The HERO Foundation | Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization

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Who is HERO

We are the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization. Our mission is to stop the growing heroin epidemic that has rapidly swept across nation through our own programs and by supporting strategic pieces of legislation all while providing comfort and support to those who have lost a loved one to heroin or are currently helping a loved one who is struggling with this terrible disease.

Billy Roberts and Matt Kirk HERO was founded by John Roberts and Brian Kirk after their two sons, Billy and Matt, were tragically taken from them while battling a heroin addiction. The Two Dads, as the local media took to calling them, set out to call attention to the heroin epidemic spreading throughout similarly affluent middle class communities, to connect with and build a support network of families who have also lost children to heroin, and to work to see the day when no parent has to experience the loss of a child to addiction again.

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The Heroin Epidemic

Heroin use rises Heroin has been steadily and rapidly expanding from the usual centers of use and distribution for over a decade. It can no longer be said to be just an inner city problem or one that affects a certain population or demographic. Heroin use and addiction is now bubbling up from just beneath the surface of many small, affluent, suburban communities and affecting families that were unprepared to face this problem.

HERO is here to push the issue and make sure that the families within these communities are made aware of the growing heroin epidemic. By raising awareness and educating people about what to look for and getting parents, teachers, and authorities all working in concert to keep young people from picking up this deadly habit we can stop the epidemic and build strong bonds between us, our children, and the communities we're all a part of.

HERO is dedicated to educating the public about more than just the alarming statistics. Read on and learn more about addiction, coping with the loss of a loved one, and treatment options that work as well as heroin facts versus myths.

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Recent events

HERO's first and inaugural event (April 2011) was a huge success thanks to the organizations and members of the community who came out to support us.

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HERO in the media

To see more videos and learn more about the problem, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Programs

HERO's mission is all about prevention, intervention, and support and as such we have several programs in the works, the first of which we will be rolling out within the next few months.

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Upcoming Events

Come support HERO at our upcoming events:

Event	Location	Date	More Information
Community Forum - "Response to Heroin as a Public Health Crisis"	Romeoville High School - 100 N. Independence Blvd. Romeoville, IL	Wednesday - November 14, 2012 - 7:00PM	John Roberts and Anne Ibara will speak at this community forum and describe the impact to families cased by the growing heroin epidemic. Dr. James Mitchem - Superintendnet of Valley View District will also speak at this event along with several county officials from Will County HELPS Program (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions).
Community Forum Northbrook Illinois sponsored by North Shores Secret Heroin problem	1201 N. Cedar Lane - Northbrook, IL - Northbrook Public Library	Monday - November 12, 2012 - 7:00PM	John Roberts will represent HERO and speak about the heroin epidemic which is growing and spreading through our local communities.
Drug Awareness Symposium - Hosted by Distrct #86 - Dr. Nichoals Wahl	Hinsdale South High School 7401 S. Clarendon Hiils Road Darein, IL	November 7, 2012 - Wednesday - Resource Fair starts at 6:30PM followed by Presentations starting at 7:00PM	John Roberts will represent HERO and be among several speakers making presentations and particpiating in a panel discussion at this event.
Community Panel Discussion Hosted by Downers Grove Police Department	LOCATION CHANGED! Now meeting at Downers Grove North High School (in the Purple Gym) 4436 Main Street Downers Grove, IL	Thursday, October 25th 7 - 9 PM	John Roberts from HERO will join public officials from Downers Grove and DuPage County to discuss the growing and spreading heroin epidemic.
Memorial Celebration for Johnny Wallenburg	Coach's Corner, 8116 W 143rd St. Orland Park IL	Saturday, October 20th from 7pm until late into the night	A $10 donation at the door will go to HERO and helping families who have lost or are currently struggling with a loved one addicted to heroin
Heroin Epidemic Panel	Christ the Servant Catholic Church, 8700 Havens Dr (corner of Havens Dr and 87th St), Woodridge	August 21st from 7:00pm - 9pm	Brian Kirk and Bill Patrianakos will be a part of a panel discussing the heroin epidemic
Forum at Northcentral College	Northcentral College in Naperville Illinois	July 16th 2012	John Roberts will be a panelist and Bill Patrianakos will speak about his experience with heroin addiction.
John Roberts and Bill Patrianakos on CNN	Live on CNN with Don Lemon	June 23, 2012	John Roberts is interviewed about the heroin epidemic. Bill shares his experience with heroin addiction.
HERO's John Roberts on NBC Nightly News	NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams (TV appearance)	June 2012	See the video and article featuring John Roberts talking about his son, Billy, and his struggles with addiction
HERO HELPS Community Forum	Lewis University	April 13, 2012	Official annual event website
Prayer Vigil for anyone who has lost a loved one to drugs	Calvary Church, Orland Park	January 7, 2012	Official website and information OR see vigil details on the official HERO blog and in HERO news
Community Forum	Lewis University	April 13, 2012
The March of HEROs	Homer Glen	April 30, 2011

Latest News

Find out more about what HERO is doing to help stop the heroin epidemic. More news to come as it breaks.

HERO is supporting Illinois Senate Bill 1701. Learn more about the bill which would give immunity to those who call for emergency assistance for overdose treatment while in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance.

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