ALGER COUNTY
Alger County hugs the Lake Superior shoreline and is home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We are surrounded by wilderness and scenic views. Like most counties, we have been directly affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and the opioid epidemic. In response, the Alger County Families Against Narcotics (FAN) chapter was founded in September of 2021. This was led in collaboration with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Opioid Response Consortium, the Alger County treatment team, local law enforcement, health department personnel, and the Alger County Prosecutor's Office.
The goal of FAN is to educate and support families and individuals affected by substance use disorder. We hope to combat stigma and biases within our community, while providing solidarity in the fight against addiction. We meet the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm at Alger Parks and Rec in Munising. Anyone interested in attending is welcome to come to this open meeting. You can also attend the meetings virtually at THIS LINK.
MONTHLY MEETING
4th Tuesday of the Month
5:30 pm
Alger Parks & Recreation
413 Maple St.
Munising, MI 49862
EXECUTIVE BOARD
ROBERT STEINHOFF
President Term Exp. 12/23
Robert Steinhoff was appointed Alger County Prosecutor in April of 2019 and elected to the position in November of 2020. A Munising native, Prosecutor Steinhoff graduated from Munising High School, Lake Superior State University, and the University of Wisconsin Law School prior to opening his own law firm and his appointment as prosecutor. A steadfast supporter of treatment courts and alternative justice for non-violent drug offenders, Prosecutor Steinhoff is a participating member of the Alger County Sobriety Court and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Mental Health Court. He lives in Munising with his wife, Roxanne.
ELENA TORONGO
Vice President & Treasurer Term Exp. 12/23
Elena Torongo graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2019 with a degree in anthropology. While attending NMU, she conducted ethnographic research on independent businesses in rural communities. She then went on to work in wilderness therapy as a backpacking guide in southwestern Colorado. Elena is currently employed as the Project Associate for the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Opioid Response. She has a deep love for her home county and is excited to see the Alger FAN Chapter officially start up.
MONICA ERIKSEN
Secretary Term Exp. 12/22
Monica Eriksen's family moved to Alger County in 2019, after she attended Northern Michigan University in 2009 and couldn’t wait to get back to the Upper Peninsula. A Registered Nurse with the Luce Mackinac Alger Schoolcraft (LMAS) District Health Department for their Harm Reduction Program, Eriksen's passion is helping people and eliminating the stigma of mental illness and substance use disorder.
BOARD MEMBERS
MARY JO O'HALLORAN
Director Term Exp. 12/23
Mary Jo O'Halloran is a retired social worker from Community Mental Health, where she served the Upper Peninsula for over 20 years. A certified Prevention Specialist, she has extensive knowledge of substance use and mental health. O'Halloran is a founding member and former coordinator of the Alger Communities That Care coalition, which focuses on prevention of youth substance use and depression. She feels strongly about helping those who reside in Alger County and is very excited to offer more support and resources for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorder.
DAVID DYER
Director Term Exp. 12/23
David Dyer is a true Yooper, having lived his whole life in the Upper Peninsula. A resident of Munising since the age of 5, Dyer still enjoys the community with his wife and three girls. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer in 2008, when Undersheriff Robert Hughes asked him to work for the Alger County Sheriff's Department. Dyer enjoys working for the department and his primary duties are at the jail, where he deals with people he believes could benefit from FAN. "I'm excited to get this program going in Alger County," Dyer says. "I hope to make a difference in the community. With me working in the jail, I'm hoping I can be an asset for the inmates to get the help that they may need." Dyer also hopes to become a full-time School Resource Officer for the Alger County Schools soon.
KELLI BEAUDRY
Director Term Exp. 12/23
Bio coming soon.
ADVISORY BOARD
Tammy Huotari
Pathways / Community Health
Cheri Lare
Pathways / Community Health
Ashlee Henry
LMASDHD Peer Recovery Specialist