FANmail for the Week of 8/12/24 | |
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to its length, this newsletter may be cut short by your email program. If so, please click on the "View Entire Message" (or similarly worded) link that appears at the bottom of this email. | |
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FAN Friends & Family,
Since 2017, FAN has helped countless people who have been affected by substance use disorder. We have been a guiding light for individuals battling a drug or alcohol addiction, as well as for family members whose lives have been affected by a loved one's addiction. Now, we need your help.
We are collecting stories to illustrate the amazing work we do each and every day. These stories will amplify our message and fuel our mission to break down barriers in addiction care. They will also serve as powerful tools in our advocacy efforts.
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So, how can you help? Share your stories!
If you've been touched by FAN, we want to hear from you! Whether you're a FAN program participant, family member, or community partner, if FAN has made a difference in your life, we would love for you to take a few minutes to let us know about the impact we've had. Your stories matter and they can help us continue to make a difference.
You can share your stories three different ways.
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Online via a Google form at THIS LINK.
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Email your story to erika@faceaddictionnow.org.
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Text your name to 586-530-8932 and we'll get back to you to set up a time to share your story via a phone call.
Whichever method you choose, your voice will help ensure that FAN can continue to help those in need. (Note: If you have any technical difficulties with the Google form, please text us at 586-530-8932 and we will help resolve the issue.)
Your experiences with FAN are our most valuable asset. They showcase our impact and the critical need for ongoing support of our work to help people overcome addiction. Together, we can make a difference. Share your story today!
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Save the Date: FAN's Fall Fest Is October 1st! | |
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Don't look now, but fall is just around the corner, which means that FAN's annual Fall Fest gala will be here before you know it. We hope you can join us for our 13th annual FAN Fall Fest, which is happening on Tuesday, October 1st, at 5:30 pm, at the beautiful Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. This is a spectacular event that brings people from the community together to support a common cause: to celebrate and help fund the many programs that FAN provides to individuals and families who have been affected by addiction. By coming together, we can make a significant impact and face addiction now. To learn more about Fall Fest, or to buy tickets, tables, or sponsorships, CLICK HERE.
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Hope Not Handcuffs Launches in 7 Departments in Shiawassee County | |
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Last Tuesday, FAN's Hope Not Handcuffs (HNH) program expanded its reach into Shiawassee County, as it launched in seven different law enforcement agencies: the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office and the police departments in Owosso, Bancroft, Perry, Durand, Laingsburg, and New Lothrop. In a pre-launch press release, New Lothrop Police Chief Kirt Bierlein said, "For people struggling with addiction, we hope to be a conduit to resources that will put them on a successful path to recovery." You can read/watch more about this latest HNH expansion by checking out the media coverage links from the following TV stations:
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HNH Call Center Has Record-Breaking Month | |
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In July, our amazing Hope Not Handcuffs Call Center team set a new record for the number of calls answered in a month: 4,035, or an average of 130 calls per day. This marked the first time that the Call Center answered more than 4,000 calls in a single month. We deeply appreciate each and every person who answers our Hope Line and the work they do to help get people who are struggling with an addiction connected to the recovery resources they need. Remember: If you or someone you know needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction, you can call our Hope Line at 833-202-HOPE (4673). Our Call Center staff answers the phone from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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FACE ADDICTION NOW IN THE NEWS | |
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Last week, FAN was mentioned in a WNEM Saginaw news story about the distribution of opioid settlement funds in Bay County. Lori Ziolkowski, FAN's Director of Community Partnerships, was interviewed for the piece. "We are still in the midst of an epidemic, and this is not the time to pull back funds," she said. "It is absolutely the time to continue to pour resources into stopping this." You can watch the WNEM story HERE.
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We would also like to congratulate Suzanne Prentice, a board member of the Grand Traverse FAN chapter and co-facilitator of one of our Stronger Together family and friends support groups. On July 25th, Suzanne received the 2024 Rural Recovery Hero Award at the Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium in Gaylord. According to a 9&10 News story, the award "is meant to shine a light on those who work tirelessly to reduce stigma, change cultural norms, increase access to treatment and build a better living environment for those affected by substance abuse in rural Michigan." Read the story at THIS LINK.
