Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

04/28/2026

Our monthly meeting was all about celebrating the people who make our community thrive.

We enjoyed great conversation, refreshments, and took time to recognize some truly outstanding members.

✨ Catalyst Award
Brian Delli & CeCe Disomma

🤝 Connector Award
Neesha Stringfellow & Sheree Stilwell

04/28/2026

We’re proud to have two of our coalition members representing our community at a national conference this week!

Joan Stefka (Will County Health Department) and Amber Mitchell (Joliet Public Schools) are attending NatCon 2026 in Denver, sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The conference, held April 27–29 at the Colorado Convention Center, brings together leaders from across the country to advance mental health and wellness.

We’re proud to see their leadership in action and grateful for the knowledge and connections they’ll bring back to strengthen our work locally.

04/28/2026

We cordially invite you to the Southwest Coalition on Substance Abuse Issues' Annual Spring Conference on May 1st, where esteemed speakers, including our CEO, Dr. Bipin Sharma, will be presenting. Registration is now open!

04/27/2026

Join us for our next alcohol subcommittee meeting!

April 28th at 9:00 am both in person and via Zoom

In person: Will County Sheriff's Office (16911 W Laraway Rd., Joliet)
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86482249454?pwd=mBTK5VUMFAgkJguR50Y0wxk5u9yBMB.1

04/26/2026

Monthly Coalition Meeting – Member Appreciation!

Join us for our upcoming coalition meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 9:30 AM. This is our special Member Appreciation Meeting, and we strongly encourage all members to attend in person if possible!

📍 Location: Sheriff’s Office
💻 Virtual Option: Join via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86482249454?pwd=mBTK5VUMFAgkJguR50Y0wxk5u9yBMB.1

What to Expect:

Member recognition & awards
Refreshments
Special presentation by Jarett Burton from Serenity House on Kratom
Bonus: The Alcohol Subcommittee will meet prior at 9:00 AM

We hope to see you there as we celebrate and appreciate the incredible work of our members!

04/25/2026

DISPOSE OF UNNEEDED MEDICATIONS AT DEA NATIONAL TAKE BACK DAY!

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

The green drop box will be located at the following locations:

Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 West Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433

Braidwood Police Department
141 W Main Street
Braidwood, IL 60408

04/23/2026

Join us for this month's smoking/vaping subcommittee meeting!

Friday April 24th at 10:00 am via Teams
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/270960330365317?p=0yvUbH6ejDzobnQ4Qb

04/21/2026

Talking to your teen about alcohol might not be easy—but it matters more than you think.

Underage drinking is still a major issue, and many teens who drink tend to binge, putting their health and future at risk. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is make your stance clear: you don’t approve of underage drinking.

Start the conversation in a way that feels natural for your family:
✔️ Share a fact you recently learned about how alcohol impacts teens
✔️ Talk about how drinking could affect their goals, plans, or future

Keep it honest. Keep it supportive. Your voice makes a difference.

Learn more and get helpful tips here: https://willcountycoalition.com/talk-to-your-teen-let-them-know-that-you-disapprove-of-under-age-drinking/

04/17/2026

It is possible to live a healthy and productive life. If you or someone you know is looking for help related to alcohol misuse, free and confidential support is available at samhsa.gov/find-help

Also, reach out to our partners at Community Assistance Recovery Initiative for additional support in Will County.
815-724-1404 or acastaneda@willcosheriff.org

04/17/2026

We’re proud to partner with the Lockport Police Department! From their work with Too Good for Drugs to the meaningful connections they build every day in our schools and community, their impact goes far beyond the classroom. We’re grateful for their continued commitment to supporting and uplifting our youth.

You never know the impact you’ll make.

Officer Andy visits our school to teach students through the Too Good for Drugs program, and I happened to catch a special moment during arrival. As he walked in greeting students, one little girl ran up to give him a big hug, while another student couldn’t wait to share all about his favorite book.

It’s the little moments that matter, and every relationship has the potential to make a lasting impression.

Thank you, Officer Andy, for the incredible impact you make at Walsh each and every day!