Kane County Board Highlights Suicide Prevention, Recovery and Overdose Awareness Through Proclamations
The Kane County Board recognized Sept. 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, while also recognizing Aug. 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day, during an emotional presentation highlighting the devastating impact of suicide and substance use on local families.
In 2025, the Kane County Coroner's Office recorded 48 deaths by suicide, including a 16-year-old, a reminder that suicide can affect people of every age and every part of the community.
The Suicide Prevention Month proclamation was presented to Stephen Derwinski of Suicide Prevention Services of America, a Batavia-based organization dedicated to suicide prevention, by Board member Bill Tarver.
Suicide Prevention Services of America was established in Batavia in 1998 and provides a comprehensive range of suicide prevention services, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers immediate support to individuals experiencing a crisis.
Additionally, promotion of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline continues through the Kane County Health Department ongoing awareness campaign and the distribution of free 988 signs.
Free 988 signs are available at the Health Department's offices at 1240 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, and 2170 Point Blvd., Elgin, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Board also recognized International Overdose Awareness Day through a proclamation. In an emotional tribute, Linda Kious, wife of Kane County Board Member Chris Kious, read the overdose awareness proclamation aloud and dedicated it to the memory of their son.
Kane County recorded 59 drug-related deaths in 2025, including 35 opioid-related deaths. The Kane County Health Department and its partners distributed more than 39,000 doses of naloxone and provided overdose response training to help save lives.
The county has also invested nearly $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds in behavioral health initiatives, with more than $8 million awarded to local organizations to expand mental health and substance use services and improve access to basic needs.
Additionally, Kane County's Overdose Task Force brings together health care providers, public health officials, law enforcement and community organizations to reduce opioid overdoses, expand treatment options and support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
