President Mark called the meeting to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Marlene Bevan offered up thoughts of Gratitude and Reflection on the art of forgiveness.
Announcements included:
Jen Casey announced that the 9/11 Honor Run will be completely virtual this year. Race attendance is down throughout the country, and she had to make the tough call to have a virtual run. You can sign up for the race, run or walk it either on 9/11 or another day. Here’s the link: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/911HonorRun?remMeAt
Fellow Rotarian Kurt Rivard will continue as one of the main sponsors of the event. Proceeds of the 9/11 Honor Run go to support our First Responders.
President Mark will be acknowledging all the new Rotarians who joined our club during the Zoom era of our club. All new members are asked to attend next week’s meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge.
Marlene Bevan announced that at 1:30 today, Rotarians are asked to show up at the Mitchell Creek Preserve to “Stomp the Preserve”. Bring your cell phones and take photos of all the unique aspects of the Mitchell Creek Preserve.
Our program today featured Kate Kerr from Hope Not Handcuffs. Bob Cooney introduced Kate. Kate lives in Lake Ann, MI, attended Albion College and has been in nonprofit work for 12 years.
Hope Not Handcuffs is an initiative started by Families Against Narcotics (FAN) aimed at bringing law enforcement and community organizations together to find viable treatment options for individuals seeking help to reduce dependency with heroin, prescription drugs and alcohol. Over 100 police departments in 16 counties in Michigan participate in Hope Not Handcuffs and over 6,000 people have been helped since February 2017.
A person who is struggling with any substance use disorder can come to any participating police agency or community organization and ask for help. In Traverse City, The PORCH at Addiction Treatment Services is a drop-in location. They receive compassionate support and respect. If a person has health insurance, they will be guided in the available treatment options. If they are uninsured or on Medicaid, they will be directed to the local Office of Substance Abuse for placement.
Once someone approaches the police department, an Angel volunteer is contacted and sent to the station, usually within 20 minutes. The Angel volunteer collects information from the participant and then makes a connection to the appropriate agency where the best treatment option can be determined.
During treatment, the participant is assigned a FAN Peer Recovery Coach. Family members are also eligible for these services as well. After completing treatment, the participant can apply for a sober living scholarship.
Support staff remains in contact with participants for up to one year after recovery services. The participants may reach out for help if they stumble on their way to recovery. All services are free of charge due to a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Peer Recovery Coaches are individuals who have at least two years of continuous sobriety. Family Recovery Coaches are family members who have had a loved one struggle with substance abuse.
When a participant presents to the police station for help, they are provided an Angel Kit. This kit contains items such as a blanket, water, snacks and iPad and a document binder.
For those seeking help who do not wish to go to a Police Department, they are encouraged to call the HOPE line 24/7 at 833.202.4673.
To become an Angel volunteer, one must complete a training and a background check. Upcoming trainings are:
Monday, August 23 at 6:30 pm
Living Hope Church
3050 W. South Airport Rd
Traverse City, MI 49684
Thursday, August 26 at 6:30 pm
Elk Rapids Police Department
321 Bridge St.
Elk Rapids, MI 49629
To reach out to Kate Kerr, Regional Angel Coordinator: kate@hopenothandcuffs.com or 586.764.9379
Kathy Bussell contributed to the presentation as well. Kathy serves as the administrative assistant for Families Against Narcotics. She presented stats that there has been a 30% increase in substance abuse death in 2020 due to the isolation and disconnection from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two additional events are coming up with Stronger Together and Overdose Awareness Day.
Stronger Together is having a Monthly FAN Forum on September 2, 6pm at F&M Park. All are welcome.
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