Lutheran Social Services of Illinois-Prevention Services

05/27/2026

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026! During graduation season (and as summer activities unfold), it’s a crucial time for parents and students to make informed, responsible decisions.

The Communities Talk to Prevent Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse Toolkit offers valuable resources to help parents and students create impactful, prevention-focused events. Whether you’re planning a graduation celebration or organizing summer activities, this toolkit provides the strategies needed to engage your community and promote healthy, substance-free choices.

Take the next step in ensuring a safe and positive summer for all.
🔗 Explore the toolkit today: www.samhsa.gov/communities-talk

05/22/2026

Happy Friday, everyone!
Our Prevention Specialists had a great time participating in activities with the students in our local schools to celebrate . We were fortunate to have nice weather for several days so there was a lot of chalk and paint involved! 🖌️☀️

Thank you to Amboy Jr. High School and Reagan Middle School in Lee County for participating in National Prevention Week through the creativity of their students! Amboy Jr. High Schools Youth Advisory Committee decorated NPW related rocks to display outdoors and Reagan Middle Schools 6th-8th participated in a chalk activity where they encouraged their student body to stay away from using drugs and shared other positive messages!

05/22/2026

05/15/2026

☀️Happy Friday friends!

Now, these resources are available for access and lookup all the time, but in honor of SAMHSA's , we'd like to highlight a variety of resources available for those in need.

✨SAMHSA's National Helpline - 24/7 referrals to local treatment, support groups, and resources: call 800-662-HELP(4357) (english & spanish available) or TTY: 800-487-4889, or text your zip code to: 435748 (HELP4U).
✨FindTreatment.gov - find treatment facilities for substance use and/or mental health issues
✨National Institute of Mental Health
✨The National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA
✨Text or call 988 -- 24/7 judgement free support for mental health, substance use, or other help you need, ✨https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988 has a link for Deaf/HoH and spanish speakers to access help
✨ https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options - has information on treatment options, explanation on patient rights, child safety, and explanations of treatment medications

These are just a few of the resources available. There are many more that can be found on the SAMHSA website. There are subcategories, etc. that are attached as well. Please take a look and share, utilize as you feel the need. NO ONE is alone in their fight, and the goal here is to make sure that everyone understands that and can find the help they need.

05/15/2026

During and year-round, thousands of organizations and individuals across the country host health fairs, block parties, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more. These community events help raise awareness about preventing substance use and promoting well-being (in a fun and engaging way)!
SAMHSA has several campaigns, events, and online tools to use and participate in to aid the goal of raising awareness of preventing substance use, for example: talk.they hear you, screen4success, Voices of Youth, and FentAlert. To learn more, go to https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/campaigns-events
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA SAMHSA

05/13/2026

As National Prevention Week continues, I'd like to highlight some of the events our prevention specialists have recently taken part in:

Oregon Police Department, Ogle County Health Department, LSSI-prevention services-Project LEAD, and the Oregon VFW held a Drug Take Back Day event where community members could bring in their expired or no longer needed medications. The Oregon PD accepted pills, while the OCHD accepted liquids. For those with sharps they were directed to the Sharps disposal box located at the health department on Pines Road. Those that brought medications were given a raffle ticket for a chance to win items donated by local community businesses. Project LEAD handed out medication disposal pouches and bottle locks along with the location of drop boxes throughout Ogle County. The VFW was open during the event providing access and information (and some excellent lunch choices).

Ogle County Youth Committee's National Youth Violence Prevention Week rock painting activity at Oregon Jr/Sr High School - the students painted rocks and placed them around the community. Lee County Youth Committee's students did the same around Amboy middle school. Check out all the colorful rocks and the messages they painted!

05/13/2026

It's !
Help amplify the power of prevention by sharing your story using ! Whether it’s how you’re preventing substance use or promoting well-being, every journey is unique. Your story can inspire change. Learn how to get involved: samhsa.gov/prevention-week/my-prevention-story

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

National Prevention Week (May 10-16, 2026) is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country that are preventing substance use — and promoting well-being. NPW promotes resources sharing, community involvement, and partner engagement. We're stronger together! Keep an eye out for more information as we get closer to National Prevention Week.

04/25/2026

Welcome to Saturday friends! ☀️

🚨Today is Drug Take Back Day!💊
Really every day is Day, but today is meant to really remind everyone on the importance of the proper disposal of prescription and non-prescription drugs. All too often these medications fall into the wrong hands which is dangerous and can often end tragically. When medications are no longer needed they should not be thrown away, flushed, or just left around the house, they should be properly removed. This can be done easily, anonymously, and safely through your local courthouse, pharmacy, or police department. If you're unsure where to go to drop off in your neighborhood, you can visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA website also has many resources for substance use treatment, therapy, phone numbers, etc., if you find yourself or someone you care about in need.

Below are the drop box locations for Dixon, Whiteside, Ogle, and Lee Counties.

Ogle County Community Mental Health 708 Board
LSSI Wellness and Recovery Community

04/25/2026