HILLSIDE – To continue efforts in combating the opioid crisis, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) partnered with the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative and the Code 3 Association to bring the RALI CARES educational trailer to Hillside last week.

In 2016, there were 1,947 overdose deaths due to opioids in Illinois, according to the Department of Public Health. From 1999 to 2016, opioid related overdose deaths in the state nearly quadrupled.

“The statistics on overdose deaths are glaring and they call for action against the opioid crisis that is currently affecting every part of our state,” Lightford said. “The RALI CARES trailer is a tool to help parents and guardians identify signs of drug usage, which will help save lives.”

The RALI CARES trailer is an interactive experience, set up as a mock teenage bedroom for families to view possible warning signs of drug abuse or use. As attendees walk through the trailer, law enforcement and experts answer questions and teach participants about warning signs, potential areas of concern and how to talk to children about the issue of opioid abuse.

The trailer was designed with the help of former addicts, as well as parents of addicts, who pointed out location and concealing tactics they used while struggling with their addictions. It serves as a helpful guide in prevention and early warning education.

For more information visit: www.rali-il.org/.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is partnering with RALI-IL to host the RALI CARES educational trailer outside her new district office at 4415 W Harrison St., Hillside, IL on October 4th from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The RALI CARES exhibit is a hands-on tour of a teenage bedroom to learn about possible warning signs of drug use and/or misuse. Experts will be on hand to guide adults (21+) through the trailer, educating participants about warning signs, potential areas of concern, and answer questions parents or caregivers may have.

The State of Illinois is hosting a Technology Supplier Diversity Day for existing and potential Business Enterprise Program Suppliers on October 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chicago State University.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) hosted her 10th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Hall of Fame this week. The event celebrates the often over-looked work that over 280,000 grandparents in Illinois do to raise their grandchildren.

“I started doing the Hall of Fame because there was no support at all for grandparents,” said Lightford. “We just want to provide them with a day that is specifically for their enjoyment, relaxation and entertainment. I want to let them know that I appreciate them for parenting for a second time and caring for their children and families, and not allowing them to become victims of the system.”

Lightford has inducted 267 grandparents into her Hall of Fame. Inductees receive gift bags with home and kitchen supplies to assist with raising their grandchildren. The event also connects grandparents with state resources to help with their responsibilities.

This year's event was featured in the Austin Weekly News: The real unsung heroes? Grandparents raising grandkids