Join the HDFCC monthly every second Thursday coalition meetings
On the second Thursday of the month(No Meeting on July), HDFCC hosts coalition meetings that are open to the public. You can come to the Piast Institute building at 11am located at 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212. You can also join in online via Zoom using the following link:
Piast Institute and Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition Seek Project Director to Advance Community Prevention Effort
8/3/26 - HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — The Piast Institute and its Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) are seeking a passionate, community-minded professional to serve as Project Director, helping lead substance use prevention initiatives that strengthen the health and well-being of residents throughout the Hamtramck community.
The Project Director will coordinate evidence-based prevention programs, engage youth and families, collaborate with schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community partners, and support grant-funded initiatives that address emerging community needs. The position also includes program planning, evaluation, public education, and grant development.
"We're looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference through prevention, education, and community collaboration," said Lara Girdwood, Executive Director of HDFCC. "This is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated partners committed to building a healthier community."
Candidates with strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, along with an interest in public health, prevention, or community development, are encouraged to apply. Grant writing experience and public speaking skills are preferred. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to obtain professional prevention certification through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
The Project Director will coordinate evidence-based prevention programs, engage youth and families, collaborate with schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community partners, and support grant-funded initiatives that address emerging community needs. The position also includes program planning, evaluation, public education, and grant development.
"We're looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference through prevention, education, and community collaboration," said Lara Girdwood, Executive Director of HDFCC. "This is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated partners committed to building a healthier community."
Candidates with strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, along with an interest in public health, prevention, or community development, are encouraged to apply. Grant writing experience and public speaking skills are preferred. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to obtain professional prevention certification through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Senior Medicare Patrol events in Hamtramck
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Find all HDFCC related links by clicking the box below
Sign up & donate for our annual health hike event, support & donate to our community activities, find all of our social media links, sign up for Narcan trainings, book our community space & many more by clicking the 'ALL HDFCC LINKS' box below.
June 11 Thursday HDFCC meeting at EST 11:00 am
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: June 11, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Time: June 11, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
2026 Summer Cereal Drive
📸 2026 Hamtramck Health Hike Event Photos Are Now Available!
The 2026 Hamtramck Health event photos are now available for everyone to view and enjoy. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event a huge success as always!
⬇️ View the Photos Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike?raceEventDaysId=392187
We hope you really enjoyed this year’s health hike event! Until next year.
⬇️ View the Photos Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike?raceEventDaysId=392187
We hope you really enjoyed this year’s health hike event! Until next year.
2026 Hamtramck Health Hike
Get Active and Stay Healthy at the Hamtramck Health Hike
Hamtramck, Mich. – Join the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), a program of the Piast Institute, for its 17th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike. This fun-filled community event promoting health and wellness will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
Led by this year's Grand Marshal, Michael Young, a long-standing and dedicated member of the Hamtramck Fire Department, this year’s hike highlights the strength and spirit of community leadership in Hamtramck.
The Hamtramck Health Hike invites residents of all ages to come together for a morning of outdoor activity and enjoyment. Rain or shine, participants will take on the 5K course through city streets, beginning and ending at Zussman Park, in front of Hamtramck City Hall. Participants can run, jog, or walk the course at their own pace. The 5K will be officially timed, and participants will be able to look up their bib number online to view race results and compare times within their age group.
As an added incentive, the first 400 people to register and attend will receive free giveaways, so be sure to sign up early and secure your spot. Following the hike, participants are encouraged to stay and enjoy activities at the park while learning more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to learn how to save a life. Participants can receive on-site training in the use of Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Those who complete the training will receive a free naloxone kit to take home, empowering community members with the knowledge and tools to respond in an emergency.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of our community leaders, partners, and volunteers who make this event possible,” said HDFCC Director Shannon Schafer. “Together, we are promoting healthy lifestyles and working to prevent substance abuse among our youth.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to come together as a community, take steps toward a healthier future, and gain the tools to make a life-saving difference. Register today and join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and connection.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Committed to prevention activities, HDFCC works year-round with community leaders to tackle substance abuse involving alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and marijuana. Make a difference, join the coalition online or in person (11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck) monthly every second Thursday of the month.
Place
3401 Evaline Street
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Race Contact Info
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer, the race director, at [email protected] and follow along on our socials: Facebook or Instagram.
Get in on the fun by registering yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Click The Link Below To Register
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike
Click The Link Below To Donate
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JA25FABF8M378
Click The Link Below To Donate(Businesses/Organizations/Groups)
Donation Requests:
■ Monetary donations of any kind
■ Raffle Prize
-Individuals/Groups/Businesses/Organizations who make any donations will be featured in a special “Thank You to our Sponsors” email sent to each registered person along with a “Thank You” banner posted on the day of the event.
-Individuals/Groups/Businesses/Organizations who make a donation valued at $100 or more will also have their name/logo highlighted in a “Thank You” video posted on the local public access TV station WHPL Comcast Channel 19, our website, and social media pages
Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.
*Donations can be made through PayPal via the link below:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JA25FABF8M378
*Checks to be made out to the Piast Institute, Memo: Health Hike 2026(Please print & fill out the form link below and mail it to 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212 if you would like donate by check, gift card or raffle prize) DEADLINE TO RETURN FORM: End of Day Thursday April 30, 2026
Publishing About The 2026 Hamtramck Health Hike On The Hamtramck Review(1st Page)
May 14 Thursday HDFCC meeting at EST 11:00 am
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: May 14, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Time: May 14, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
April 21 Tuesday Prescription Takeback at EST 01:00 pm
Place
Lobby area at the Senior Plaza
2620 Holbrook Avenue
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Description
Drop off your unused and expired presscription medication at the Senior Plaza lobby on Tuesday April 21, 2026 starting from 01:00 pm till 02:30 pm. No sharps, no liquids, no ointments and no inhalers. If unable to attend, please know that there is a permanent drop off box located and available 24/7 in the Hamtramck Police station lobby area, no questions asked!
Lobby area at the Senior Plaza
2620 Holbrook Avenue
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Description
Drop off your unused and expired presscription medication at the Senior Plaza lobby on Tuesday April 21, 2026 starting from 01:00 pm till 02:30 pm. No sharps, no liquids, no ointments and no inhalers. If unable to attend, please know that there is a permanent drop off box located and available 24/7 in the Hamtramck Police station lobby area, no questions asked!
April 9 Thursday HDFCC meeting at EST 11:00 am
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: April 9, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Time: April 9, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
March 12 HDFCC meeting at EST 11:00 am
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: March 12, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Time: March 12, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
We apologize for the last minute notice but our special guest for the Ribbon Cutting cannot confirm attendance on Thursday anymore and we must postpone. We apologize for the inconvenience but still invite you to the HDFCC monthly coalition meeting at 11:00am.
2026 Vendor Education
Piast and HDFCC recently finished distributing Vendor Education packets in Hamtramck. Packets contained updated signs for posting on premises concerning the cut off birthdates for sales of tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis. None of these substances can be legally sold to anyone under the age of 21 per Michigan law. Businesses included smoke shops, bars, restaurants, gas stations, dispensaries, party stores, and markets., Each vendor received a copy of the signs in English. In addition all vendors that we were able to contact in person had the option of additional signs in Arabic, Polish, Bengali, and Ukrainian. The packet also included an introductory letter as well as a summary of penalties for sale to minors. A total of 75 Hamtramck businesses were reached. Response from several was very positive and people seemed to be engaged in preventing youth consumption. Piast and HDFCC appear to be becoming more recognizable in the community and vendor cooperation increases every year.
February 12 Thursday HDFCC meeting at EST 11 am
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: February 12, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Time: February 12, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
January 2026, learn how to commit yourself to Dry January.
Upcoming Events in December and January 2025/2026
January 8 HDFCC Meeting 11am EST(Zoom Virtual)
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting virtually via Zoom.
Time: January 8, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting (Click Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1#success
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Time: January 8, 2026 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting (Click Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82728955056?pwd=hqBSHkktc5LGgLhmpn7S6bll7be0tN.1#success
Meeting ID: 827 2895 5056
Passcode: 726786
Senior Giveaway 2025
We'd love to thank everyone for their contributions to pull off a wonderful giveaway this holiday season to seniors in the community at St. Josephs Assisted Living and the Senior Plaza independent living housing. We were able to put together 300 bags, decorated by our local Polish American scouts, and filled with essentials, fun items donated from the community, food items, etc.
Without the time, donations - monetary and in-kind, and helping hands, this project would not have been as successful as it was. Check out some pictures below.
P.S. Pardon our dust in the conference room as it was being remodeled after the holidays,
Without the time, donations - monetary and in-kind, and helping hands, this project would not have been as successful as it was. Check out some pictures below.
P.S. Pardon our dust in the conference room as it was being remodeled after the holidays,
December 11 HDFCC Meeting 11am EST
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: December 11, 2025 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Time: December 11, 2025 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting (Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
November 13 HDFCC Meeting 11am EST
Piast Institute is inviting you to attend our monthly HDFCC meeting in-person or via Zoom.
Time: November 13, 2025 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting(Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Time: November 13, 2025 Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Join Zoom Meeting(Link): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
HDFCC NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY ROOM RENOVATION!
One of our largest federal grants, the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program, has just come to an end. While we are always applying for new funding, sustaining this important work now depends on community support. That’s where you come in. Your support is needed.
Now, we are taking the next step: creating a modernized community space at the Piast Institute. This room will feature updated flooring, electrical, flexible furniture, and technology including an interactive smartboard and tablets. It will serve as the home for coalition meetings, youth leadership activities, trainings, lectures, and community events—all designed to keep prevention strong in Hamtramck.
Every donation matters. By giving, you’re not only helping us build this new space—you’re helping sustain HDFCC’s prevention programs during a time of uncertainty.
