Call to Action Breakfast Focuses on Substance Abuse, Violence Prevention Efforts

While there have been some high profile tragedies, Farmington and Farmington Hills have also seen some successes this year when it comes to preventing substance abuse and domestic violence. 

Call to Action Coalition director Randy Field says he and others will "bring the community up to date" on those efforts Oct. 5, during the Coalition's 24th Annual Community Breakfast. The event kicks off Substance Abuse Awareness Month.

"We want to get people to focus a little bit," Field said. "There's been some nice things that have happened. The schools have been extremely receptive to continuing to educate kids about substance abuse." 

He said the "May Day" program at East Middle School, which focuses on healthy decision making and healthy living, is being expended to Dunckel Middle School. Field was also encouraged that Farmington Mayor Tom Buck took him to an alumni group meeting at the University of Michigan focused on changing the culture of alcohol abuse on campus. 

"It's out of the community, but our kids go on to places like that," Field said. 

On the down side, while he has heard that prescription drug use among young people appears to be declining, heroin use is on the rise, Field said. The murders of Farmington Hills resident Robert Cipriano and Jonathan Hoffman, both of which occurred over the past year, have suspected ties to K-2 or "Spice", a synthetic drug. 

Breakfast attendees will hear from Farmington Hills Police Chief Chuck Nebus and Farmington Public Safety Director Bob Schulz, along with others in the community. The event will again be held at Vladimir's in Farmington Hills.

The cost to attend the event is $15, and reservations are required by Sept. 28. For information, call Becky Dworkin, 248-661-4646 or write to rwdworkin@yahoo.com.