New Lenox Holds Virtual Overdose Awareness Event

NEW LENOX, IL — For the past two years, the Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition have hosted “Your Light Still Shines,” in support of Overdose Awareness Day. The event is normally held in-person and features various informational tables and other events, but it will be held virtually this year, according to a release.

The event will be held via Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 28 and will feature several speakers, including: Necia Newcomb, a recovering substance user; Christopher Druce-Jones, a Director of Chaplaincy at Rosecrance Recovery Center; and Jessie Monreal, who works on the inpatient addition unit at Ingalls hospital.

Video conference participants will hear real stories and receive information that will be helpful for themselves and their loved ones, a release states. The event also honors those who lost their battle with drug addiction and provides hope and support for those who are still struggling.

You can register online for the virtual event.

More information taken from the news release on the speakers can be found below:

Necia Newcomb is a very grateful recovering substance user with 6+ years of recovery. Newcomb was opioid dependent for a long time and never believed she could become sober. Newcomb is currently working full-time, a mother to two beautiful girls, a loving wife of 4+ years, and a homeowner. Newcomb lives her life to bring awareness to the seriousness of addiction and accompanying mental health issues that result from addiction. Newcomb’s goal is to help end the stigma of drug addiction and help others achieve sobriety.

Christopher Druce-Jones will present “Experiencing and Coping with Grief and Loss During COVID-19.” Druce-Jones, MDiv, Director of Chaplaincy, joined the Rosecrance team in July 2017. He has 20 years of experience working in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. Druce-Jones earned a Bachelor in Arts in philosophy and religion from Dillard University in New Orleans and a Master of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Iowa. He specializes in organizational management and administration, leadership development, congregational care, small group facilitation, and church revitalization. Druce-Jones also served as a personnel management specialist in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves from 1988-1997.

Jessie Monreal currently works on the inpatient addiction unit at Ingalls. She has her CADC credentials as well as an associate's degree in addiction studies. Monreal spent four years at Stepping Stones in Joliet, first as an intern, then as a counselor, and the last two and a half years as a case manager. Monreal celebrated seven years in recovery on July 30. She has been writing since she was young and has several published articles on the topics of addiction and mental health, as well as a blog. Monreal is the mother of a 12-year-old son, Shane, and they live in Orland Park.