INGHAM COUNTY-OKEMOS - Support - Families Against Narcotics

INGHAM COUNTY-OKEMOS

Welcome

The FAN mission and vision is to raise awareness of the prescription opiate drug abuse epidemic, to reduce the stigma and change the face of addiction, to educate about the dangers of prescription and illegal narcotic use, and to support those affected by drug abuse and addiction.

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Information

Our goal is to encompass change in the perception and treatment of addiction and to be an advocate for change throughout society. Through Real People Sharing Real Stories and factual data, we reduce the stigma attached to addiction and create an open forum for families and professionals to receive valuable insight. We educate to raise awareness and save lives by partnering with insurance companies, medical professionals, legislators, the legal community, public safety, schools, families and friends, facilitating change in the way addiction is viewed and treated. Making a difference one step and one life at a time.

The FAN Okemos/Ingham county chapter was founded following the accidental overdose death of Eric Pavona. Although Eric's parents had worked for the primary health system in Lansing Michigan for over 30 years, they surprisingly found a system and community fractured, disjointed, many times apathetic, and at all times ill prepared to care for a family dealing with opioid addiction.

Following their son's death in August of 2011, Eric's dad Phil shared their story with many in their community and he was astounded and horrified to learn of the many colleagues, friends, acquaintances, and well-wishers who were silently going through the same experiences that they had over the last 2 years. All of them unaware of each other's plight, their children trapped in addiction, their families feeling alone and helpless.

Phil began to re-trace their ordeal, looking to inform and reform many of the entities along the way. This brought Phil in contact with Judge Donald Allen and Mr. Joseph Lowe, both who had attended a FAN presentation in Detroit. A local FAN community chapter became the best avenue to help other families faced with the challenges of addiction.

FAN's Board of Directors is a mix of law enforcement, parents affected by addiction, concerned citizens, and people in recovery. All are passionate about making a difference and provide their time on a volunteer basis.

FORUMS

In-Person

INGHAM COUNTY-OKEMOS

In-Person Monthly Meeting

4th Tuesday of the Month 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Meeting Address

University Lutheran Church 1020 S. Harrison Road East Lansing, MI 48823

All are welcome to attend.
(Children 10 and older please.)

DIRECTIONS

University Lutheran Church 1020 S. Harrison Road East Lansing, MI 48823

okemos@faceaddictionnow.org

(517) 349-4642

EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Honorable Donald Allen

VIse President

Judge Donald Allen appointed to 55th District Court by Gov. Granholm. Former director of Office of Drug Control Policy. Wayne State Law School grad. Experienced in litigating health care fraud cases.

Amanda Lick

Secretary

Amanda, MSU graduate, fights opioid addiction in Lansing. Her personal loss fuels her passion for supporting affected families. She serves on multiple boards, advocating for change.

Jarrod Barron

Treasurer

Jarrod a University of Michigan and Boston University graduate, practiced law for 15 years before transitioning to IT buying. Overcoming alcohol and drug addiction in 2014, he now volunteers as a recovery coach and peer monitor.

BOARD MEMBERS

Captain Chris Rozman

Director

David has over 20 years in law enforcement and values strong community relationships. Holding degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration, he serves as the administrative services lieutenant for Saginaw Police.

Chief Clifford Block

Director

Chris is a MSU graduate, rose at MSU Police, now Captain. With a Master’s from Cleary University, he focuses on community outreach, initiating programs like Special Victims Unit and Community Care Unit.

Jesse Besonen

Director

Jesse Besonen started in law enforcement as a police cadet in 2008. With a degree from Ferris State University, she's now a probation officer at 55th District Court, focusing on substance abuse issues. She joined FAN Fraser in 2011 and eagerly became part of the Okemos chapter.

Jim Keel

Director

Jim Keel, BA in criminal justice and psychology, is a Certified Addiction & Drug Counselor and Clinical Supervisor. As Program Coordinator at the House of Commons, he has 15+ years of experience in substance abuse treatment.

Sarah Kenney

Director

Sarah holds a BS in sociology from Central Michigan University and an MSW from Michigan State University, specializing in addiction studies. A certified Prevention Specialist, she has 20 years with the Ingham County Health Department, focusing on substance use disorder education and prevention.

Nicole Mutusko

Director

Nicole Matusko graduated cum laude from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor's in political science and from Notre Dame Law School with honors. A prosecutor since 2009, she handles child abuse, sexual violence, and drug trafficking cases.

Josh Corts

Director

Josh has been in recovery for over five years and works as a peer recovery coach for the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties. Battling addiction throughout his teens and early 20s, he experienced multiple incarcerations and hospitalizations. After 17 treatment attempts, he found recovery.

Becky Pena

Director

Becky graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983. She has worked at WILX-TV in advertising sales for almost 20 years. Becky became involved with FAN after working on a public service campaign with Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth, leading to an introduction to Phil Pavona and Judge Allen

Mia Smith

Director

My journey began in jail. My probation officer offered a solution: Glass House, where I found a way to forgive myself. After getting my CCAR certification, I returned as a residential technician, then became a PRC at the main office.

ADVISORY BOARD

John Hood

Superintendent

Okemos Schools

Gary Bunge

Pastor

University Lutheran Church

Elizabeth Montemayor

CPS Section Manger

Ingham County Health & Human Services

Wellness INX

Case Management / Assessment / Screening / Prevention/Training Services / Peer Recovery

Darin Southworth

Jail Administrator

Ingham County Jail

Linda Vail MPA

Health Officer

Ingham County Health Department

Dr. Curtis Smith

Clinical Pharmacist, Professor

Sparrow Hospital; Ferris State University College of Pharmacy

Robyn Lynde

Team Leader

Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad

Carol Siemon

Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney

Linda M Peterson

MD, F.A.P.M., F.A.P.A.

Chief Medical Officer, McLaren Health of Greater Lansing

Trina Poland

Person in Recovery & Certified Peer Recovery Coach

Charles A Lawler ESQ

Law Offices of Clark Hill PLC

Phil Pavona

Coach

Certified Peer Recovery

Dr. Jeanne Kapenga

Board Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist

Aaron Emerson

26-Year-Old in Recovery from Heroin

Andy Schor

Mayor of Lansing

Michigan

Scott Wrigglesworth

Ingham County Sheriff

Grego Dagner

32-Year-Old in Recovery from Heroin

Dr. John A. Baker III MD

Board Certified Addiction Psychiatry; Associate Clinical Professor Michigan State University

Ashley Meyers

Certified Pain Nurse / Management Educator, Sister to an Overdose Victim