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ADDICTION & RECOVERY IN THE NEWS | |
Please be advised that these stories may include photos or descriptions of addiction, using drugs, overdoses, or other things that could be a trigger for some people. | |
Healing Trauma Through Storytelling: Restoring Justice in Addiction Medicine | |
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Cara Poland is an esteemed addiction medicine specialist and associate professor at Michigan State University. Earlier this year, she delivered a powerful TEDxMSU talk, sharing her personal journey into addiction medicine, which was shaped by the tragic losses of her mother to a rare disease and her brother--who struggled with depression and alcohol use disorder--to suicide. Poland speaks openly and honestly about her experiences and how they fueled her commitment to transforming addiction treatment. Through her work, including the establishment of the MI CARES program, she advocates for training healthcare professionals to treat addiction with empathy and kindness while pushing for systemic changes in healthcare. "The opposite of stigma is empathy," Poland says. "We have to first learn to untie ourselves from derogatory images and stereotypes, eliminate things from our vernacular…and learn to replace it with empathy." Watch Poland's moving TEDxMSU talk at THIS LINK.
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In Michigan's Vast UP, Finding Help for Drugs Is Hard. So Is Finding Solutions. | |
 |  | According to a Bridge Michigan article, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is a "treatment desert," with limited access to addiction services, often requiring long-distance travel for in-patient care. Simply put, it can be "an excruciatingly difficult place to find help." Greg Toutant, CEO of the nonprofit Great Lakes Recovery Centers in the UP, says he faces significant challenges in providing addiction treatment across the region's vast and sparsely populated landscape. The recent influx of funds from national opioid lawsuit settlements offers a potential solution, but regional efforts to create centralized crisis stabilization units have stalled due to disagreements among county leaders and lack of coordination. While counties control a significant portion of the settlement funds, the absence of state oversight and collaboration hinders effective use, leaving communities to independently address the opioid crisis despite limited resources and staffing. Toutant describes the situation as "a bit of a mess." Read more about this challenging predicament HERE.
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How Much Alcohol Is Too Much for a Driver? Experts Argue the U.S. Drunk-Driving Limit Is Too High. | |
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In 2018, Utah became the first U.S. state to lower its legal blood-alcohol content (B.A.C.) limit for drivers from .08 to .05, resulting in a nearly 20% reduction in fatal car crashes within a year. While Utah remains the only state with this lower limit, the success of the law has sparked interest in similar legislation in other states, as drunk-driving deaths have risen nationwide. Experts argue that a lower B.A.C. limit is supported by scientific evidence showing significant impairment even at .05, and could prevent many alcohol-related fatalities. Although the hospitality industry fears economic impacts, studies from Utah show that alcohol sales and tourism were unaffected, with people finding alternative transportation rather than drinking less. The move to lower the limit is seen as a deterrent that could save lives by making drivers more cautious about their alcohol consumption. Explore this topic further by reading the New York Times story at THIS LINK. (Photo by KOMUnews)
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How Sober Bars Are Redefining Nightlife | |
 | | CNN reports that sober bars are emerging as social spaces that cater to the growing sober-curious movement, offering non-alcoholic drinks and a welcoming environment for those who prefer to avoid alcohol. These bars, which aim to create a sense of community without the "social lubricant" of alcohol, appeal to a diverse clientele, including those who are temporarily sober, sober for health reasons, or simply choosing to limit their alcohol intake. Despite challenges like the high cost of non-alcoholic spirits and the misconception that these establishments can't offer the same experiences as traditional bars, their popularity is rising as people increasingly evaluate the role of alcohol in their lives. One sober bar owner says, "This is more of a health movement than it is a sobriety movement. And that's what's really exciting about it. I think (drinking) has become a public health issue." Find out how sober bars are redefining what a bar can be, providing familiar activities and fostering connections without the need for alcohol, HERE. And read about how non-alcoholic drinks are becoming all the rage in Michigan by clicking the first link below.
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ONGOING FAN TRAINING SESSIONS & RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES | |
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Be prepared to save a life. FAN's free naloxone training will teach you how to properly administer this safe drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. These 1-hour sessions are offered both in-person and virtually, and all attendees will receive a FREE naloxone kit containing 2 doses of NARCAN® nasal spray. For more information and registration, go to the link below.
Upcoming Naloxone Training Sessions
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Held both in-person and virtually, FAN's Stronger Together family and friends support group meetings will help you learn to support your loved one who is struggling with addiction in a way that is healthy for both of you. You'll benefit from the encouragement and experience of other families and individuals facing similar circumstances, and be able to move from a life of chaos and despair to a life of joy and purpose. For a complete listing of meetings--including special groups for spouses/partners and those who have lost a loved one to addiction--go to the link below.
