC over activates certain brain cell receptors, resulting in effects such as:
- Altered senses
- Changes in mood
- Impaired body movement
- Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
- Impaired memory and learning
Cannabis can cause some very uncomfortable side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia and, in rare cases, extreme psychotic reactions.
Cannabis use can lead to substance use disorder, often referred to as addiction.
- Nationally, 30.7% of high school seniors used cannabis (marijuana) in the past year.
- In addition, many young people also use vaping devices to consume cannabis products. In 2022, nearly 20.6% of 12th graders reported that they vaped marijuana in the past year and 2.1% reported that they did so daily.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the U.S. with 58% of Illinois HS seniors using alcohol in 2022.
According to the 2022 Illinois Youth Survey Kane County Report, in the past 12 months,
- 41% of 12th graders have consumed alcohol
- 17% of this used alcohol with the idea that it would help them relax, feel better about themselves, and fit in.
- 13% of 12th graders rode in a car driven by someone (including themselves) who was "high" or had been using alcohol or drugs.
- 23% of 10th graders, and 24% of 12th graders indicated they were concerned about a friend’s substance abuse.
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