On Tuesday, May 24, Families Against Narcotics (FAN), a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Macomb County, will launch a brand-new chapter in Oakland County. FAN—a community-based program for those seeking recovery from substance use disorder, those in recovery, family members affected by addiction, and community supporters—is thrilled to be able to expand its coverage in the metro Detroit area and help strengthen the network of recovery families in the second most populous county in Michigan.

 OAKLAND COUNTY FAN CHAPTER LAUNCH

Location: Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076

Date / Time: Tuesday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. (light refreshments will be served)

The May 24th launch will bring the community together for the Oakland County chapter’s first-ever monthly FAN Forum. These forums, which will occur on the fourth Tuesday of every month, are open to everyone as a resource for navigating substance use disorder, and are truly a place to learn, listen, grow, and share. Speakers at this initial forum will include:

• Retired Judge Linda Davis (FAN Executive Director)
• Chief Elvin Barren (Southfield Police Department)
• Chief Johnny Menifee (Southfield Fire Department)
• Jake LaCroix (1 year in recovery)
• Mavina Swan (30 years in recovery)
• Sherry Nipper (family recovery & loss)

The Oakland County FAN chapter will be led by Executive Board President Melissa Medici, Captain of the Southfield Fire Department; Vice President Jayme Gotts, a Treatment Placement Specialist with Acadia Healthcare; Secretary Sarah Reinkensmeyer, a Senior United States Probation Officer out of the Eastern District; and Treasurer Gwendolyn Bammel, Clinical Supervisor at Ascension Eastwood Recovery Center.

Oakland County FAN will work to educate the community about addiction and lessen the stigma associated with the disease. While addiction is frequently viewed as a moral failing, or something disgraceful, the Oakland FAN chapter will strive to change that mindset. “The hope is that the community will come to appreciate the struggles that individuals and families affected by substance use disorder encounter, and the courage and support it takes for each person to change,” Board President Medici explained. “Growth will come with a complete understanding of the situation.”

Linda Davis is ecstatic about the Oakland County launch. “We are so excited to formally start a viable FAN chapter in Oakland County,” she declared. “FAN has developed partnerships with more than 20 police departments in Oakland County through our Hope Not Handcuffs program and we have had a tremendous impact in this area. The FAN chapter will expand our services and educate the community about existing resources that are available to them.”

Davis added that FAN is “extremely encouraged by the tremendous response of community leaders, who see this new chapter as a much-needed resource to help their community. Working together, we hope to provide encouragement, support, resources, and education to the citizens of Oakland County”

Please join us at this event to learn more about Families Against Narcotics and how they will help make a difference in communities throughout Oakland County.

MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Davis | Executive Director, Families Against Narcotics | 586.855.9307 linda@familiesagainstnarcotics.org

About Families Against Narcotics

Founded in 2007, Families Against Narcotics (FAN) is a nonprofit organization based in Macomb County, Michigan. They work to educate communities statewide about addiction, dispel the stigma associated with the disease, and compassionately support and assist those affected by it. All of FAN’s services are offered to the public free of charge. The organization has 20 chapters across the state of Michigan, with several more slated to launch soon. You can learn more about FAN at familiesagainstnarcotics.org.