Police to Host Forum on Suburban Heroin Epidemic

The Wheaton Police Department will host a forum on the growing epidemic of heroin use in the suburbs Monday, Feb. 4, to connect the community with local law enforcement, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office and experts in the field.

DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin, Claudia Evenson, director of outreach services for Rosecrance Health Network, John Roberts, Co-founder of the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization (HERO), and Kathleen Burke, CEO Robert Crown Center for Health Education will attend the forum, to share their knowledge of heroin use. 

Berlin has served as the DuPage County State’s Attorney since December 14, 2010. He has prosecutorial experience in Cook, Kane and DuPage counties where he has successfully prosecuted numerous murder cases and serious felonies, according to a message from the Wheaton Police Department.

Berlin said at an event in Hinsdale in November that law enforcement's battle against heroin is difficult because of the drug's accessibility. He urged parents to focus on their child's safety over their privacy. 

Evenson coordinates various community activities such as educational programming in schools and early intervention classes. Evenson holds a certificate in Addiction Studies from Felician College and is a Certified Supervisor Alcohol Drug Counselor with more than 27 years of experience.

Roberts is a former Captain of the Chicago Police Department who retired after more than 30 years of service. He holds several advanced degrees including a doctoral degree from Loyola University. He is also a parent who tragically lost his son to heroin addiction.

He and another dad who lost a son to heroin started the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization (HERO), which through support programs, aims to help the families of those who have lost a child to heroin, according to Hinsdale Patch.

Burke joined the Robert Crown Center for Health Education in July 2005. She has introduced an intensive collaborative effort to create a new model of health education that is relevant, sustainable and effective for both children and their influencers. Member of task force for NCPIE, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and representatives from 15 nationally recognized prevention, health professional and child advocacy organizations.

The forum will be 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at the Wheaton Community Center, 1777 Blanchard St., Wheaton.