Remember Loved Ones At Arlington Heights Overdose Awareness Event

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Since 2001, Aug. 31 has been an important date globally, with International Overdose Awareness Day marked on the calendar. For Jody Daitchman, the day has held a special and significant meaning for the past 15 years.

In December 2008, Daitchman's son, Alex Laliberte, died from an accidental heroin overdose in the family's Buffalo Grove home. He was only 20 years old.

Daitchman is determined to keep her son's spirit alive and help others in need. A few months after his death, she, along with her daughter, Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, and Alex's dad, Gary Laliberte, started Live4lali. The nonprofit organization is based in Arlington Heights.

"Live4lali is extremely close to my heart," Daitchman told Patch. "We were a small grassroots organization that really led the way when it came to losing a loved one from a substance."

RELATED: Family Remembers Laliberte, Raises Funds for Youth Programs

As in years past, Daitchman is organizing a local event on Aug. 31 to remember those who have lost their lives to a substance-related passing. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at North School Park, N. Evergreen Avenue and E Eastman Street, Arlington Heights.

"This year, we are including speakers of friends, family and siblings of those that have passed and what life has been like for them trying to pick up the pieces after a tragedy like this," Daitchman said.

Daitchman is asking attendees to bring a chair and a framed picture of their loved one. There will also be naloxone training and fentanyl test strips available during what "promises to be an emotional few hours," according to Daitchman.

Daitchman said Live4lali has a close relationship with the Arlington Heights Police Department, especially through the organization's Community Addiction & Recovery Effort. Care is a 24/7 phone line assisting individuals who are battling substance use disorder, providing treatment navigation, case management, and referral to services.

Live4lali is out in different counties each day of the week with its mobile truck, known as the "Stigma Cruiser." The truck serves those in need with harm reduction supplies. The organization also holds recovery support meetings, grief support and an "Angels Mom" community.

"Every person, young or old, should be educated about harm reduction, carry naloxone and realize that no one is immune to overdose or an overdose death," Daitchman said. "Language is also an important component of what we do. We meet people where they are at and treat them with the utmost respect. This is a disease like every other disease, and knowledge about this is a must."

To learn more about Live4lali, visit the organization's website here.