Now, we are taking the next step: creating a modernized community space at the Piast Institute. This room will feature updated flooring, electrical, flexible furniture, and technology including an interactive smartboard and tablets. It will serve as the home for coalition meetings, youth leadership activities, trainings, lectures, and community events—all designed to keep prevention strong in Hamtramck.
Every donation matters. By giving, you’re not only helping us build this new space—you’re helping sustain HDFCC’s prevention programs during a time of uncertainty.
Fact Sheet - Vape Detectors and Punitive Responses to Vaping in Schools
HDFCC Invites you to the annual Halloween Pancake Breakfast
Marijuana Use - Your Teen Brain
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There are a studies that show Marijuana use can increase your risk of psychosis and schizophrenia four-fold. This correlation is not talked about often. Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4988731
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical in marijuana products (natural or synthetic) that makes users high (weed, vapes, dabs, edibles). THC is particularly harmful for teens, so talk to them early and often about abstinence. THC is the #1 predictor that a teen will go on to use harder substances (over alcohol). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in their 2019 youth risk behavioral Survey, the #1 predictor that teens have abused opioids in the past 30 days is whether they have ever used marijuana in their lifetimes — it’s an even better indicator than previous 30-day alcohol use. In other words, using marijuana leads to teen opioid abuse more than any other drug. In fact, adolescent marijuana users are 2.5 times more likely to abuse prescription opioids. Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3552239/pdf/nihms388189.pdf Studies show 17% of adolescents who use marijuana become addicted, and 50% of daily users become addicted. Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/pdf/nihms762992.pdf |
THC USE SYMPTOMS 
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New translated Narcan Training Videos
Announcement: The Narcan training video produced for HDFCC has now been translated into two additional languages, Arabic and Bengali, to better serve the community. They are available on the NARCAN page on the website.
September 11 HDFCC Meeting 11am EST
Piast Institute is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: HDFCC Monthly Meeting
Time: September 11, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Second Thu, until Dec 11, 2025, 12 occurrence(s)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcocOmppzgoGdGyueVBRwMuf-jxDb4DX6Sb/ics?icsToken=DGzfjN_RF2ZYhmNdYAAALAAAAHmGNAQgd9PTAteK52FNwzj_g2n7JE95UW5TI-0NuroAdDPlFQ9lcdBLjuHT7ekKM7mU2j9gBNWZLLHd_TAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=7YOVKHzISUyE9vGANjFRfg
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Dial by your location
• +1 646 931 3860 US
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdELUmHCXS
Topic: HDFCC Monthly Meeting
Time: September 11, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Second Thu, until Dec 11, 2025, 12 occurrence(s)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcocOmppzgoGdGyueVBRwMuf-jxDb4DX6Sb/ics?icsToken=DGzfjN_RF2ZYhmNdYAAALAAAAHmGNAQgd9PTAteK52FNwzj_g2n7JE95UW5TI-0NuroAdDPlFQ9lcdBLjuHT7ekKM7mU2j9gBNWZLLHd_TAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=7YOVKHzISUyE9vGANjFRfg
---
Dial by your location
• +1 646 931 3860 US
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdELUmHCXS
What is Kratom? Emerging trend alert!
At our last coalition meeting , we discussed a new product called "Feel Free" which is an elixir combining kava root and kratom. For more information on kratom, review the material provided by the Overdose Prevention Engagement Network (OPEN) in this link:
Opioid Overdose Awareness Day - August 31
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) offers FREE Narcan (naloxone) training to help you be prepared to save a life.
What is Narcan?
Narcan is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — even fentanyl — within minutes. It has no effect if opioids are not present, so when in doubt, use Narcan.
How to spot an opioid overdose:
🚨 Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
🚨 Unresponsive to shouting or shaking
🚨 Blue or gray lips and fingertips
🚨 Pinpoint pupils
If you suspect an overdose:
1️⃣ Call 911 immediately
2️⃣ Administer Narcan
3️⃣ Perform rescue breathing or CPR if needed
4️⃣ Stay with the person until help arrives
Together, we can help prevent more lives from being lost. 💜
📩 Contact us to learn more or sign up for FREE Narcan training.
What is Narcan?
Narcan is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — even fentanyl — within minutes. It has no effect if opioids are not present, so when in doubt, use Narcan.
How to spot an opioid overdose:
🚨 Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
🚨 Unresponsive to shouting or shaking
🚨 Blue or gray lips and fingertips
🚨 Pinpoint pupils
If you suspect an overdose:
1️⃣ Call 911 immediately
2️⃣ Administer Narcan
3️⃣ Perform rescue breathing or CPR if needed
4️⃣ Stay with the person until help arrives
Together, we can help prevent more lives from being lost. 💜
📩 Contact us to learn more or sign up for FREE Narcan training.
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Carfentanil has reemerged in Michigan
What exactly is Carfentanil?
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times MORE potent than fentanyl. It is not approved for human use and was originally developed to sedate large animals.
Carfentanil was not detected in Michigan in 2021 and 2022 but reemerged in 2025 with increasing frequency and lethality. Between January and June 2025, 11 carfentanil-positive postmortem cases have been identified across Michigan. This is the highest number recorded in a single year by the STORM program since it began carfentanil testing in 2017.
The deaths occurred in the following counties:
𖥔 Wayne County
𖥔 Eaton County
𖥔 Livingston County
𖥔 Oakland County
𖥔 Ingham County
𖥔 Genesee County
None of the deaths were positive for carfentanil alone; 10 individuals also tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl was found in eight cases.
MDHHS epidemiologic monitoring reveals an increasingly complex and lethal drug environment. According to Q1 2025 STORM data, 46% of STORM samples tested were positive for more than one substance (Source: Monthly MODA Report). Additionally, the following emerging substances are of particular concern:
Xylazine
- A sedative not approved for human use, often combined with fentanyl.
- Since 2019, more than 500 xylazine-related deaths recorded in Michigan.
- In 2025, 41 xylazine-related deaths confirmed.
Medetomidine
- A veterinary tranquilizer in the same class as xylazine, emerging in overdose cases in Wayne, Ingham, Muskegon and other counties.
- Twelve medetomidine-related deaths recorded since March 2024.
Nitazenes (e.g., metonitazene)
- Extremely potent synthetic opioids, often more powerful than fentanyl.
- One metonitazene-related death detected in 2025.
Naloxone reverses overdose from opioids, including carfentanil. Naloxone remains one of the most effective tools in preventing opioid overdose deaths, even on contaminants such as carfentanil.
Any substance, including stimulants, pressed pills, “party drugs” like MDMA or ketamine, may be unknowingly mixed with (or “cut” with) fentanyl, xylazine or carfentanil. This type of contamination means the person using the drug may not be aware of what’s actually in it, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.
Our staff just had their annual Narcan Training with DWIHN to refresh our information on overdose deaths.
You can learn to save a life by scheduling a Narcan training and receiving a kit to take with you. Learn more or get involved in our coalition meetings coming up August 14th at 11am.
Our office # is (313) 733-4535
Health Hike 2025 Follow-Up
Thank you to all who attended the 15th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike. It was certainly a memorable day! We hope you had as much fun as we did!
Use the following links to see photos and race times:
Race photography: https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike?raceEventDaysId=345212
You can search your bib number specifically to find all pictures that you are in.
If you would like to see the timing results of the race, use the following link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/144368#resultSetId-550654;perpage:100
Use the following links to see photos and race times:
Race photography: https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike?raceEventDaysId=345212
You can search your bib number specifically to find all pictures that you are in.
If you would like to see the timing results of the race, use the following link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/144368#resultSetId-550654;perpage:100
April 2025 Unused & Expired Prescription Medication Takeback
Place
Lobby area at the Senior Plaza
2620 Holbrook Avenue
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Description
Drop off your unused and expired presscription medication at the Senior Plaza lobby on Thursday April 24, 2025 starting from 11:00 am till 12:30 pm. No sharps, no liquids, no ointments and no inhalers. If unable to attend, please know that there is a permanent drop off box located and available 24/7 in the Hamtramck Police station lobby area, no questions asked!
Lobby area at the Senior Plaza
2620 Holbrook Avenue
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Description
Drop off your unused and expired presscription medication at the Senior Plaza lobby on Thursday April 24, 2025 starting from 11:00 am till 12:30 pm. No sharps, no liquids, no ointments and no inhalers. If unable to attend, please know that there is a permanent drop off box located and available 24/7 in the Hamtramck Police station lobby area, no questions asked!
2025 Hamtramck Health Hike
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Place
3401 Evaline Street
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Description
Whether you choose to run, jog, or walk, there is something for everyone at the free Hamtramck Health Hike, coming up Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Whether it rains or shines, the annual event will be a 5K course winding through city streets. It will start and end at Zussman Park, in front of Hamtramck City Hall, at 3401 Evaline Street.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), a program of the Piast Institute, encourages the community to join together at the Health Hike in celebration of its 16th annual spring hike in the city. As a complement to the outdoor exercise, participants will have the chance to learn more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Be a part of the first 400 people to register and attend to get free giveaways!
HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Its members have worked year-round with community leaders to help tackle substance abuse disorders of alcohol, tobacco, opioids and marijuana through prevention activities. Lara Girdwood is the Executive Director of HDFCC and Shannon Schafer is the HDFCC Director.
The race will be timed again this year and you will be able to check your time online by looking up your bib number and compare your time to others in similar age groups.
Big News from the Hamtramck Drug-Free Community Coalition!
We’re thrilled to announce that Mr. James White will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 - 16th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike - 5K! The event's Grand Marshal Mr. James White the former Detroit Police Chief leads the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) in its mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive behavioral health services to over 75,000 residents across Wayne County. His commitment to public health and community safety makes him the perfect Grand Marshal for this energizing 5K event. The youth in Hamtramck involved in the Junior coalitions are pleased that Mr. White accepted their invitation. A press conference was held Thursday May 8th at the Piast Institute to celebrate this exciting announcement and we’re counting down the days until Saturday May 17th!