Upcoming Stronger Together Meetings
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Our new weekly peer-led women's group provides a safe and confidential space for women in recovery to share experiences, support one another, and explore healthy coping strategies for personal growth. This group fosters connection and mental well-being and encourages character development--all while building a supportive community of women on the road to recovery. Join us on this journey! This group meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 pm at the FAN office, located at 43800 Garfield Rd., Suite 200, in Clinton Township. No sign-up is required and you are welcome to bring your kids. For a flyer, CLICK HERE.
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Join us for our new weekly peer-led men's support group, where men come together to connect, share, and grow in a safe and non-judgmental space. These meetings provide an opportunity for men of all backgrounds to discuss topics such as personal growth, recovery, relationships, careers, mental health, and more. This group meets every Saturday morning at 9:00 am at the FAN office, located at 43800 Garfield Rd., Suite 200, in Clinton Township. No registration is required. You can download a flyer HERE.
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Recovery Dharma uses the Buddhist practices of meditation, self-inquiry, wisdom, compassion, and community as tools for recovery and healing. The program welcomes anyone who is looking to heal from addiction and addictive behavior, whether it's caused by substance use or process addictions like codependency, gambling, eating disorders, relationships, technology, or any obsessive or habitual pattern that creates suffering. Come check out Recovery Dharma at the FAN office--located at 43800 Garfield Rd., Suite 200, in Clinton Township--on Saturdays at 11:00 am. It's free and no registration is required. For more information, check out THIS FLYER or visit recoverydharma.org.
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Our new online trans and nonbinary recovery support meditation meetings are held every Monday evening via Zoom for easy access from anywhere. Designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for trans and nonbinary individuals, the sessions focus on:
- Peer Support: Connecting with others who understand your unique experiences and challenges.
- Meditation Practices: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation to support mental health and recovery.
- Inclusive Environment: Ensuring a respectful and affirming space for all participants.
Further details will be provided upon registration. To register, go to THIS LINK. You can also download a flyer HERE.
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FAN is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) group! What is MRT? It's a systematic, cognitive-behavioral treatment strategy designed to enhance moral reasoning, improve decision-making, and promote positive behavior change. Led by a peer recovery coach who is certified in MRT, these meetings will allow you to engage in thought-provoking discussions and activities, and set and review personal goals to keep you motivated and focused. Beginning August 19th, this group will meet every Monday at 6:30 pm at the FAN office (43800 Garfield Rd., Suite 200, in Clinton Township). You can download a flyer HERE.
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Would you like to help us help others? If so, please feel free to click here to make a donation--large or small--to FAN. We can always use your assistance! And for an overview of all the programs FAN offers, click HERE. (Families Against Narcotics is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, #26-2302028.) | |
FAN Forums are open to the entire community as a resource for navigating substance use disorder, and are truly a place to learn, listen, grow, and share. Watch this space for upcoming forums! | |
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Monday, August 12th, at 7:00 pm: WASHTENAW FAN IN-PERSON FORUM Location: 2|42 Community Church, 648 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Topic: "Thriving in Recovery: Coping Strategies for Individuals and Families." Join us at this forum to learn practical tools and expert insights to help individuals in recovery and their families manage challenges and stress, build resilience, and create a supportive environment for long-term wellness. Engage with local experts, friends in the field, and fellow participants, and learn about free FAN resources. Snacks will be served.
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*Important Note Regarding the August Macomb FAN Forum* | |
There will not be a regular Macomb FAN Forum for the month of August. Instead, our Overdose Awareness Day event, which happens on Thursday, August 29th, at Paradox Church in Warren, will take the place of our monthly forum. For more information on the Overdose Awareness Day event, scroll down in this email, or visit the event web page. | |
OTHER FAN EVENTS, FUNDRAISERS & OPPORTUNITIES | |
JOIN MACOMB FAN FOR OUR ANNUAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY EVENT ON 8/29 | |
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The Macomb County FAN chapter will hold its annual International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil on Thursday, August 29th, at Paradox Church in Warren. The event runs from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and all are welcome. This gathering will celebrate and remember the lives of those who have tragically been lost to drug or alcohol addiction. We will also offer support to those who are still struggling with substance use disorder and those who grieve the loss of their loved ones. Finally, we will honor those in recovery, because with education, encouragement, and determination...RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.
To include your loved one in the memorial video that will be shown at this event, please submit the following to lindaforfan@gmail.com by August 19th:
- Up to four photos: one as a child, one with family/friends, and most recent photo.
- Date of birth and date of death.
