Overdose is preventable — and you can save a life by knowing the signs and carrying naloxone. The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) offers free training, free naloxone kits, and connections to treatment and recovery resources. This guide tells you who to contact and where to go for help.
How to Contact the Kane County Health Department for Naloxone Training
KCHD offers free, in-person naloxone training to all Kane County residents. You’ll learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone, and receive a free naloxone kit to take home.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What | Free naloxone (Narcan) training + free naloxone kit |
| Where | Kane County Health Department, 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora, IL |
| Annual Event | August 31 — International Overdose Awareness Day, 1:00–1:30 PM |
| Registration | Not required — just show up |
| Cost | Free |
| Who Can Attend | All Kane County residents |
What You’ll Learn at Training
- How to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose
- How to administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an overdose
- What to do while waiting for emergency responders
- How to get additional naloxone kits and resources
In 2024, naloxone was used more than 50 times to save a life in Kane County. Your training could be the difference between life and death.
How to Contact Kane County’s Information & Referral Specialist for Personalized Help
If you or a loved one needs help finding substance use treatment, recovery support, or other resources, Kane County has a dedicated specialist who can connect you with the right services.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Toni Garcia, Information and Referral Specialist |
| Phone | 331-312-0060 |
| garciatoni@kanecountyil.gov |
What Toni Garcia Can Help With
- Finding substance use treatment providers in Kane County
- Connecting you with Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) prescribers
- Locating free naloxone near you
- Referrals to counseling, support groups, and recovery programs
- Navigating insurance and payment options for treatment
- Support for family members and loved ones
How to Contact Illinois’ 24/7 Substance Use Helpline
For immediate help at any hour of the day or night, Illinois operates a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for substance use support.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Call | 833-234-6343 |
| Text | Text HELP to 833234 |
| Available | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Cost | Free and confidential |
What the Helpline Offers
- Crisis intervention and support
- Information about treatment options
- Referrals to local providers and programs
- Support for family members and friends
- Guidance on how to help someone in crisis
How to Find Free Naloxone Near You in Kane County
Naloxone is available for free at locations throughout Kane County — no prescription, no training, no cost.
| Location Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Public Libraries | Various Kane County library branches |
| Police Departments | Local police stations throughout the county |
| College/University Campuses | Campus health centers |
| Gas Stations & Retail | Participating convenience stores and retailers |
| Other Community Sites | Health centers, community organizations |
Find Naloxone Near You
| Resource | How to Access |
|---|---|
| Full Naloxone Distribution Map | Visit overdoseinfo.org and explore the interactive map |
| Call for Help | Contact Toni Garcia at 331-312-0060 or garciatoni@kanecountyil.gov |
| Kane County Health Department | 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora, IL |
How to Contact the Kane County Health Department Directly
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora, IL |
| Website | kanecountyhealth.org |
| Executive Director | Michael Isaacson |
How to Find a Buprenorphine Prescriber for Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR)
Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) uses FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone) combined with counseling to treat opioid use disorder. Kane County maintains a Buprenorphine Prescribers Directory to help residents find doctors who can help.
| Resource | How to Access |
|---|---|
| Kane County Buprenorphine Prescribers Directory | Available at overdoseinfo.org |
| Referral Help | Contact Toni Garcia at 331-312-0060 or garciatoni@kanecountyil.gov |
How to Learn More About Opioids and Overdose Prevention Online
| Resource | Website | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| Overdose Info (Kane County) | overdoseinfo.org | Information about opioids, family stories, warning signs, naloxone map, resources |
| Kane County Health Department | kanecountyhealth.org | Health department programs, events, and services |
| Illinois Helpline | Text HELP to 833234 or call 833-234-6343 | 24/7 substance use support |
How to Recognize an Opioid Overdose
Knowing the signs could save someone’s life:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Unresponsive | Person won’t wake up or respond to shouting or shaking |
| Slow or Stopped Breathing | Very slow, shallow, or no breathing |
| Blue or Gray Lips/Fingertips | Skin color changes, especially lips and nail beds |
| Pinpoint Pupils | Very small, constricted pupils |
| Choking or Gurgling Sounds | Known as the “death rattle” |
| Cold, Clammy Skin | Pale or bluish skin that feels cool |
What to Do If You Suspect an Overdose
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer naloxone (nasal spray into one nostril)
- Stay with the person — keep them on their side to prevent choking
- If no response in 2–3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone
- Perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained and needed
- Stay until help arrives
Illinois has a Good Samaritan Law — you are protected from certain drug-related charges if you call 911 to help someone experiencing an overdose.
What Is Naloxone (Narcan)?
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | A life-saving nasal medication that reverses opioid overdoses |
| What It Treats | Overdoses from fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and other opioids |
| How It’s Given | Simple nasal spray — no needles required |
| Is It Addictive? | No — naloxone is not addictive and has no effect if no opioids are present |
| Where to Get It | Free at libraries, police departments, campuses, gas stations, and KCHD |
| Does It Work on All Overdoses? | Only works on opioid overdoses, not alcohol, cocaine, or methamphetamine |
| Cost | Free in Kane County |
International Overdose Awareness Day: August 31
Each year on August 31, the Kane County Health Department hosts a community event to:
- Remember loved ones lost to substance use
- Stand with those still grieving
- Educate the community about overdose prevention
- Distribute free naloxone kits and training
- Connect people with treatment and recovery resources
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | August 31 (annually) |
| Location | Kane County Health Department, 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora, IL |
| Time | 1:00–1:30 PM |
| Cost | Free |
| Registration | Not required |
“Overdose Awareness Day is a very personal occasion and one that is shared by many across our community. This is a day when many people pause to remember their loved one who lost their life to substance use.” — Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director
Quick Reference: Contact Information
| Who to Contact | How | When |
|---|---|---|
| Kane County Info & Referral Specialist (Toni Garcia) | 331-312-0060 or garciatoni@kanecountyil.gov | Treatment referrals, naloxone, general help |
| Illinois 24/7 Substance Use Helpline | Call 833-234-6343 or text HELP to 833234 | Anytime, day or night |
| Naloxone Training (Annual) | KCHD, 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora | August 31, 1:00–1:30 PM |
| Free Naloxone Locations | overdoseinfo.org (interactive map) | Available now at libraries, police, campuses, etc. |
| Buprenorphine Prescribers | overdoseinfo.org (directory) | Find MAR doctors in Kane County |
| Emergency (Active Overdose) | 911 | Immediately — then administer naloxone |
| Kane County Health Department | 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora, IL | Business hours |
Important Reminders
- Naloxone is free throughout Kane County — at libraries, police departments, campuses, and more.
- No registration needed for the annual training on August 31 — just show up.
- Call 911 first if you suspect an overdose, then administer naloxone.
- Illinois Good Samaritan Law protects you when you call for help during an overdose.
- You don’t need a prescription to get naloxone in Kane County.
- Treatment is available — Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) is effective for opioid use disorder.
- Help is available 24/7 — call 833-234-6343 or text HELP to 833234 anytime.
- Toni Garcia (331-312-0060) is your personal connection to Kane County resources — reach out for help finding care.
- Overdose is preventable — carry naloxone, know the signs, and don’t hesitate to act.
- You are not alone — International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) is a time to remember, support, and take action.
This guide is based on a media release from the Kane County Health Department (August 17, 2026) regarding International Overdose Awareness Day. For the most current information, visit overdoseinfo.org or contact the Kane County Health Department at 1240 N. Highland Ave, Aurora, IL.
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