Let’s lace up, show up, and step forward for a healthier Hamtramck. We can't wait to see you there!
Race Contact Info
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer, the race director at [email protected]
or visit HamtramckDrugFree.org. Follow updates at Hamtramck DrugFree.org or FB.com/Hamtramck Drug Free.
Get in on the fun by registering yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Click The Link Below To Register
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike
Click The Link Below To Volunteer
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsfoEF8yJ9vbENsxvl41pwFW5wwlPFtUSd6wZuzNJUR1OyBw/viewform?pli=1
3401 Evaline Street
Hamtramck, MI - 48212, U.S.A
Description
Whether you choose to run, jog, or walk, there is something for everyone at the free Hamtramck Health Hike, coming up Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Whether it rains or shines, the annual event will be a 5K course winding through city streets. It will start and end at Zussman Park, in front of Hamtramck City Hall, at 3401 Evaline Street.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), a program of the Piast Institute, encourages the community to join together at the Health Hike in celebration of its 16th annual spring hike in the city. As a complement to the outdoor exercise, participants will have the chance to learn more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Be a part of the first 400 people to register and attend to get free giveaways!
HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Its members have worked year-round with community leaders to help tackle substance abuse disorders of alcohol, tobacco, opioids and marijuana through prevention activities. Lara Girdwood is the Executive Director of HDFCC and Shannon Schafer is the HDFCC Director.
The race will be timed again this year and you will be able to check your time online by looking up your bib number and compare your time to others in similar age groups.
Big News from the Hamtramck Drug-Free Community Coalition!
We’re thrilled to announce that Mr. James White will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 - 16th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike - 5K! The event's Grand Marshal Mr. James White the former Detroit Police Chief leads the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) in its mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive behavioral health services to over 75,000 residents across Wayne County. His commitment to public health and community safety makes him the perfect Grand Marshal for this energizing 5K event. The youth in Hamtramck involved in the Junior coalitions are pleased that Mr. White accepted their invitation. A press conference was held Thursday May 8th at the Piast Institute to celebrate this exciting announcement and we’re counting down the days until Saturday May 17th!
Let’s lace up, show up, and step forward for a healthier Hamtramck. We can't wait to see you there!
Race Contact Info
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer, the race director at [email protected]
or visit HamtramckDrugFree.org. Follow updates at Hamtramck DrugFree.org or FB.com/Hamtramck Drug Free.
Get in on the fun by registering yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Click The Link Below To Register
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike
Click The Link Below To Volunteer
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsfoEF8yJ9vbENsxvl41pwFW5wwlPFtUSd6wZuzNJUR1OyBw/viewform?pli=1
Update Spring 2025
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) has been hard at work across Hamtramck, Highland Park, and central Detroit to support public health and compliance efforts. Here's what we've been up to:
✅ Vendor Outreach in Hamtramck: We contacted 68 vendors selling controlled substances (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis), distributing multilingual signage (English, Polish, Ukrainian, Bengali, Arabic) with important purchase cutoff dates. Nearly every vendor was reached in person, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive!
✅ Compliance Checks: In collaboration with the Hamtramck Police Department, we conducted compliance checks at local tobacco vendors. Vendors who passed and refused sales to minors received letters of congratulations, while those who didn’t were provided with informational guidance—no penalties, just education!
✅ Tobacco Vendor Data Collection: Partnering with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), we personally verified 187 vendors in Hamtramck, Highland Park, and central Detroit to update the state's tobacco retailer list. This ensures accurate tracking of who sells cigarettes, vapes, or both.
💡 Through in-person visits, mailed resources, and data collection, we’ve helped keep local businesses informed and our community healthier. Thank you to our incredible partners and vendors for working with us!
✅ Vendor Outreach in Hamtramck: We contacted 68 vendors selling controlled substances (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis), distributing multilingual signage (English, Polish, Ukrainian, Bengali, Arabic) with important purchase cutoff dates. Nearly every vendor was reached in person, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive!
✅ Compliance Checks: In collaboration with the Hamtramck Police Department, we conducted compliance checks at local tobacco vendors. Vendors who passed and refused sales to minors received letters of congratulations, while those who didn’t were provided with informational guidance—no penalties, just education!
✅ Tobacco Vendor Data Collection: Partnering with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), we personally verified 187 vendors in Hamtramck, Highland Park, and central Detroit to update the state's tobacco retailer list. This ensures accurate tracking of who sells cigarettes, vapes, or both.
💡 Through in-person visits, mailed resources, and data collection, we’ve helped keep local businesses informed and our community healthier. Thank you to our incredible partners and vendors for working with us!
February 2025 HDFCC Coalition Meeting
This is a reminder that our monthly coalition meeting is THURSDAY February 13th from 11am-12pm. We are in office or by ZOOM.
Stay after the HDFCC Monthly meeting or come join us at 12pm to learn more about planning of the annual Hamtramck Health Hike.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
Stay after the HDFCC Monthly meeting or come join us at 12pm to learn more about planning of the annual Hamtramck Health Hike.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83570193235?pwd=KzWYRyjo1dli5qHcBw1aJcubKap7vl.1
Meeting ID: 835 7019 3235
Passcode: 317826
January 2025 HDFCC Meeting Follow Up
Thank you to all who were able to attend on Thursday! It was a great meeting! If you were unable to attend, we highly recommend taking a look at the meeting minutes for more details.
We had the opportunity to hear from .05 Saves Lives Coalition - a group whose initiative is to lower the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in Michigan from .08 to .05 in order to reduce death and injury due to drunk driving. This lead to some very interesting information and conversation and again recommend reviewing the minutes for the details.
If you attended or reviewed the minutes and want to be involved in this effort, I have attached an informational sheet you can review and share with others, as well as a resolution you can sign as either an organization or individual to show support of the issue. Use the buttons below to access meeting material.
HDFCC Presentation at City Council Tuesday January 14th, 2025: 7pm
HDFCC has been working closely with the Hamtramck Police Department to discuss best practices for utilizing Opioid Settlement Funding that has been allocated to The City for the betterment and health of Hamtramck citizens. With this collaboration, HDFCC has been invited to re-introduce our organization to the City Council and community as the Council votes in allocating funds to the prevention efforts of HDFCC. You are welcome to join us in person at 7pm on the second-floor of City Hall located at 3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck.
Next HDFCC Meeting Thursday February 13th, 2025: 11am-12pm
Join us in office (11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck) or online, but make sure you join us!
We had the opportunity to hear from .05 Saves Lives Coalition - a group whose initiative is to lower the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in Michigan from .08 to .05 in order to reduce death and injury due to drunk driving. This lead to some very interesting information and conversation and again recommend reviewing the minutes for the details.
If you attended or reviewed the minutes and want to be involved in this effort, I have attached an informational sheet you can review and share with others, as well as a resolution you can sign as either an organization or individual to show support of the issue. Use the buttons below to access meeting material.
HDFCC Presentation at City Council Tuesday January 14th, 2025: 7pm
HDFCC has been working closely with the Hamtramck Police Department to discuss best practices for utilizing Opioid Settlement Funding that has been allocated to The City for the betterment and health of Hamtramck citizens. With this collaboration, HDFCC has been invited to re-introduce our organization to the City Council and community as the Council votes in allocating funds to the prevention efforts of HDFCC. You are welcome to join us in person at 7pm on the second-floor of City Hall located at 3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck.
Next HDFCC Meeting Thursday February 13th, 2025: 11am-12pm
Join us in office (11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck) or online, but make sure you join us!
Spreading Holiday Cheer to Hamtramck Seniors - December 2024
The HDFCC was proud to support senior citizens living at the Hamtramck Senior Plaza on Holbrook Avenue this holiday season. Thanks to the generous contributions of volunteers, the ZHP Scouting Organization, and the Piast Institute, we were able to fill over 150 bags with essential items for seniors on a fixed income.
The thoughtfully prepared bags were delivered directly to each apartment just in time for the holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated items, helped assemble the gift bags at the office, and ensured the delivery process went smoothly. Your kindness and support brightened the season for many.
The thoughtfully prepared bags were delivered directly to each apartment just in time for the holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated items, helped assemble the gift bags at the office, and ensured the delivery process went smoothly. Your kindness and support brightened the season for many.
Youth Author - HDFCC Intern hosts Reading at Hamtramck Public Library
Congratulations to our HDFCC Director - Shannon Schafer
Shannon Schafer, CPS
We are excited to announce that our Director, Shannon Schafer, has passed the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) exam through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP)!
This achievement is a testament to Shannon's dedication, expertise, and passion for advancing prevention efforts within our community. Her certification through MCBAP further strengthens our mission and commitment to creating a healthier future for the youth and community in Hamtramck and the surrounding areas.
Please join us in celebrating Shannon’s hard-earned accomplishment!
This achievement is a testament to Shannon's dedication, expertise, and passion for advancing prevention efforts within our community. Her certification through MCBAP further strengthens our mission and commitment to creating a healthier future for the youth and community in Hamtramck and the surrounding areas.
Please join us in celebrating Shannon’s hard-earned accomplishment!
National Prescription Take Back Day - Oct 2025
Paul, Salwa, Nusrath and Shannon were representing HDFCC and collecting used and expired medication, doing narcan training, and available to assist anyone at the Senior High Rise in Hamtramck.
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Participants were encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and clear out any unused or expired medications for safe disposal in time for National Prescription Take Back Day.
