(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A new support group is being created in Kane County to help people who have lost loved ones to a drug overdose.
“Losing someone to an overdose is a very specific and unique type of loss,” says Sydney Johnson.
That’s why the doctoral student at Roosevelt University wants to create a free bereavement group specifically for people who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses.
“There's a lot of shame. There's a lot of stigma and isolation involved, and the thought behind it is to bring people together who have a shared similar experience who might not feel comfortable sharing in a general grief group what that is,” she explains.
Johnson was born and raised in Kane County, so she reached out to local Coroner Rob Russell about the idea. He embraced it, as did Kane County Board Member Anita Lewis, who lost two nephews to overdoses.
Johnson says those chosen to participate will go through an 8-week program together to help them understand not only their grief, but also the struggle their loved ones were likely dealing with before they died.
If you are interested, please call or text (773) 309-1060 or email sydneyjohnson821@gmail.com.
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