The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) has extended an invitation to elected officials across Marinette and Menominee Counties to participate in the Safeguarding Our Communities program training. It will take place at noon on Friday, April 30th, and will last approximately one hour. It provides an overview of opioids, suggests actions to address problems, demonstrates how to administer Narcan and highlights the Syringe Service Programs run by local Public Health departments. Those attending this training will be eligible to receive a free Personal Medication Lock Box as well as Narcan treatments from the Community Foundation.
Participation includes in-person, socially distanced training at the community room in Bridgeview Apartments located in Menominee (lunch will be available, provided by the MMACF). Or, people may participate remotely (virtually) via the Community Foundation’s GoToMeeting account. All those who are interested in attending, either in-person or virtually, should register with the Community Foundation. Participation is cost free.
Recent data shows that Marinette County has an average of 14.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the Wisconsin average of 22.4 per 100,000. However, Menominee County averages 36.8 overdose deaths per 100,000, which is well above the Michigan average of 26.9. Menominee County has the highest overdose death rate in all the counties reported in the Upper Peninsula.
In response to local concerns, in November of 2020 the Community Foundation applied for and received a $60,000 Harm Reduction Project grant. The funding was provided by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan in collaboration with Vital Strategies, a global public health organization.
“I have been approached by a number of local elected officials very interested in learning more about the opioid epidemic in Marinette and Menominee Counties,” stated Paula Gruszynski, MMACF Executive Director. “I appreciate their leadership and recognition of the negative affect of opioids on our communities.”
To register for the April 30th event Electeds should contact the Community Foundation at 906-864-3599 or paula.gruszynski@mmacf.org.
Comments