On Wednesday, October 23, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, HDFCC collected old prescriptions, medications, and supplements at the Hamtramck Senior Plaza. During this time, HDFCC also hosted a Narcan Training session. As a reminder, prescriptions could always be dropped off using the prescription drop box in the Police Department lobby located at City Hall. This box is accessible 24/7, no questions asked! |
Join HDFCC for the annual Halloween Breakfast
What better way to celebrate and meet with fellow community members that at Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalitions annual appreciation Pancake Breakfast? It will be held at the office on Thursday October 31st from 10am-1pm. Come hungry and feel free to wear a costume!
We'll see you there!
Piast Institute location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI
We'll see you there!
Piast Institute location: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI
Red Ribbon Week 2024
RRW 2024 Update: The HDFCC helped our Hamtramck Public School District to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a national awareness campaign to encourage drug-free lifestyles and bullying prevention. Red Ribbon Week was held October 23rd to October 31st. District staff of 4th through 8th grade classrooms were provided resources, information, flyers, craft supplies, and ideas for activities to be completed with students in the classroom, as well as giveaways for the students. We provided blank bookmarks for students to decorate along with red ribbons, sensory stickers, and positive messaging bracelets for each student! Toolkits were distributed by our team to 38 Hamtramck Public School classrooms, with 30-40 items given to each class.
As a result of the ideas we provided to teachers, HDFCC staff were able to join 60 students in the classroom to discuss substances, talk about stress management, reducing stigma, practice staying committed to our healthy choices, and distributing resources for individuals struggling with addiction. We wrapped up these presentations at KMS on December 11th and 17th in order to reach ALL 7th and 8th grade students.
Some topics covered included:
-Stress Management
-Judgement and Stigma
-Facts about Vaping, Hookah, and Prescription Medicines
-Practice Saying No
-Resources Available to Quit
As a result of the ideas we provided to teachers, HDFCC staff were able to join 60 students in the classroom to discuss substances, talk about stress management, reducing stigma, practice staying committed to our healthy choices, and distributing resources for individuals struggling with addiction. We wrapped up these presentations at KMS on December 11th and 17th in order to reach ALL 7th and 8th grade students.
Some topics covered included:
-Stress Management
-Judgement and Stigma
-Facts about Vaping, Hookah, and Prescription Medicines
-Practice Saying No
-Resources Available to Quit
Red Ribbon Week 2024 Toolkits were distributed to 38 Hamtramck Public School classrooms, with 30-40 items given to each class. The toolkits included substance prevention awareness bracelets, stickers, bookmarks to decorate, and informative packets. All teachers were invited to reach out to the HDFCC team to give presentations about substance use prevention to their students. We look forward to giving those presentations in the coming weeks!
Congratulation on the publication of our interns new book!
Narcan Training
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The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) has trained over 1,000 people throughout Wayne County in Narcan. This includes high-risk groups and others who interact with these groups including High schoolers, school staff, fire dept., city staff, library staff, restaurant/ bar/business staff, nursing students, parents, dental hygiene students, community health workers, seniors, City Council members, volunteers, and religious groups. HDFCC also distributed over 20 Narcan storage boxes to schools, bars/restaurants, places of worship, and housing units. One save has been reported directly to HDFCC so far while rates of overdose death seem to have declined in Hamtramck from 8 between 2022-2023 to 3 between 2023-2024.
HDFCC has been scheduling Narcan trainings in the community. Don't forget to register yourself, your group, staff, etc. Contact Lara Girdwood at: [email protected] |
New emerging trend: Medetomidine
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Spot Counterfeit Car Seats!
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New and expecting parents ‼️
https://youtu.be/54FeaWruOF8
The youtube video/link above has many great resources and information to help you in this journey to parenthood. We highly recommend you taking some time to listen in as HDFCC has launched the Advancing Healthy Births project.
Programs included in the video:
0:00 Intro
02:21 Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
07:55 Breastfeeding Support
14:06 Infant Safe Sleep
23:27 Michigan Home Visiting Collective
35:23 Michigan Doula Initiative
43:20 Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance, Hear Her Michigan Campaign
48:33 Newborn Screening
54:42 BioTrust for Health
1:01:17 Early Hearing Detection Intervention
1:06:47 Immunizations
1:14:42 Vital Records
1:23:51 Oral Health Program
1:29:22 Environmental Health
1:40:06 Unintentional Injury Prevention
1:47:41 Birth Defects Education and Outreach
1:51:49 Children’s Special Healthcare Services
Advancing Healthy Births, a project of the Piast Institute and HDFCC is made possible with a grant funding from Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition (SEMPQIC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and United Way for Southeast Michigan.
Alert! New drug Medetomidine showing up in Michigan
HDFCC is now up on Instagram! Follow along:
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/hamtramckdrugfree/
You can also follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/hamtramckdrugfree
You can also follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/hamtramckdrugfree
Supporting Healthy Births
Advancing Healthy Births, a project of the Piast Institute and HDFCC is made possible with a grant funding from Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition (SEMPQIC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and United Way for Southeast Michigan.
Hamtramck Health Hike 2024
Hamtramck, Mich. – Lace up your sneakers and mark your calendars for the Hamtramck Health Hike, a fun-filled community event promoting health and wellness. Whether you prefer to run, jog, or walk, there's something for everyone at this FREE 5K event, taking place on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
Hosted by the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) in partnership with local organizations, the Hamtramck Health Hike invites residents of all ages to join together for a morning of outdoor activity and enjoyment. Rain or shine, participants will embark on the 5K course winding through city streets, starting and ending at Zussman Park, in front of Hamtramck City Hall, at 3401 Evaline.
"We're thrilled to celebrate the 15th annual Hamtramck Health Hike with our Hamtramck community," said Lara Girdwood, Executive Director of HDFCC. "The Health Hike is not only a chance to get moving and enjoy the outdoors but also an opportunity to learn about healthy, drug-free lifestyles and connect with neighbors and friends."
As an added incentive, the first 400 people to register and attend will receive free giveaways, so be sure to sign up early and secure your spot! Registration is free and can be completed online at: tinyurl.com/HealthHike
Participants will be given a free T-Shirt, free lunch and ice cream, and free entry for raffle prizes. You can also stick around to check out the Narcan table offering important information and resources, enjoy an inflatable slide, a photo booth station, face painting, and henna tattoos all for FREE. There's no shortage of entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
"We're grateful for the support of our community leaders and partners in making this event possible," added Shannon Schafer, HDFCC Director. "Together, we're working to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent substance abuse disorders among our youth."
The highlight of the event will be the participation of Grand Marshal, Former Police Chief Anne Moise, who will lead the 5K hike through the city streets.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to come together as a community and take steps towards a healthier, happier future. Register for the Hamtramck Health Hike today and join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and celebration!
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Committed to prevention activities, HDFCC works year-round with community leaders to tackle substance abuse disorders of alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and marijuana.
Hosted by the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) in partnership with local organizations, the Hamtramck Health Hike invites residents of all ages to join together for a morning of outdoor activity and enjoyment. Rain or shine, participants will embark on the 5K course winding through city streets, starting and ending at Zussman Park, in front of Hamtramck City Hall, at 3401 Evaline.
"We're thrilled to celebrate the 15th annual Hamtramck Health Hike with our Hamtramck community," said Lara Girdwood, Executive Director of HDFCC. "The Health Hike is not only a chance to get moving and enjoy the outdoors but also an opportunity to learn about healthy, drug-free lifestyles and connect with neighbors and friends."
As an added incentive, the first 400 people to register and attend will receive free giveaways, so be sure to sign up early and secure your spot! Registration is free and can be completed online at: tinyurl.com/HealthHike
Participants will be given a free T-Shirt, free lunch and ice cream, and free entry for raffle prizes. You can also stick around to check out the Narcan table offering important information and resources, enjoy an inflatable slide, a photo booth station, face painting, and henna tattoos all for FREE. There's no shortage of entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
"We're grateful for the support of our community leaders and partners in making this event possible," added Shannon Schafer, HDFCC Director. "Together, we're working to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent substance abuse disorders among our youth."
The highlight of the event will be the participation of Grand Marshal, Former Police Chief Anne Moise, who will lead the 5K hike through the city streets.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to come together as a community and take steps towards a healthier, happier future. Register for the Hamtramck Health Hike today and join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and celebration!
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Committed to prevention activities, HDFCC works year-round with community leaders to tackle substance abuse disorders of alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and marijuana.
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HDFCC Supports Junior Coalition at City Council Meeting - April 2024
Flyers of Upcoming April Events
HDFCC Updates on Distribution of Birth Date Signs
April Updates!
Save the Dates on these upcoming events:
Thursday, April 11
11am-Noon - Our monthly HDFCC coalition meeting. Join us in the office (Piast Institute: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck) or online!
If you join us in person:
You will be entered into a drawing for a gas card ⛽ and
Be able to join us for lunch immediately following the meeting 🥪 .
Please RSVP by the end of day Tuesday April 9 to ([email protected]) so that we can adequately plan for lunch.
Join online using Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88419442621?pwd=ZmlmRUwxKzkvTytyNkwveUNtZ285dz09
Thurs April 11
12pm - Health Hike Update Meeting: These are times where you can learn more about the planning process for the Health Hike, provide feedback, and offer your services. Join us online or in-person after our monthly coalition meeting. Lunch will be served during this meeting.
Join Meeting using Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88419442621?pwd=ZmlmRUwxKzkvTytyNkwveUNtZ285dz09
Meeting ID: 884 1944 2621
Passcode: 110089
Wednesday April 24th
1-2:30 - Narcan Training at Hamtramck Senior Housing - Come in for a FREE Narcan training. Narcan is a nasal spray that can be used to reverse opioid overdoses. We will be collecting unused and expired medication for safe disposal ahead of National Prescription Take Back Day as well. Drive up and drop off at the Senior Plaza located at 2620 Holbrook, Hamtramck.
