Substance Abuse council

The Substance Abuse Council is a drug prevention coalition serving Calhoun County.  The purpose is the achievement of a healthy community through the prevention and reduction of substance abuse with a focus on youth.

The Substance Abuse Council Provides leadership in developing a community–wide vision and plan for eliminating substance abuse in the Calhoun County community.  Learn more about the impact the Substance Abuse Council has in our community, our accomplishments from the past and present, and our continuing mission for the future.

Community Recognition Breakfast Nomination

On September 24th 2010, at our Annual Community Recognition Breakfast, the Substance Abuse Council will acknowledge, recognize and honor those who have contributed outstanding achievements to make Calhoun County a healthier community.

To download the form click here

 

S.T.O.P. Workshop Offered

In continuation of our community-wide efforts to prevent underage drinking, we are hosting a free educational workshop at Burnham Brook on Tuesday, June 29th.

Two session times are available: 12:00-3:00 p.m. or 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a meal being served for each session.  This workshop is open to the public, so feel free to bring a guest!  RSVP’s are greatly appreciated to assist with supplies, but not required.

To RSVP call (269)968-4699 or email: hlv@summitpointe.org

For full article click here

May is National Drug Court Month and Calhoun County Drug Court

Twenty seven people gathered at the Burnham Brook Valentine Room on Wednesday, May 12 for the Substance Abuse Council’s Celebrate Recovery Committee meeting featuring a presentation by William Essex, Calhoun County Drug Court Coordinator.  “May is National Drug Court Month and Calhoun County Drug Court has been a long-standing collaborative partner of the Substance Abuse Council.  The Drug Court staff does important work in our community to support substance abuse recovery and I thought this was a great opportunity to let people know that,” said Celebrate Recovery Committee leader Laura Otte.  Attendees of the celebratory meeting included Drug Court staff, Drug Court participants, Drug Court graduates, a leader for the future Calhoun County DUI Sobriety Court, Kellogg Community College Peer Advocates and Service Learning volunteers, a Michigan Works volunteer, representatives for the Washington Heights Community House, and Substance Abuse Council Staff.  For full article click here

Michigan - #38 to go Smokefree!

Calhoun County is expanding its smokefree coverage of public places in concert with the implementation of historic legislation for the State of Michigan. On December 18^th, 2009, Governor Granholm signed Public Act 188, known as the Dr. Ron Davis Smokefree Air Law. It will take effect on Saturday, May 1^st, 2010. For full article click here

Teen sexual involvement is linked to drug use

Don’t be a victim of date rape, don’t raise your risk of being a teen parent.

Check out www.stayteen.org for a cool quiz and important information.

Homer Town Hall on Underage Drinking

from left: Deputy Steve Hinkley, Joe Kuchenbach, Sheriff Al Byam, Pastor Tom Fox, Carol Meyer-Niedzweicki.

“Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” was the theme of Homer's Town Hall on Underage Drinking.   The event, attended by 40 individuals, was an Alcohol Awareness Month activity.

The Town Hall provided a place for citizens to hear from a panel of four about new research on alcohol and the adolescent brain, data on who is using and how they are getting it, risks of underage drinking and what parents can do. Panelists included Sheriff Al Byam, Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Hinkley, Joe Kuchenbach from Psychological Consultants of MI, and Carol Meyer-Niedzwiecki from the Substance Abuse Council. Pastor Tom Fox of Homer United Methodist Church moderated.

Those who attended will form a coalition to become more proactive in addressing underage alcohol use issues in the Homer community.

 

2010 Anti Drug Poster Contest Awards Ceremony Was Held on March 24th

Winners of the 2010 Drug Free Poster Contest
front from left, Kaylee Case; Shantese Butler; Katelyn Hadlich back from left, Emily Pearl; Julianna Lakatos; Hunter Hicks; Christian Clark; Samantha Nicholls; Luke Saye; Heather Vought, Substance Abuse Council; Lauren Janas; Susan Mladenoff, Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney

The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with Meijer and the Substance Abuse Council held an awards ceremony for young people who participated in the Eleventh Annual Drug Prevention Poster Contest.  The purpose of this countywide contest is to invite students to “show off” their talent and at the same time become empowered leaders in the quest for a drug-free lifestyle, and making healthy choices. The contest was open to all 5^th, 6^th and 7^th grade students in the Calhoun County area.  The winners of the poster contest will receive a savings bond of up to $300. The Grand Prize winner’s poster will be displayed on a billboard that will travel throughout the Battle Creek area throughout the next year. 

Grand prize winner, Samantha Nicholls, 7^th grade, Pennfield Middle School; Susan Mladenoff, Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney

Grand Prize
Samantha Nicholls, 7^th grade, Pennfield Middle School

5^th  Grade Winners:
Shantese Butler, 1^st Place, Dudley Elementary; Kaylee Case, 2^nd Place, Harper Creek Middle School; Emily Pearl, 3^rd Place, St. Joseph Elementary School

6^th Grade Winners
Katelyn Hadlich, 1^st Place, St. Joseph Middle School; Lauren Janas, 2^nd Place, St. Joseph Middle School; Hunter Hicks, 3^rd Place, Union City Middle School

7^th Grade Winners
Luke Saye, 1^st Place, St. Joseph Middle School; Julianna Lakatos, 2^nd Place, Marshall Middle School; Christian Clark, 3^rd Place, Union City Middle School

Drug Facts

While substance abuse rates are declining, drug use remains a public health concern resulting in death, disease, crime, teen pregnancy, suicide, economic costs to families, workplaces, law enforcement and social systems. How is Calhoun County doing?

You can make a difference!

To get involved in drug prevention, please click on the following task forces for more information.

• The Calhoun County Meth Task Force

• The Calhoun County Underage Drinking Prevention Forum (meets every other month)

  • Community Subcommittee (meets monthly)

  • Law Enforcement Subcommittee

• The Recovery Committee (meets monthly)

• The Calhoun County Medicine Abuse Prevention Task Force (meets monthly)

• The SAC Data Team (meets at least quarterly).