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Representatives from the Monroe County Health Department, the Monroe Police Department and other human service organizations joined together with the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance’s (SEMCA) Substance Abuse Services Board for a stakeholder meeting to discuss substance abuse needs and services that are currently available in Monroe. “The purpose of the meeting was to get community wide input on the issues and trends that are currently facing Monroe,” said Theresa Webster, substance abuse prevention coordinator of SEMCA. “Last year we allocated less than 10 percent of substance abuse prevention funding to Monroe due to the lack of participation in the initial request for a proposal process.” |
 Theresa Webster, (front) substance abuse prevention coordinator of SEMCA, led the discussion at the stakeholders meeting. |
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Webster said currently SEMCA’s substance abuse assistance providers consist of Catholic Social Services of Monroe, the Monroe County Intermediate School District and Monroe Public Schools, however, it is evident that some of the needs are not being addressed due to the lack of programming. The issues that were addressed include individual school, family and environmental problems that put children at risk for substance abuse. These are areas that are in the danger zone according to a Prevention Needs Assessment Profile for Monroe County. |
 Fatal Vision Goggles were on-hand so attendees could get an idea of how alcohol can impair vision and judgement. |
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Based on a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are 142,301 individuals in Monroe County of which 7,380 are recent drug users and the numbers are growing. |
 Monroe County ISD conducted a puppet show to explain the dangers of smoking to fair attendees. |
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“SEMCA wants to help Monroe County address this problem by taking full advantage of available funding,” said Jack O’Reilly, executive director of SEMCA. “We also hope to increase awareness regarding SEMCA’s role as a regional substance abuse provider, showcase a regional plan, review existing initiatives and obtain new resources for prevention funding and activities,” said Webster. |
 Literature was available at the SEMCA booth that covered many different substance abuse topics such as: smoking, drugs, alcohol, club drugs and how to get help if you need it. |
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As a result of the stakeholders meeting, SEMCA participated at the Monroe County Fair. “This event was a success because it helped individuals who live in Monroe know about SEMCA and the services offered in Monroe” said O’Reilly. Click here to visit the SEMCA Substance Abuse Prevenbtion web site and view more photos from this event. |
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