Wednesday April 24th
3-6pm - Community Health Fair - Come to the Hamtramck Recreation Center (11350 Charest, Hamtramck) to find out more about health resources available in the community. We will be attending and passing out prescription lock bags for safe storage of prescription medications and providing Narcan resources.
Saturday April 27th
National Prescription Take Back Day - It's that time of year again! Start gathering your old/unused/expired vitamins, pills, and supplements to dispose of properly! You can drop them off anytime at the Hamtramck City Hall 3401 Evaline Street, just inside the Police Department lobby (on the left after entering city hall).
Thursday May 9th
11am- Noon - HYBRID HDFCC Monthly Coalition Meeting - Join us online or in the office!
Thursday May 9th
12 pm - Final Health Hike Update Meeting
Saturday May 18th
15th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike 5k starts in front of Hamtramck City Hall (3401 Evaline, Hamtramck) at 9am.
Register now for FREE! https://tinyurl.com/HealthHike
Thursday, April 11
11am-Noon - Our monthly HDFCC coalition meeting. Join us in the office (Piast Institute: 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck) or online!
If you join us in person:
You will be entered into a drawing for a gas card ⛽ and
Be able to join us for lunch immediately following the meeting 🥪 .
Please RSVP by the end of day Tuesday April 9 to ([email protected]) so that we can adequately plan for lunch.
Join online using Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88419442621?pwd=ZmlmRUwxKzkvTytyNkwveUNtZ285dz09
Thurs April 11
12pm - Health Hike Update Meeting: These are times where you can learn more about the planning process for the Health Hike, provide feedback, and offer your services. Join us online or in-person after our monthly coalition meeting. Lunch will be served during this meeting.
Join Meeting using Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88419442621?pwd=ZmlmRUwxKzkvTytyNkwveUNtZ285dz09
Meeting ID: 884 1944 2621
Passcode: 110089
Wednesday April 24th
1-2:30 - Narcan Training at Hamtramck Senior Housing - Come in for a FREE Narcan training. Narcan is a nasal spray that can be used to reverse opioid overdoses. We will be collecting unused and expired medication for safe disposal ahead of National Prescription Take Back Day as well. Drive up and drop off at the Senior Plaza located at 2620 Holbrook, Hamtramck.
Wednesday April 24th
3-6pm - Community Health Fair - Come to the Hamtramck Recreation Center (11350 Charest, Hamtramck) to find out more about health resources available in the community. We will be attending and passing out prescription lock bags for safe storage of prescription medications and providing Narcan resources.
Saturday April 27th
National Prescription Take Back Day - It's that time of year again! Start gathering your old/unused/expired vitamins, pills, and supplements to dispose of properly! You can drop them off anytime at the Hamtramck City Hall 3401 Evaline Street, just inside the Police Department lobby (on the left after entering city hall).
Thursday May 9th
11am- Noon - HYBRID HDFCC Monthly Coalition Meeting - Join us online or in the office!
Thursday May 9th
12 pm - Final Health Hike Update Meeting
Saturday May 18th
15th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike 5k starts in front of Hamtramck City Hall (3401 Evaline, Hamtramck) at 9am.
Register now for FREE! https://tinyurl.com/HealthHike
SAVE THE DATE - Hamtramck Health Hike (5K Walk/Run)
The 15th Annual Hamtramck Health Hike will be scheduled for Saturday May 18, 2024!
Register now for FREE! https://tinyurl.com/HealthHike
If you are interested in volunteering that day or getting involved, reach out to the HDFCC Executive Director at: [email protected] or the HDFCC Director at: [email protected]
Register now for FREE! https://tinyurl.com/HealthHike
If you are interested in volunteering that day or getting involved, reach out to the HDFCC Executive Director at: [email protected] or the HDFCC Director at: [email protected]
Free Little Library Ribbon Cutting
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 18 HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. THIS EVENT IS RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 at 3:30pm.
The Piast Institute, a nonprofit organization, will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for a Free Little Library unveiling at the Hamtramck Housing Commission on Thursday January 18, 2024 at 3:30pm. “We are so excited to receive the new Little Library!”, said Kawanna Brown, Project Manager at the Hamtramck Housing Commission. There will be free literacy activities and free books for kids all available with donations made in memory of Francine Foote from the Foote family.
Francine Foote joined the Piast Institute as a volunteer in 2014 and was promoted to senior researcher in 2016 and worked until she passed away on June 29, 2023. Her ties to the Piast Institute were inextricably linked on personal and professional levels.
According to Malgorzata Tulecki, Executive Director at Piast Institute, “Fran was an essential member of our team.” She continued to say that her desire to volunteer stemmed from extra time she had and in wanting to get to know her brother, the late Dr. Thaddeus C. Radzilowski, co-founder with Virginia Skrzyniarz of the Piast Institute.
“Francine worked for over 30 years in Education and was previously employed for the departments of Ferndale Adult and Community Education. Her ties to Hamtramck combined with the love of books and children made this Little Library project so meaningful”, said Virginia Skrzyniarz.
The Piast Institute started as a brainstorm in 2003 and has grown to become a nationally recognized nonprofit research center that focuses on Polish and Polish American Affairs. In addition, the Piast Institute has grown its work to include community outreach and has become a strong voice in promoting prevention of substance abuse for the youth of the community.
For more information, visit www.piastinstitute.org or call (313) 733-4535
The Piast Institute, a nonprofit organization, will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for a Free Little Library unveiling at the Hamtramck Housing Commission on Thursday January 18, 2024 at 3:30pm. “We are so excited to receive the new Little Library!”, said Kawanna Brown, Project Manager at the Hamtramck Housing Commission. There will be free literacy activities and free books for kids all available with donations made in memory of Francine Foote from the Foote family.
Francine Foote joined the Piast Institute as a volunteer in 2014 and was promoted to senior researcher in 2016 and worked until she passed away on June 29, 2023. Her ties to the Piast Institute were inextricably linked on personal and professional levels.
According to Malgorzata Tulecki, Executive Director at Piast Institute, “Fran was an essential member of our team.” She continued to say that her desire to volunteer stemmed from extra time she had and in wanting to get to know her brother, the late Dr. Thaddeus C. Radzilowski, co-founder with Virginia Skrzyniarz of the Piast Institute.
“Francine worked for over 30 years in Education and was previously employed for the departments of Ferndale Adult and Community Education. Her ties to Hamtramck combined with the love of books and children made this Little Library project so meaningful”, said Virginia Skrzyniarz.
The Piast Institute started as a brainstorm in 2003 and has grown to become a nationally recognized nonprofit research center that focuses on Polish and Polish American Affairs. In addition, the Piast Institute has grown its work to include community outreach and has become a strong voice in promoting prevention of substance abuse for the youth of the community.
For more information, visit www.piastinstitute.org or call (313) 733-4535
Red Ribbon Week - October 23-31
Red Ribbon Week - Plan to wear red and tag us using #HamtramckHealthy
Planning ahead? Add these upcoming HDFCC/community activities and events to your calendar.
Thursday Sept 28: 11am-12pm HDFCC in Action Workgroup meeting - Piast Institute
Thursday Oct 12: 11am-12pm - HDFCC Monthly Meeting - Hybrid
Oct 23-21: Red Ribbon Week - Plan to wear red and tag us using #HamtramckHealthy
Wed Oct 25: 5-6:30pm - Public Safety Trunk or Treat - Zussman Park. If you would like to participate in this event as a vendor, please contact Chief Anne Moise at [email protected]
Thurs Oct 26: 5pm - Hamtramck Rec Dept Trunk or Treat - Community Center. If you would like to participate in this event as a vendor, please contact D'Juana Jackson at [email protected]
Sat Oct 28: 10am-2pm - Prescription Take Back. Empty your medicine cabinets and bring it by the Hamtramck Police Lobby for safe disposal! Available 24/7, there's a box inside the police lobby available - no questions asked.
Monday Oct 30: 2pm-4pm - HDFCC Trunk or Treat - Housing Commission Admin Building
Tuesday Oct 31: 11am-1pm - HDFCC Community Appreciation Pancake Breakfast - Piast Institute
Thursday Oct 12: 11am-12pm - HDFCC Monthly Meeting - Hybrid
Oct 23-21: Red Ribbon Week - Plan to wear red and tag us using #HamtramckHealthy
Wed Oct 25: 5-6:30pm - Public Safety Trunk or Treat - Zussman Park. If you would like to participate in this event as a vendor, please contact Chief Anne Moise at [email protected]
Thurs Oct 26: 5pm - Hamtramck Rec Dept Trunk or Treat - Community Center. If you would like to participate in this event as a vendor, please contact D'Juana Jackson at [email protected]
Sat Oct 28: 10am-2pm - Prescription Take Back. Empty your medicine cabinets and bring it by the Hamtramck Police Lobby for safe disposal! Available 24/7, there's a box inside the police lobby available - no questions asked.
Monday Oct 30: 2pm-4pm - HDFCC Trunk or Treat - Housing Commission Admin Building
Tuesday Oct 31: 11am-1pm - HDFCC Community Appreciation Pancake Breakfast - Piast Institute
National Prescription Take Back
Piast Institute receives Award from CLASS Agency
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Piast Institute CEO Virginia Skrzyniarz accepted an award tonight from Dr. Karla Mitchell at CLASS Agency for Piast Institute's support of CLASS throughout the years.
Piast Institute was awarded at the retreat entitled Emerge, Evolve & Elevate - CLASS Annual Women's Prevention Retreat. This retreat is a renewal opportunity and fellowship bridge among women of all backgrounds. It is frequently deemed life changing by the attendees and represents an annual culmination of CLASS Agency's outpour/outflow of care and concern to a segment of the community it serves. For many years CLASS Agency worked with Piast Institute to support women and create memorable experiences for program participants. 
