Building stronger communities,
one connection at a time.
The Rotary Club of Downers Grove unites community leaders for friendship, service, and impactful giving. We raise funds to support local nonprofits, empower future leaders with scholarships, and contribute to global initiatives. Through fellowship and action, we transform lives in Downers Grove and around the world.
Stories of Service
The Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Taskforce
Dr. Lanny Wilson, co-chair of the Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Taskforce, provided a wealth of information. The task force serves the County Board and County Health Department with the goal of eliminating drug overdoses in DuPage County. The extensive framework and activities has five pillars: 1) Reduce Access to Drugs; 2) Reduce Opiod Use and Misue; 3) Increase Overdose Response; 4) Integrated Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery; 5) Substance Use and Prevention. It is expected that drug companies will provide $10M in funding over the next 3yrs to support DuPage County action.
Tragically, Dr. Lanny Wilson lost his daughter in 1994 at a railroad crossing. The group he started from this led to other roles with the county health department leading to his current position. Dr. Lanny Wilson is a retired ob/gyn doctor and we learned that he delivered babies for several members and relatives. In retirement he joined the Hinsdale Rotary Club and has a farm in Kentucky, where he grew up.
The people volunteering with the Downers Grove Rotary are some of the best I’ve ever met, and I’ve come to think of them not only as colleagues but as friends and family