DOWNRIVER
The Downriver chapter of FAN is engaging in a fundraising partnership activity with Rotary. For more information, click on the flyers below.
The Downriver chapter of Families Against Narcotics was founded in 2017 in response to the ongoing epidemic abuse of prescription medication (opioids) and illegal narcotics that impact communities throughout the Downriver area.
The serious nature of this issue is highlighted by the fact that in 2016 alone, over 64,000 individuals died in the U.S. as a result of overdose from an opioid related cause. In comparison, during the 10 years our Country was involved in the Vietnam War, a total of over 58,000 U.S. lives were lost. Downriver FAN membership is comprised of individuals who have experienced first-hand the tragic consequences associated with addiction, along with numerous caring members of our community that represent public safety, government, medicine, business and religion.
The volunteer members of Downriver FAN are passionate about making a difference in our communities. We are dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public, especially students and their parents, about the dangers of prescription drug and narcotic abuse.
Downriver FAN will also provide to individuals in recovery, as well as their families and friends, a place to come together for support and to fight the stigma of addiction, to obtain resources to assist those in recovery, and through the shared experiences of others, knowledge that this disease can be overcome.
We invite all to join us at our monthly forum meetings where guest speakers will provide valuable information about the causes of and treatment of addiction, along with important personal stories from individuals who have suffered the impact of this disease.
MONTHLY MEETING
3rd Thursday of the Month
6:00-8:00pm
Turning Point Clubhouse
1605 Fort St.
Lincoln Park, MI 48146
All are welcome to attend.
(Children 10 and older please.)
CONTACT US:
313-757-5136
downriver@familiesagainstnarcotics.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Hon. Gregory A. Clifton
President
Judge Gregory Clifton is a member of the 25th District Court which serves the communities of Lincoln Park, Ecorse, and River Rouge. As a result of the ongoing abuse of opioids and illegal narcotics, Judge Clifton and other concerned citizens determined that it was necessary to start a Downriver chapter of Families Against Narcotics to assist individuals and families in the Downriver area who are suffering from the tragedy of addiction. Judge Clifton volunteered to become the first president of Downriver FAN to provide support for those in recovery, as well as to promote the education of students and their parents about the dangers of drug abuse.
TBD
Vice President
Bio coming soon.
Jill Blackson
Secretary
Jill Blackson is the Deputy Director of Community Care Services and is a Master Level Social Worker. Jill has worked with families, children, and adults with mental health and substance issues for over 25 years. She sits on the Beaumont Taylor Teen Health Center Advisory Board, the Beaumont Taylor Substance Abuse Task Force, and is the secretary for the Downriver Families Against Narcotics chapter. As a life-long Downriver resident, Jill has seen the devastation that this opioid epidemic has caused in these communities and looks forward to working with community partners and community residents to tackle this important issue.
Simone Calvas
Treasurer
Simone Calvas works for Beaumont Health, is a substance abuse prevention counselor, and community organizer for four coalitions Downriver: Taylor Substance Abuse Prevention Taskforce, Lincoln Park Substance Abuse Prevention Taskforce, Ecorse Community Coalition, and Downriver Anti-Trafficking Coalition. Simone brings community leaders and neighborhoods together to build bridges through education and resources. "The youth are our priority, they are our future," she says. "We cannot let them be blindsided through this epidemic of substance use and abuse."
BOARD MEMBERS
Thomas R. McKeown, MD, FACEP
Director
Dr. Thomas McKeown, MD, FACEP, is an Emergency Medicine Physician at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. In addition he serves as medical director for 8 of the Downriver Fire Departments, and as quality director for the Department of Emergency Medicine and the hospital. He is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Michigan State University and teaches medical students and residents in the emergency department. He went to medical school at Wayne State University, completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital, and has lived in the Downriver area for many years. As a result of his work as an emergency medicine physician, he knows first-hand the effects of the opioid epidemic on the individuals, families, and community.
Lisa Rutledge
Director
Lisa Rutledge is a long-time community health improvement professional and active volunteer with over 40 years of experience. A graduate of Michigan State University, Lisa has experience starting in specialty gynecology practices in patient care/health education and clinical research in the area of HPV. Next, at Oakwood Healthcare, she oversaw programs for immunizations, school-based health, child passenger safety, domestic violence awareness, arts in health care, fitness and wellness services, access to care, and other community benefit programs. Since 2012, Lisa has been the Special Projects Manager at Western Wayne Family Health Centers, a community health center organization. There she works with community partners to create collaborations to improve the health and well-being of people in the area, as well as doing public relations, grassroots advocacy, outreach, and other activities to help the health centers thrive. She is also an active community volunteer, serving on boards and committees for agencies such as the Information Center, Camp Fire Southeast Michigan, Everybody Ready, Personalized Nursing LIGHT House, Western Wayne Cancer Action Council, and others. Lisa's specialty is bringing together people and organizations to maximize results and making connections.
Pastor Stanley Turner
Director
Bio coming soon.
Josh Nucian
Director
Josh Nucian is the President of Sales and Marketing for Nationwide Interlock, Nationwide Electronic Monitoring, and the Nationwide ARM Program. He is a resource on the state’s ignition interlock program and the ignition interlock procedures to ensure a smooth process for clients, attorneys, and courts. Before his role at Nationwide, he was a criminal defense attorney in the metro Detroit area for over 14 years, primarily focused on drunk driving defense as well as the restoration of driver's licenses. He is admitted to practice law in the state of Michigan, including the Eastern and Western Federal Michigan Districts.
Dr. Kamal Khalil
Director
Bio coming soon.
Cheryl Schiebold
Director
Bio coming soon.
ADVISORY BOARD
Debbie Dingell
Congresswoman
Kym Worthy
Wayne County Prosecutor
Erika Geiss
State Representative
Darlene Owens
Director, Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority
Thomas Karnes
Mayor, City of Lincoln Park
Dr. Michael L. Gamble, M.D.
Addiction Specialist
Hon. Jennifer Coleman Hesson
33rd District Court
Terry Dangerfield
Superintendent, Lincoln Park Schools
Farah Hassoun
Doctor of Pharmacy
Dr. Joseph A. George, M.D.
Addiction Specialist--Internal Medicine
Hoon-Yung Hopgood
State Senator
Jerry Sheppard
Trinity Transportation
Jim Perry
Executive Director, Downriver Community Conference