( Oak Brook, IL ) —- Heroin use in the US is skyrocketing, and the effects are being felt close to home here in Illinois suburbs. According to data published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the rate of use of heroin increased from 1.4 million in 2004 to 2.1 million in 2012. Time reporter Jason McGahan identifies Chicago as an effective pipeline for Heroin distribution as Chicago is a
national transportation hub with major airports and six of the seven major railways.
"Heroin is not just a problem in Little Village, but an epidemic in your little village", statesIllinois State Crime Commission Executive Director, Jerry Elsner. Because of the surge in heroin use by high school age students, the Illinois State Crime Commission asserts that the next dire consequence of this heroin epidemic will be that many of these young people will be forced into the sex trade, having nothing left to sell but themselves to support the drug habit. "The stories are all similar, the young girls begin buying drugs, they get hooked, and they want more. With nothing left but their bodies to offer, they fall victim to human trafficking".
Sadly, parents have no control over older teens that leave home for this dangerous lifestyle. According to some experts, parents have only about 10 days to rescue their child from sex trafficking or that child is likely lost forever.
The Illinois State Crime Commission will use an unprecedented approach to make the public aware of this danger by using 21st century technology to combat a 21st century problem. The ISCC has launched a pilot program, purchasing electronic space on the Daily Herald website featuring the ISCC teen sex trade infomercial. The Illinois State Crime Commission is vigorously exploring the possibility of providing a website where, while working with authorities, parents can post notice of their missing children.
The innovative strategies and groundbreaking video to combat sex trafficking will be unveiled on June 18, 2014 at the 18th Annual Salute To Those Who Make A Difference Award Dinner. The Salute to Those Who Make a Difference will honor in 2014 State Representative Jim Durkin, Oswego Police Chief Dwight Baird, Founder and Chairman of Project Hugs Foundation Dr. Severko Hrywnak and other who uphold the ISCC mission to reduce juvenile delinquency and promote positive interaction between law enforcement and communities, relying heavily on athletics and recreational activities to tighten this bond. For ticket information or to support ISCC efforts contactFrancie@illinoisstatecrimecommission.com .
About the Illinois State Crime Commission:
The Illinois State Crime Commission/Police Athletic League of Illinois is a non-profit guided youth organization, with a mission to reduce juvenile delinquency and promote positive interaction between law enforcement and communities, relying heavily on athletics and recreational activities to tighten this bond.
Founded in 1994, the Illinois State Crime Commission has developed from a small group of concerned citizens into the state's fastest growing not-for-profit organization committed to public safety and law enforcement. The Commission's goal is to offer insightful, creative legislative solutions and assist law enforcement agencies to prevent crime in our communities through a unique blend of awareness and activities
The Illinois State Crime Commission is the largest organization committed to combating public corruption and strengthening the Illinois criminal justice system in this state. The membership and board of directors comprise many of the state's most influential leaders in government, law enforcement, education, labor, business, and in public policy.
The record of accomplishments by the Illinois State Crime Commission is unmatched in crime prevention, anti-terrorism training, education, youth outreach, and in legislative initiatives. Our legislative efforts have been successful in the areas of drunk driving, investigations and exposes, violent crimes, drugs and narcotics, gang awareness, and protecting the lives of children and the citizens of Illinois.
ISCC/PAL Executive Director Jerry Elsner, a former Marine and father of five, remains dedicated to the mission. "I look at it this way," said Elsner, "In my life, I've accomplished more than I ever could have hoped or dreamed for. When I go to bed at night, I want to know that when I wake up in the morning, the world will be a better place."
