Opioid Community Conversations: An Evening of Awareness and Action
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Rebecca Calkins
Community Project Coordinator
Drug Free Jackson
Rcalkin1@hfhs.org
517-416-2401
July 23, 2024
Opioid Community Conversations: An Evening of Awareness and Action
Grass Lake, MI - Drug Free Jackson, Home of New Vision, and the Jackson County Health Department are hosting, "Opioid Community Conversations" on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Lost Railway Museum in Grass Lake. This community event aims to tackle the pressing issue of opioid overdoses in our community.
Opioid Community Conversations
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Lost Railway Museum
142 W. Michigan Ave.
Grass Lake, MI 49240
Between September 2022 and August 2023, Jackson County experienced 34 overdose deaths and 447 overdose-related emergency department visits. It is crucial to note that these incidents were not confined to the urban city center but also occurred in the out-county communities. Opioid addiction and overdose affect not just individuals, but entire communities. Many strategies exist to prevent community-based overdoses and fight against addiction.
Join residents to learn more about factors that put individuals at risk of an opioid overdose, discuss opioid overdose prevention efforts, and community resources.
The event will feature a lineup of distinguished local leaders as speakers:
John Lesinski, Grass Lake Township Supervisor
Mike Hirst, Founder of Andy's Angels
Gary Schuette, Jackson County Sheriff
Dawn Cuddie, Chair of the Grass Lake Wellness Initiative & Vice President of the Grass Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Goals of the Community Conversations are:
Reduce stigma: Identify and discuss misconceptions about substance use disorders, highlighting that anyone can be at risk.
Increase awareness of overdose reversing medications: Educating the community on the need for Narcan (naloxone) and demonstrating how to use it effectively.
Promote recovery resources: Build awareness about the local recovery community and resources available for those seeking help and their families.
Discuss solutions: Community conversations serve as a platform to discuss community-specific strategies for tackling opioid overdoses.
Encourage action: By the end of the event, attendees should be motivated to take concrete actions, such as obtaining Narcan kits and learning how to use them effectively.
Support Networks: Building a network of community members who are informed and equipped to respond to opioid emergencies, strengthen community resilience, and build support systems.
In addition to enlightening talks and discussions, we will be providing free Narcan (naloxone) kits and free food for all attendees. The community is invited to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a critical conversation that can save lives and strengthen our community. Together, we can make a difference.
Be sure to Save the Date for other upcoming Opioid Community Conversations:
Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 6-7:30 PM - Meijer Branch Library (2699 Airport Rd, Jackson, MI 49202)
Saturday, August 10, 2024, 12-1:30 PM – Spring Arbor Branch Library (122 Star Rd, Spring Arbor, MI 49283)
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 12-1:30 PM – Brooklyn Branch Library (207 N Main St, Brooklyn, MI 49230)
For more information, the public may contact Rebecca Calkins at Rcalkin1@hfhs.org.
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About Drug Free Jackson
Drug Free Jackson is a collaborative body of community members that convenes regularly to address substance use prevention needs for Jackson County. Drug Free Jackson works to prevent and reduce youth substance use and adult substance misuse by building community capacity and supporting substance use prevention, early intervention, and treatment through recovery-oriented systems.
About Home of New Vision
Home of New Vision has been providing hope for recovery to the people we serve for over 20 years. We inspire the confidence, and courage to change, to explore their own unique pathway to recovery. Our experience teaches us that change is possible, that treatment works, and that recovery does happen!
About Jackson County Health Department
The Jackson County Health Department works to protect, improve, and promote the health and well-being of all residents through prevention, education, and partnerships.