Opioid Epidemic

Prescription drug misuse is a serious problem in Michigan and in the United States. Pinkillers (opioids) and tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) are the two types of prescription drugs leading to misuse. Common opioids used to treat pain include: oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, and codeine.

In Shiawassee County

Students in Shiawassee County part take in the MiPHY (Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth) survey. This survey provides student results on health risk behaviors including substance use, violence, physical activity, nutrition, sexual behavior, and emotional health in grade 7, 9, and 11.

5% of 7th graders in Shiawassee County reported taking a prescription drug not prescribed to them including Vicodin and Xanax within the past 30 days.

11% of Shiawassee County high schoolers took prescription pain-killers that were not prescribed to them in the past 30 days.

In 2017, 21 people died of opioid overdose in Owosso.

Keep your kids safe

-Know where your kids are and who they are with between 3-6PM. Unsupervised after school time is high-risk factor.

– Dispose of prescription drugs immediately after you finish using them. (Drop off locations).

-Keep alcohol and medication in locked cabinets.

-Know the laws about serving underage youth in your home.

-Pay attention to your kids: how they look, how they smell, who they’re with, and how they’re doing in school.

I need help or know someone who needs support.

Participate in the new Angel Program through Owosso Police Department. Participants must voluntarily participate in this program. The Angel Program allows an individual struggling with drug addiction to walk into a MSP post/Owosso Police Department during regular business hours and ask for assistance. If accepted into the Angel Program, the individual will be guided through a professional substance abuse assessment and intake process to ensure proper treatment placement. An “Angel” volunteer, who is a member of the local community, will be present to support the individual during the process, and to provide transportation to the identified treatment facility.

“Owosso Young People in AA” meets at 7PM on Thursday evenings at Christ Episcopal Church. 120 Goodhue. Owosso, MI 48867

Shiawassee County YMCA offers recovery events and is a drop-in location for information and direction.

“Family Education Night” happens the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6PM at the Shiawassee YMCA. Families can enjoy snacks, community, and education during breakout sessions on addiction and how it impacts all members of the family. Breakout sessions will be broken down by age group.

I need help or know someone who needs support.

“Owosso Young People in AA” meets at 7PM on Thursday evenings at Christ Episcopal Church. 120 Goodhue. Owosso, MI 48867

Shiawassee County YMCA offers recovery events and is a drop-in location for information and direction.

Outpatient Treatment, Medically Assisted Treatment Centers, and Local Resources

Recovery Pathways: 989-494-0404

Shiawassee Health and Wellness: 989-723-6791

Memorial Healthcare Hospital: 989-723-5211

DOT Caring Center: 989-725-2229

Taylor Life Center: 989-723-0330

Catholic Charities: 989-723-8239