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Annual Halloween Community Appreciation Breakfast
HDFCC is putting on a Trunk or Treat at the Hamtramck Housing Commission on Monday October 30, 2023
HDFCC/Piast Institute featured on Local Channel 4
Link to news article here: CLICK THIS LINK
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Kosciuszko All Star Junior Coalition Receives Proclamation
On Tuesday May 23, 2023 at the Hamtramck City Council meeting, the Kosciuszko Middle School All Star Junior Coalition received a proclamation from the city praising their prevention efforts and creating a PSA on vaping. Follow the button below to read the press release regarding the contest they won!
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2023 Hamtramck Health Hike - Photos and Timing
Thank you to all of our runners, walkers, volunteers, vendors, and other participants for attending the 2023 Hamtramck Health Hike at Zussman Park, Hamtramck MI.
Below are some links post Health Hike:
Timing Results Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/144368#resultSetId-381670;perpage:100
Photobooth pictures Link:
https://washingtonent.eventgallery.com/Gottarun
Photos Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike
Below are some links post Health Hike:
Timing Results Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/144368#resultSetId-381670;perpage:100
Photobooth pictures Link:
https://washingtonent.eventgallery.com/Gottarun
Photos Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike
Looking for an opportunity to work with HDFCC? Consider being and Americorps VISTA!
The Piast Institute is accepting applications for a Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) position for its “Education and Reduction of Opioid Use Initiative” program directed at the area’s senior citizens, immigrant, ethnic and racial groups. The duties include focusing efforts on increasing the awareness of the dangers of opioids and prevention of opioid use disorders and the impact on their lives and their community.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general and youth in particular. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a grant for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general and youth in particular. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a grant for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
Public Narcan Training at Commissioner Martha G. Scott's May Coffee hour
Hamtramck’s All Star Junior Coalition Wins First Prize in Statewide Contest
The Kosciuszko Middle School All Star Junior Coalition joined HDFCC in a field trip to the Youth Coalition Leadership Retreat, Monday, April 17, 2023, held at historic Camp Copneconic in Fenton. Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) is a program of the Piast Institute in Hamtramck.
Alex Wray, certified prevention specialist (CPS), and a coordinator for the Prevention Network, explained the significance of the event. “We were so excited to host the youth coalition leadership retreat as part of our new Michigan Youth Coalition Network (MYCN) program at Prevention Network. We had nearly 100 youths attend and a lot of great feedback about the day. We look forward to hosting this event again next year for middle school and high school youth.”
From across the state, middle and high school youth coalition members gathered to brainstorm ideas to aid in their prevention work of substance use among their peers. They learned more about helping their friends who might be struggling with addiction or in need of mental health support.
Representing HDFCC were Lara Girdwood, director of HDFCC and a certified prevention specialist; and Shannon Schafer, C3 coordinator, C3 refers to Community Support Coalition Change grant. The newest team member who attended was Sara Zaveta, AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).
Violetta Kuzniar, Kosciuszko Middle School Mathematics teacher who accompanied the students, reported: “We had five students attend from the KMS All Star Coalition. They were Maryam, Tasbeh, Sharif, Muhamed and Tishiya.”
Alex Wray, certified prevention specialist (CPS), and a coordinator for the Prevention Network, explained the significance of the event. “We were so excited to host the youth coalition leadership retreat as part of our new Michigan Youth Coalition Network (MYCN) program at Prevention Network. We had nearly 100 youths attend and a lot of great feedback about the day. We look forward to hosting this event again next year for middle school and high school youth.”
From across the state, middle and high school youth coalition members gathered to brainstorm ideas to aid in their prevention work of substance use among their peers. They learned more about helping their friends who might be struggling with addiction or in need of mental health support.
Representing HDFCC were Lara Girdwood, director of HDFCC and a certified prevention specialist; and Shannon Schafer, C3 coordinator, C3 refers to Community Support Coalition Change grant. The newest team member who attended was Sara Zaveta, AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).
Violetta Kuzniar, Kosciuszko Middle School Mathematics teacher who accompanied the students, reported: “We had five students attend from the KMS All Star Coalition. They were Maryam, Tasbeh, Sharif, Muhamed and Tishiya.”
One of the day’s highlights was to create a public service announcement or PSA video. According to Ms. Girdwood, main speaker Nigel Wrangham, CPS, a trainer and facilitator of customized prevention training said the key pieces of a PSA were S=Simple, K=Know your audience, E=Emotional and A=Action.
According to Ms. Schafer, “The video submission from our Hamtramck All Star Coalition won first prize! This video PSA focused on vaping prevention, emphasizing that statistics show the majority of peers their age do not vape, and vaping is not worth missing time with friends. Our Kosciuszko Middle School is only for 7th and 8th graders, with Dickinson West on the other side of the building with K-6, and our junior coalition noted that vaping within their school tends to start when students transition from Dickinson West to Kosciuszko. With this in mind, this video targeted the Dickinson West side of the building to encourage a prevention of vaping before they make that transition. The Hamtramck students won an all-expense-paid trip and invitation to the CADCA 2023 Mid-Year Training Institute held in Texas, July 16-20, for creating the winning PSA video. CADCA refers to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
A nonprofit organization, the Piast Institute has grown for 20 years into a national research and policy center for Polish and Polish American Affairs and is one of 48 Census Information Centers in the country. For more information, call the office at (313) 733-4535 or visit www.piastinstitute.org.
According to Ms. Schafer, “The video submission from our Hamtramck All Star Coalition won first prize! This video PSA focused on vaping prevention, emphasizing that statistics show the majority of peers their age do not vape, and vaping is not worth missing time with friends. Our Kosciuszko Middle School is only for 7th and 8th graders, with Dickinson West on the other side of the building with K-6, and our junior coalition noted that vaping within their school tends to start when students transition from Dickinson West to Kosciuszko. With this in mind, this video targeted the Dickinson West side of the building to encourage a prevention of vaping before they make that transition. The Hamtramck students won an all-expense-paid trip and invitation to the CADCA 2023 Mid-Year Training Institute held in Texas, July 16-20, for creating the winning PSA video. CADCA refers to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
A nonprofit organization, the Piast Institute has grown for 20 years into a national research and policy center for Polish and Polish American Affairs and is one of 48 Census Information Centers in the country. For more information, call the office at (313) 733-4535 or visit www.piastinstitute.org.
HDFCC Trains Senior Class of 2023 from Hamtramck High School
As graduation for the senior class at Hamtramck High School approaches, the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition had an opportunity to train each senior how to use Narcan (Naloxone) so that they can be in the position to save a life from a possible overdose. Last year, over 2,000 people in Michigan died from an overdose so it more important than ever to have as many people trained to recognize symptoms and administer the nasal spray until additional help can arrive. Each senior received a free kit to take home and a free t-shirt that looks like this:
Hamtramck Health Hike
Whether you choose to run, jog, or walk, there is something for everyone at the free Hamtramck Health Hike, coming up Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Whether it rains or shines, the annual event will be a 5K course winding through city streets. It will start and end at Zussman Park, in front of Hamtramck City Hall, at 3401 Evaline.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), a program of the Piast Institute, encourages the community to join together at the Health Hike in celebration of its 14th annual spring hike in the city. As a complement to the outdoor exercise, participants will have the chance to learn more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Be a part of the first 350 people to register and attend to get free giveaways!
Angela Wilson will be the Grand Marshal this year. She is being recognized for the helpful advocacy and fundraising assistance she has given the event for the previous few years, a recognition that is certainly deserved, according to Shannon Schafer, the race director. Wilson works for All-Well Being Services, a nonprofit in Detroit.
HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Its members have worked year-round with community leaders to help tackle substance abuse disorders of alcohol, tobacco, opioids and marijuana through prevention activities. Lara Girdwood is the director of HDFCC and Shannon Schafer is the C3 coordinator. C3 stands for Community Support and Coalition Change grant. In addition, Piast Institute is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
RACE CONTACT INFO
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer, the race director, at [email protected] or visit HamtramckDrugFree.org. Follow updates at Hamtramck DrugFree.org or FB.com/Hamtramck Drug Free.
To register online today, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike.
Get in on the fun by registering yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), a program of the Piast Institute, encourages the community to join together at the Health Hike in celebration of its 14th annual spring hike in the city. As a complement to the outdoor exercise, participants will have the chance to learn more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Be a part of the first 350 people to register and attend to get free giveaways!
Angela Wilson will be the Grand Marshal this year. She is being recognized for the helpful advocacy and fundraising assistance she has given the event for the previous few years, a recognition that is certainly deserved, according to Shannon Schafer, the race director. Wilson works for All-Well Being Services, a nonprofit in Detroit.
HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 to address issues of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Its members have worked year-round with community leaders to help tackle substance abuse disorders of alcohol, tobacco, opioids and marijuana through prevention activities. Lara Girdwood is the director of HDFCC and Shannon Schafer is the C3 coordinator. C3 stands for Community Support and Coalition Change grant. In addition, Piast Institute is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
RACE CONTACT INFO
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer, the race director, at [email protected] or visit HamtramckDrugFree.org. Follow updates at Hamtramck DrugFree.org or FB.com/Hamtramck Drug Free.
To register online today, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Hamtramck/HealthHike.
Get in on the fun by registering yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Prescription Take Back
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) DrugFacts, prescription drug misuse and abuse is when someone takes medication inappropriately (for example, without a prescription). Sadly, prescription drug misuse and abuse among young people is not an insignificant problem. According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data on youth and young adults, more than 5,700 youth in 2014 reported using prescription pain relievers without a doctor’s guidance for the first time.
