The Ionia/Montcalm (I/M) FAN chapter was originally founded in 2015 by 8th Circuit Court Judge Suzanne H. Kreeger, who presides over the Ionia/Montcalm Adult Recovery Court (I/M ARC), with assistance from Phil Pavona from the Ingham-Okemos FAN chapter. Judge Kreeger saw the work being done in Lansing and wanted that opportunity for her communities. It was I/M FAN’s hope that, with the help of community volunteers, the challenges of addiction would be more understood, and its grasp on our communities would be lessened, or even removed. Due to Covid 19, our I/M FAN chapter stopped meeting. Now it is our time to re-launch and welcome back I/M FAN to our communities!

Our goal is to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and the hold it continues to have on our communities, to reduce the stigma and change the face of addiction, to educate people about the dangers of prescription and illegal narcotic use, and to support those affected by substance use disorder. Through real people sharing real stories and the use of data, we will reduce the stigma attached to addiction and create an open forum for families and professionals to receive valuable insights on the prevention and treatment of this disease.

​In Ionia and Montcalm counties, the "not my car, not my house, not my kid, not my problem" belief/philosophy is killing our families and communities. These are our husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters. We will educate to raise awareness and save lives by partnering with public safety, medical professionals, insurance companies, legislators, legal professionals, 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.