September is National Recovery Month

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan

September is recognized as National Recovery Month. It’s a time where we come together to congratulate those who have overcome their addictions and to recognize the achievements of people currently working toward sobriety. It’s also meant to promote the societal benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery for substance use and mental health disorders.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with the United States Department of Health and Human Services is behind this initiative. Continue reading →

Secretary of Family and Social Services Administration Serves as Keynote Speaker at Opioid Study Presentation

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
Dr. Jennifer Walthall

The Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) hosted a presentation over the La Porte County Opioid Study at the Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex at Purdue Northwest’s campus on Thursday morning.

The study was commissioned by the HFL through the Center for Health Policy at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health. And while researchers conducted this particular study for La Porte County, the opioid epidemic extends beyond county lines, as it unfortunately impacts the lives of people across the state, the nation and the globe.

At Thursday’s presentation, the keynote speaker was Dr. Jennifer Walthall, the Secretary of Family and Social Services Administration of Indiana. She emphasized the steps that are being taken to directly combat the crisis here in the state. Continue reading →

The Proposed Program Submitted to the Shady Rest Advisory Committee

Posted on Author Jacque Ryan
Gregg Erickson and Ted Hayden

During Wednesday night’s Shady Rest Committee public hearing, some background information was provided about the proposed program “David’s Courage” that Ted Hayden and Gregg Erickson are seeking to implement at the county-owned building.

County Commissioner and Shady Rest Committee member Kurt Garner stated that initially, the committee received four proposals and they requested that Hayden and Erickson combine their plans since they had similar ideas.

Hayden presented the goal of the organization, “Our mission is to have a lasting change on the spiritual, emotional, physical and financial health of those who are struggling with addiction. We will provide a therapeutic community where a safe, consistent and caring environment creates an atmosphere that is conducive to change.” Continue reading →

Grant Round Announced for Drug Free Marshall County

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

The 2017-2018 Drug Free Marshall County grant round is now open.

These grants are intended to support projects surrounding substance abuse prevention, education, enforcement and treatment in Marshall County will be awarded soon.

Applicants must address one or more topics in the application: high rate of methamphetamine production and abuse, high rate of alcohol use/abuse in Marshall County, high rate of marijuana use/abuse in Marshall County, an increased use of opioids and heroin in adults, or a high rate of tobacco use with a focus on its use by pregnant women and smokeless tobacco use in youth.

Continue reading →