The Leeward Initiative
The Leeward Initiative is a local coalition working to prevent substance abuse in Mason County, MI. After an initial strategic planning in April 2016, the coalition has decided to focus on four main issues: marijuana use, underage drinking, synthetic drug use among youth and young adults, and opiate/heroin use among young adults.
Mission
Working together to achieve a reduction in substance use by increasing understanding, ensuring treatment services, and supporting our families and community.
For more information:
Coalition Coordinator: Katie Miller, MPH, CHES
Phone: (231) 316-8567
Email: [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/theleewardinitiative/
District Health Department #10
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is currently working to reduce access, change perceptions, help guide parents through challenging conversations, and rally community support for reducing tobacco, marijuana, alcohol and prescription drug misuse in our youth. DHD#10 can currently provide the following services at no cost:
- Education Sessions – sessions can be provided in any setting for small or large groups (Lunch and learn, community events, staff meetings, trainings, parent groups).
- Print Resources – provide the latest resources to help you and your agency stay current on drug trends and share accurate information.
- School Programming – provide evidence-based substance abuse prevention education to schools.
- TIPS Training – Training for Intervention Procedures trainings for local establishments that serve alcohol. The training helps people working in the service industry learn to responsibly serve alcohol and prevent underage consumption.
For more information:
Public Health Educator: Kate Donaldson, BAA, CHES
Phone: (231) 902-8537
Email: [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/DHD10/
Prescription Drug Disposal
Remember to monitor your prescription drugs, lock them in a secure place, and dispose of them properly. Mason County has three locations where you can drop off your unused or expired medications for free:
- Mason County Sherriff Department
- City of Ludington Police Department
- City of Scottville Police Department
The three law enforcement agencies recommend that you leave your medications in their original container until you arrive at the facility. Upon arrival, they will ask you to dump them out into their facility’s container. They will not ask to see your written prescription or ask to see your I.D.
Additionally, Mason County holds a Households Hazardous Waste Day where you can dispose of your unused or expired medications for free. This event is always the 3rd Saturday in August.