- One to three sentences about your loved one and/or a message to them (e.g., We miss your bright, shining smile every day. Love, Mom and Dad.)
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If you would like to revise a past tribute, please contact lindaforfan@gmail.com.
For more details, check out THIS FLYER. You can also visit our web page or the Facebook event page for more information.
COME EARLY AND LEARN HOW TO SAVE A LIFE!
At 5:00 pm, prior to the start of the Overdose Awareness Day ceremony, there will be a free naloxone training. The class includes a free naloxone kit, with 2 doses of NARCAN® nasal spray. To register for this training session, go to THIS LINK.
Links to Other FAN Chapters' Overdose Awareness Day Activities...
Northwest Wayne FAN
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GOLF IN THE PCS COMPANY GOLF OUTING TO BENEFIT FAN ON SEPTEMBER 6TH | |
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Would you like to play some golf for a good cause? Then consider signing up to play in the annual PCS Company golf outing, which takes place on Friday, September 6th, at Cracklewood Golf Club in Macomb, Michigan. This year's PCS outing is benefiting Face Addiction Now, so by participating in it you'll be helping raise money for FAN! The deadline to register is August 16th, so don't delay! For more information, or to sign up, go to THIS LINK. And a big thank-you goes out to PCS Company for choosing FAN as the beneficiary of their golf outing this year!
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RUN DRUGS OUT OF TOWN WITH SHIAWASSEE FAN ON SEPTEMBER 7TH! | |
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If you're in the Shiawassee County area, please consider joining the Shiawassee FAN chapter for their 4th annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5K run/walk on Saturday, September 7th! Run or walk downtown Owosso's River Trail to support Shiawassee FAN, which helps people find recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and provides education for parents and students in the county. They also collaborate with other community organizations and initiatives in the area. Early registrants pay $25, which includes a t-shirt, finisher's medal, bar, and water. Late registration is $30 (without a t-shirt). KIDS RUN FOR FREE! Packet pickup will begin at 8:00 am on race day morning in the Owosso City Hall parking lot. Help fund Shiawassee FAN by participating in this fun event! More info and registration details at THIS LINK. You can also download a flyer HERE.
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ANNUAL NORTHWEST WAYNE FAN GOLF OUTING HAPPENS ON SEPTEMBER 13TH | |
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Northwest Wayne County FAN invites you to their fourth annual Round for Recovery golf outing! Join them on Friday, September 13th, at Fellows Creek Golf Club in Canton, as they swing into fundraising mode to raise money to benefit their chapter's efforts to help individuals and families affected by addiction. By coming out and playing a fun round of golf, participants will be making a difference in people's lives! Check-in begins at 8:00 am and the golf gets underway with a 9:00 am shotgun start. It’s a 4-person scramble format and there will be contests, lunch at the turn, an awesome dinner, prizes, and raffles for some great items. We hope to see you at Fellows Creek on September 13th! More information, including registration and sponsorship details, at THIS LINK. You can also download a flyer HERE.
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PLAY JACK OF SPADES AT FREDDY'S BAR & GRILL & HELP RAISE MONEY FOR FAN! | |
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Freddy's Bar & Grill in Clinton Township has been a longtime supporter of FAN and we're thrilled that they asked us to partner with them for the latest run of their Jack of Spades Raffle. Every Tuesday, beginning at 6:00 pm, you can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes. And the best part? Part of the proceeds from ticket sales go to benefit FAN! The drawing happens at 8:00 pm. Pull the jack of spades and win the jackpot! (Winner receives 70% of the total jackpot, with FAN receiving the other 30%.) Pull a joker and win $100! There's also a bonus drawing every Tuesday for a $100 Freddy's gift card! So, head on over to Freddy's on Tuesdays for great food and drink, live music, and the Jack of Spades Raffle! Freddy's is located at 40000 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. Visit their website or check them out on Facebook. FYI, the Jack of Spades jackpot is now approaching $24,000.00!
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VOLUNTEER FOR FAN AND HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE | |
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Families Against Narcotics would not exist without the help of the amazing volunteers who devote their time and effort to making our programs and events successful. We have lots of volunteer opportunities available, including things like assembling naloxone, comfort, and safe-use kits; assisting with our Hope Not Handcuffs program; manning informational tables at community events; and helping us prepare for upcoming fundaisers. We also need people to cook Sunday dinners for residents of area sober living homes. Everyone has skills that can help FAN do what it does! To find out more about how you can make a difference, or to sign up, go to THIS LINK.
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FAN Can Always Use Your Financial Assistance. | | | | |
