A public gathering will be held in Fowlerville to offer updated information about the local opiate crisis and other dangerous trends that are affecting the community.

The Opiate Awareness Community Forum will be held at the Fowlerville United Brethren Church starting at 6:30pm Thursday. Presented in partnership with the Fowlerville Police Department, the forum will discuss the latest trends and information on the issue, feature a presentation from two Fowlerville residents who have struggled with addiction and then conclude with a question and answer session. Jen Hoffmeyer is the Youth Program Coordinator and Career Advisor with Michigan Works! Southeast and says that prevention remains the best strategy to try combat the opiate and opioid epidemic and this event is perfectly suited to the intimate nature of the Fowlerville community.

In addition to the Fowlerville Police Department, the event will also feature Community Mental Health discussing the Wake Up Livingston initiative and Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty to talk more on the county’s Adult Drug Court. Also on hand Thursday will be the Big Red Barrel Project, which can collect all unused and unneeded prescription medications. No registration is required. (JK)