A common misperception is that prescription drugs are safer or less harmful to one’s body than other kinds of drugs. However, there is a range of short- and long-term health consequences for each type of prescription drug used inappropriately:
Solutions
Here are several ways to minimize prescription drug misuse and abuse among young people:
Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources/hpr-resources/rise-prescription-drug-misuse-abuse-impacting-teens
A common misperception is that prescription drugs are safer or less harmful to one’s body than other kinds of drugs. However, there is a range of short- and long-term health consequences for each type of prescription drug used inappropriately:
- Stimulants have side effects in common with cocaine, and may include paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, and an irregular heartbeat, especially if stimulants are taken in large doses or in ways other than swallowing a pill.
- Opioids, which act on the same parts of the brain as heroin, can cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and, depending on the amount taken, slowed breathing.
- Depressants can cause slurred speech, shallow breathing, fatigue, disorientation, lack of coordination, and seizures upon withdrawal from chronic use.
Solutions
Here are several ways to minimize prescription drug misuse and abuse among young people:
- Education: One in four teenagers believe that prescription drugs can be used as a study aid and nearly one-third of parents say that they believe that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication can improve a child’s academic or testing performance, even if that child does not have ADHD. Parents, children, and prescribers must be educated on the impact of prescription drugs on the developing brain.
- Safe medication storage and disposal: Two-thirds of teens who misused pain relievers in the past year say that they got them from family and friends, including their home’s medicine cabinets, making it important to safeguard medicine in the home, according to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Safe storage and disposal of medications diminish opportunities for easy access.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Many people are calling on doctors and pharmacies to better monitor how (and how often) drugs are prescribed. Doctors more readily hand out prescription painkillers than they did ten years ago, and, according to some sources, pharmacists do not habitually check prescription drug registries, which help to identify potential over-prescribing and misuse.
- Narcan Training: Education is key and helping in a situation of a suspected drug overdose can save a persons life. Contact HDFCC for Narcan training and receive a kit with two naloxone nasal spray that are used to reverse drug overdoses.
- Prescription Take Back: Drop off unused or expired medications (prescription or over the counter) to a take back box for safe disposal. Medication should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown out into the trash. The Hamtramck Police Department has a permanent take back box located in their lobby available 24/7, no questions asked!
Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources/hpr-resources/rise-prescription-drug-misuse-abuse-impacting-teens
NDAFW (National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week March 20-26, 2023)
Hello it's that time of year again! NDAFW (National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.) When: Monday, March 20, 2023 to Sunday, March 26, 2023.
This event is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance scientists and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health, and work with leading organizations, media outlets, and other Government agencies to spread the word about NDAFW.
Here is the link to the official website if you were interested in learning more! https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/learn-about-ndafw
Here are a few facts about drugs and alcohol! Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes.
What do other drugs do to the body? Drugs affect the body's central nervous system. They affect how a person thinks, feels and behaves. The seven main types are depressants, psychedelics, stimulants, empathogens, opioids, cannabinoids, and dissociatives. Depressants slow down the messages traveling between the brain and the body.
Like us on Facebook and encourage more education regarding drugs and alcohol within your community by sharing our posts!
www.Facebook.com/HamtramckDrugFree
This event is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance scientists and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health, and work with leading organizations, media outlets, and other Government agencies to spread the word about NDAFW.
Here is the link to the official website if you were interested in learning more! https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/learn-about-ndafw
Here are a few facts about drugs and alcohol! Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes.
What do other drugs do to the body? Drugs affect the body's central nervous system. They affect how a person thinks, feels and behaves. The seven main types are depressants, psychedelics, stimulants, empathogens, opioids, cannabinoids, and dissociatives. Depressants slow down the messages traveling between the brain and the body.
Like us on Facebook and encourage more education regarding drugs and alcohol within your community by sharing our posts!
www.Facebook.com/HamtramckDrugFree
Piast Staffers Advance Learning in Fighting Substance Abuse
Members of our HDFCC staff, Lara Girdwood and Shannon Schafer, attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) forum in Washington D.C. and are pictured in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Lara Girdwood and Shannon Schafer of the Piast Institute in Hamtramck, recently attended the CADCA National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., to learn the latest strategies to fight substance use disorder. CADCA stands for the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America whose mission is to build drug-free communities. Girdwood is the director of the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition or HDFCC and Schafer is the C3 coordinator. HDFCC is a program of the Piast Institute and C3 refers to Community Support and Coalition Change grant.
From January 30 to February 2, 2023, the two staff members participated in training and workshops on topics such as using best practices for Narcan training and distribution, getting scientific updates on cannabis, finding out about the latest research on hallucinogens and psychedelics, effectively working with the community and engaging youth, employing effective media campaigns and messaging, planning safety steps toward suicide prevention, and utilizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in prevention.
Girdwood and Schafer work with teachers, parents, and the students themselves in the Hamtramck school district to make them aware of the dangers of youth using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. They also collaborate with Wayne State nursing students who check on more than 200 vendors from a state list of the Metro Detroit area to verify the vendors have posted signage advising students of the age requirement for using the above substances.
Girdwood has been HDFCC director since 2020. She has a bachelor of science degree in public health. For almost 10 years, she has worked in community and mental health and clinical and community service in a variety of capacities. Previously, the director worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA within the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition, where she developed and implemented drug and alcohol prevention programs.
C3 coordinator Schafer said, “I graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science with a concentration in public health and a minor in health promotion in May of 2021. I’m currently working on becoming a certified prevention specialist. Every day looks different for the HDFCC office as there are always new barriers and projects to pursue to prevent substance abuse among youth.”
For more information, contact [email protected] or call the office at 313-733-4535.
From January 30 to February 2, 2023, the two staff members participated in training and workshops on topics such as using best practices for Narcan training and distribution, getting scientific updates on cannabis, finding out about the latest research on hallucinogens and psychedelics, effectively working with the community and engaging youth, employing effective media campaigns and messaging, planning safety steps toward suicide prevention, and utilizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in prevention.
Girdwood and Schafer work with teachers, parents, and the students themselves in the Hamtramck school district to make them aware of the dangers of youth using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. They also collaborate with Wayne State nursing students who check on more than 200 vendors from a state list of the Metro Detroit area to verify the vendors have posted signage advising students of the age requirement for using the above substances.
Girdwood has been HDFCC director since 2020. She has a bachelor of science degree in public health. For almost 10 years, she has worked in community and mental health and clinical and community service in a variety of capacities. Previously, the director worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA within the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition, where she developed and implemented drug and alcohol prevention programs.
C3 coordinator Schafer said, “I graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science with a concentration in public health and a minor in health promotion in May of 2021. I’m currently working on becoming a certified prevention specialist. Every day looks different for the HDFCC office as there are always new barriers and projects to pursue to prevent substance abuse among youth.”
For more information, contact [email protected] or call the office at 313-733-4535.
Looking for a Media Intern at Piast Institute/HDFCC
Reminder: Follow us on Facebook for more Updates and Upcoming Events
Save the Date for Upcoming Health Hike 2023
Whether you choose to run, jog, or walk, there is something for everyone at the free Hamtramck Health Hike, coming up Saturday, May 20th, 2023 from 9:30a.m. to noon. Whether it rains or shines, the annual event will be a 5K course through the streets of Hamtramck. It will start and end at Zussman Park, across from Hamtramck City Hall, 3401 Evaline, and each runner/walker will be timed.
Find content from HDFCC on the Comcast Channel 19
If you do not have Comcast so that you can turn on Channel 19, you can always view the live stream through Youtube. The link to the Youtube live stream is also available below:
December 2022 - Giveaway to Senior Citizens
Pictured on the left is members of our team filling up bags for senior citizens living at the Senior Plaza on Holbrook in Hamtramck. These bags had a variety of items and information donated from the community including food, items for personal hygiene, candy, water bottles, and personal Christmas cards. Each bag was delivered at right before Christmas.
Annual Community Pancake Breakfast on October 31st, 2022
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National Prescription Take Back with HDFCC and Hamtramck Police Dept.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) is partnering with the Hamtramck Police Department for the upcoming National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29, 2022. A temporary collection pop-up will be located at the Piast Institute, 11633 Joseph Campau Hamtramck, MI 48212 where community members are encouraged to bring unused or expired medication for proper and safe disposal. The medication can be dropped off to a team member in front of the building or you can join staff in the conference room. The collection will run from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. No paperwork is required, no questions asked!
An additional Take Back Day is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Senior High Rise Center, 2620 Holbrook Ave. Hamtramck, MI 48212. Narcan Training will begin at 2:00 p.m.
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
DWIHN supports this project and encourages community leaders to help support this semi-annual event.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Lara Girdwood at 313.733.4535 or [email protected]. Like us on Facebook (fb.com/HamtramckDrugFree) for more upcoming events in the area.
An additional Take Back Day is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Senior High Rise Center, 2620 Holbrook Ave. Hamtramck, MI 48212. Narcan Training will begin at 2:00 p.m.
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
DWIHN supports this project and encourages community leaders to help support this semi-annual event.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Lara Girdwood at 313.733.4535 or [email protected]. Like us on Facebook (fb.com/HamtramckDrugFree) for more upcoming events in the area.
HDFCC is participating at Trunk or Treat 2x this Year!
Shannon Schafer and Lara Girdwood displaying items to be given out by HDFCC.
HDFCC is participating this year at TWO Trunk or Treat events in the city of Hamtramck this year. Meet us at October 26th at Zussman Park (in front of Hamtramck City Hall) between 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This event is hosted by Hamtramck Fire and Police Departments. The very next day the Hamtramck Recreation Department is hosting one at the Community Center (October 27th) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm as well.
Celebrate these fun, family friendly events and stop to see our HDFCC staff!
Celebrate these fun, family friendly events and stop to see our HDFCC staff!
Red Ribbon Week 2022
Piast Institute and the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31.
