The McHenry County Sheriff's Office has created a Heroin Education, Enforcement Action Task Force aimed at dealing with the heroin problem.

The task force, "HEAT," was formed to gather data and collaborate with the McHenry County Coroner's office, State's Attorney office, area police departments, regional superintendant of schools and health service providers to gain their input and provide recommendations to law enforcement.

Undersheriff Andrew Zinke will serve as chairman of the new force, Sheriff Keith Nygren said in a press release.

"Our goal is to address the heroin problem while working together sharing information to better equip the law enforcement community to more effectively address the heroin issue," Nygren stated in the release.

"The heroin epidemic in surrounding counties continues to grow, and we have seen spikes in our calls for service. We want to pursue every avenue possible to keep McHenry County safe and protect all of our residents and our children."

The first meeting with representatives from other agencies will take place after April 1.

The following agencies have agreed to participate in the task force:  local police departments, McHenry County Coroner’s, McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office, Centegra Medical Emergency Services, Regional Superintendent of Schools Leslie Schermerhorn, Court Services, and Drug Court Administrator Scott Block, the release stated.