Monroe County Substance Abuse Coalition

03/18/2026

Information from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Bulletin released March 18, 2026

We want to bring to your attention the rise of "synthetic kratom" and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products (or 7-OH-enhanced kratom products) in Michigan’s unregulated market, and the ongoing public health impacts.

While kratom (mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree known for mild stimulant effects from mitragynine and trace amounts of 7-OH, modern products carrying the "kratom" label are often unregulated, significantly more potent – containing added concentrations of 7-OH – and dangerous. These high-potency products, or 7-OH-enhanced products, are rapidly displacing traditional kratom leaf-products on retail shelves, creating a false sense of safety for consumers and increasing public health risks.

7-OH-enhanced kratom products are sold in a wide range of product types that may resemble common supplements or beverages, including powders and capsules.

Teas and energy or "wellness" drinks.
Gummies and candies.
Concentrated liquid shots or extracts.

Some of these products are packaged similarly to energy shots, herbal supplements or flavored beverages.

If you or someone you know is seeking help and support, please call Monroe Community Mental Health Authority Substance Abuse Line at 734-384-0226 or Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan - Saint Joseph Center of Hope at 734-357-8880.

03/17/2026

If cannabis is used in your home, choose a smoke-free space to protect your babies and kids.

03/16/2026

Plan for a Sober Driver This St. Patrick's Day

Although St. Patrick's Day has Irish roots, it is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. To help keep our community safe, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office wants to remind drivers about the dangers of impaired driving. If your plans for the holiday include alcohol, make sure you plan ahead for a sober ride. Help us spread the message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

While celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough is reminding residents to
make responsible choices before celebrating.

"If you've been drinking, make the smart decision to plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely," said Sheriff Goodnough. "Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving."

Latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people were killed in
alcohol impaired driving crashes in the United States, and about 34 people die every day, roughly one person every 42 minutes, because of drunk driving. Alcohol-impaired driving continues to account for about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities nationwide.

That's why the Monroe County Sheriff's Office wants to remind drivers that impaired driving is not only illegal, it is deadly and completely preventable. As you head out to celebrate, remember the importance of planning a safe ride home.

St. Patrick's Day can be one of the more dangerous times on the roads due to increased alcohol consumption. Drivers should also watch for pedestrians who may have been drinking. Walking while impaired can also be dangerous, as reduced awareness and slower reaction times increase the risk of being struck by a vehicle..

"Drunk driving continues to be a serious problem on our nation's roadways, especially during holidays like St. Patrick's Day," Sheriff Goodnough said. "People can still enjoy a night out and get home safely by planning ahead and choosing a sober driver. Don't be the reason someone, including yourself, doesn't make it home. Don't let St. Patrick's Day become the anniversary of a tragic night."

If you're the designated driver, take that responsibility seriously. Your passengers, as well as other drivers and pedestrians on the road, are counting on you to help keep everyone safe.

03/12/2026

Wisdom Wednesday – Men’s Social Event

Join us on March 18 at The Quarry for Wisdom Wednesday, a casual men’s social gathering. This is an opportunity to come together, relax, and enjoy good conversation in a welcoming environment.
Whether you want to unwind after the day, meet new people, or simply connect with others in the community, all men are welcome. No agenda—just a chance to build connections and support one another through meaningful conversation.

Wisdom Wednesday – Men’s Social Event

Join us on March 18 at The Quarry for Wisdom Wednesday, a casual men’s social gathering. This is an opportunity to come together, relax, and enjoy good conversation in a welcoming environment.

Whether you want to unwind after the day, meet new people, or simply connect with others in the community, all men are welcome. No agenda—just a chance to build connections and support one another through meaningful conversation.

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03/10/2026

A cracked window isn't enough. Smoke-free cars protect kids from secondhand smoke exposure.

03/07/2026

Come see us today at the Mall of Monroe for Celebration of Children! There are close to 40 vendors, fingerprinting by Monroe County Sheriff's Office - Michigan, dental checks, book giveaways, and a performance by Magic Book Shelf later today!

03/06/2026

Our coalition invited some of the Jefferson Schools Student Prevention Leadership Team - SPLT members to our monthly meeting this morning to present about their prevention efforts within their high school. What an amazing group of young ladies! Our members were so impressed with the effort and attention to detail with each of the initiatives they launched this year! Thank you to Mrs. Brooks, SPLT advisor as she coordinated to get the girls to the meeting. She emphasized the initiatives are 100% peer-led!

In addition, they received a bonus of touring the fire station after the coalition meting. Thank you to the two firefighters who took the time to show the girls around. We apologize as we forgot to get names of the two gentlemen. The girls were curious about what a shift might look like for them, and they were happy to answer all of their questions. As always, thank you Monroe Public Safety Department City of Monroe, MI for allowing us to use your conference room at the fire station for our monthly meetings!

03/03/2026

Parenting is hard---protecting kids' health doesn't have to be. Choosing smoke-free spaces helps keep babies safer from secondhand cannabis smoke.

03/02/2026

For all those that say there is nothing for teens to do in Monroe County, this is an opportunity for your teen to have fun in a safe environment! The Monroe County Substance Abuse Coalition is partnering with The Monroe Family YMCA to cover the registration fee for any teens interested in attending.

Please contact Lizzy Stritt at 734-241-2606 x 238 or lstritt@monroefamilyymca.org to register, and she will make sure your registration fee is covered!

Don't miss out on this wonderful chance for your teen to engage in healthy and enjoyable activities. Register today!

02/26/2026

Secondhand cannabis smoke doesn't just disappear--- it affects the kids around it. They didn't choose the exposure, but they feel the effects. Let's create smoke-free spaces for our children.

02/12/2026

Our Coalition and the Student Prevention Leadership Team - SPLT Advisor presented at Monroe High School in Mrs. Jack's "Understanding the Law" classes today. Our presentation highlighted collaboration being the key to prevention success. In addition, the students participated in a couple of activities. Congratulations to Zachary, Jorda, Salma and John for being today's winners!