Red Ribbon Week, a celebration of a drug-free lifestyle, raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
Piast Institute and HDFCC has prepared materials and resources for 4th-6th grade teachers in the Hamtramck Public School district that includes informational sheets, flyers and a poster for the classroom, ideas on observing Red Ribbon Week in the classroom, stickers and activities to complete, and resources for those struggling with addiction. Staff have also been visiting classrooms to listen to student presentations prior to the event.
“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Lara Girdwood, Director of HDFCC. “The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and communities drug free.”
The coalition also encourages the community to take part in the celebration by that week by wearing the color red or pinning a red ribbon on clothing. Tag your picture with a red ribbon by using the hashtag: #RedRibbon2022.
In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.
For any questions please contact the office at 313-733-4535 or email Ms. Girdwood at: [email protected]
Below are some Addiction Resources:
Talk to Your Student Assistance Specialist, School Counselor, or School Social Worker
For tobacco and nicotine addiction:
MyLifeMyQuit.com Or: Text “START” to 855.891.9989
Truthinitiative.org/ThisIsQuitting Or: Text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709
SAMHSA’s National Suicide and Crisis Line: Call or Text 988
Wayne County Healthy Communities: Call 313-871-1926
waynecountyhealthy.com
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network: 24 Crisis line 800-241-4949
www.dwihn.org
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) Narcan Training or other resources: [email protected] or 313-733-4535
Red Ribbon Week, a celebration of a drug-free lifestyle, raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
Piast Institute and HDFCC has prepared materials and resources for 4th-6th grade teachers in the Hamtramck Public School district that includes informational sheets, flyers and a poster for the classroom, ideas on observing Red Ribbon Week in the classroom, stickers and activities to complete, and resources for those struggling with addiction. Staff have also been visiting classrooms to listen to student presentations prior to the event.
“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Lara Girdwood, Director of HDFCC. “The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and communities drug free.”
The coalition also encourages the community to take part in the celebration by that week by wearing the color red or pinning a red ribbon on clothing. Tag your picture with a red ribbon by using the hashtag: #RedRibbon2022.
In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.
For any questions please contact the office at 313-733-4535 or email Ms. Girdwood at: [email protected]
Below are some Addiction Resources:
Talk to Your Student Assistance Specialist, School Counselor, or School Social Worker
For tobacco and nicotine addiction:
MyLifeMyQuit.com Or: Text “START” to 855.891.9989
Truthinitiative.org/ThisIsQuitting Or: Text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709
SAMHSA’s National Suicide and Crisis Line: Call or Text 988
Wayne County Healthy Communities: Call 313-871-1926
waynecountyhealthy.com
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network: 24 Crisis line 800-241-4949
www.dwihn.org
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) Narcan Training or other resources: [email protected] or 313-733-4535
HDFCC Director Lara Girdwood speaking to students at Holbrook Elementary School during Red Ribbon Week 2022.
Access our Content on Channel 19
You can access it live on Youtube as well by following this link on the Hamtramck Public Library channel on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/lOK-ySPM0HM
https://youtu.be/lOK-ySPM0HM
Yearly on August 31 we celebrate International Overdose Awareness Day
Yoga & Tai Chi Workshop August 2022
Save the date and join the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) for a FREE Yoga and Tai Chi Workshop for Women. Last year was so popular we decided to bring it back August 25th.
First 30 people that show up at 6pm receive a FREE yoga mat to complete the workshop with.
First 30 people that show up at 6pm receive a FREE yoga mat to complete the workshop with.
Reminder: Join our monthly coalition meetings held online
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Email HDFCC Director, Lara Girdwood at: [email protected] to join the
HDFCC mailing list, find out information about coalition meetings, activities, events. You can also check out the calendar of events for the coalition for the 2022-2023 Year by visiting this link. |
Piast Institute Receives Grant for Nutrition
The Piast Institute is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of a grant from the Wayne County Commissioners with support from Wayne County Commissioner Martha G. Scott in the amount of $49,500. Piast Institute is developing an outreach program named “Family Table” that focuses on good nutrition choices for youth and their families in the zip codes of 48203, 48212, 48205, and 48234. This area has some of the highest poverty levels in the metro Detroit area with 100% free lunch programs for the school children which number over 16,000 students. Piast Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is located in Hamtramck, Michigan and has been serving the national and local community since 2003. It has also created in 2007 the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC).
“Food Security, Food Justice, and Food Equity are some of the most important items we are trying to address in this area” said Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO and Co-Founder of the Piast Institute. Family Table will consist of mapping the area to document access and availability to food whether through a grocery store, gas station, community garden, etc. Recently there has been news articles that document the need such as “Inflation hits home: Metro Detroit food banks see increased demand as food prices rise” by Brett Kass from WXYZ.
“We have definitely seen an impact at our pantries and our distributions,” said Kelli Kaschimer, director of Volunteer and Client Services at Forgotten Harvest. "Lines are getting longer and the needs are getting greater.”
Families that receive SNAP benefits will be introduced to programs such as Double Up, which matches your fruit and vegetable purchases dollar for dollar, up to $20 a day. That means you and your family get twice the fresh fruits and veggies. Family Table will also help address food storage to extend the use of food whether in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry including canning.
For any additional questions please contact the Piast Institute at [email protected] or by calling the office at 313-733-4535.
http://www.thehamtramckreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HR-6_24_USE.pdf
Pictures from Hamtramck Health Hike Event
Annual 5K Hamtramck Health Hike - 2022
The annual Hamtramck 5k is back!
Join us at Zussman Park (across from Hamtramck City Hall) on Saturday, May 21st for a morning of music and fun for all ages and activity levels! The first 350 participants will receive a FREE t-shirt, backpack, and lunch.
Whether you choose to run, jog, or walk, there is something for everyone at the Hamtramck Health Hike! The event is rain or shine consisting of a 5K course through the streets of Hamtramck followed by various games, prizes and free lunches (with halal/vegan options).
Ice cream will also be provided as well as the chance to enter raffles for different prizes. The prizes are for all ages as they range from Meijer gift cards to basketballs and bicycles.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition(HDFCC) encourages community members to come together at the Health Hike to celebrate and learn more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Please register yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 21st!
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer at [email protected] or visit us at HamtramckDrugFree.com
Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hamtramck-health-hike-2022-tickets-313653765857
Remember, you can always follow us on Facebook for more updates and reminders: FB.com/HamtramckDrugFree
Join us at Zussman Park (across from Hamtramck City Hall) on Saturday, May 21st for a morning of music and fun for all ages and activity levels! The first 350 participants will receive a FREE t-shirt, backpack, and lunch.
Whether you choose to run, jog, or walk, there is something for everyone at the Hamtramck Health Hike! The event is rain or shine consisting of a 5K course through the streets of Hamtramck followed by various games, prizes and free lunches (with halal/vegan options).
Ice cream will also be provided as well as the chance to enter raffles for different prizes. The prizes are for all ages as they range from Meijer gift cards to basketballs and bicycles.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition(HDFCC) encourages community members to come together at the Health Hike to celebrate and learn more about healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Please register yourself and your family and join us on Saturday, May 21st!
For questions or additional information, contact Shannon Schafer at [email protected] or visit us at HamtramckDrugFree.com
Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hamtramck-health-hike-2022-tickets-313653765857
Remember, you can always follow us on Facebook for more updates and reminders: FB.com/HamtramckDrugFree
Prescription Take Back on Saturday April 30, 2022
Public Narcan Training March 31, 2022
Seeking Sponsors for Hamtramck Health Hike 2022
QR Code to Donate to the Health Hike - 5K Walk/Run
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) along with Hamtramck Public Schools, City of Hamtramck, Hamtramck Recreation Center, Piast Institute, and other community organizations will be hosting the 13th annual Hamtramck Health Hike (a 5K walk/run) on May 21, 2022 to promote healthy living and drug-free lifestyles. HDFCC is committed to reducing and preventing substance misuse and abuse among youth. We are asking for your help in promoting safe and healthy lifestyles for Hamtramck residents—especially our youth.
The Hamtramck Health Hike is an exciting annual event with growing participation and activities. Each year, HDFCC and its community partners work together to organize the resources and funds to make participation completely free. Additionally, we are making extra efforts this year - like last year - to assure a safe event while maintaining its excitement.
Participants of the Health Hike will receive both a free backpack and a free Hamtramck Health Hike T-shirt to wear throughout the event and for many years to come. There will also be a variety of health-related raffle giveaways. To cover the cost of some of these items and activities, we are asking you to consider being a sponsor of the Heath Hike. We are accepting gift cards, raffle prizes and monetary donations. As a sponsor, your business will be featured in promotions leading up to the event as well as the day of the event. We will also use boosted Facebook posts to highlight your business’s generosity. You can use the QR Code posted or the button below to process your donation. Please make checks out to: Piast Institute at 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212 with 2022 Health Hike in the memo line. Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law as Piast Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
For more information about the Hamtramck Health Hike or about HDFCC, please feel free to contact Shannon Schafer at [email protected] or call the office at 313-733-4535. Any help you can provide is appreciated!
Thank you for considering our request, and for supporting our mission to encourage healthy living among Hamtramck’s youth.
The Hamtramck Health Hike is an exciting annual event with growing participation and activities. Each year, HDFCC and its community partners work together to organize the resources and funds to make participation completely free. Additionally, we are making extra efforts this year - like last year - to assure a safe event while maintaining its excitement.
Participants of the Health Hike will receive both a free backpack and a free Hamtramck Health Hike T-shirt to wear throughout the event and for many years to come. There will also be a variety of health-related raffle giveaways. To cover the cost of some of these items and activities, we are asking you to consider being a sponsor of the Heath Hike. We are accepting gift cards, raffle prizes and monetary donations. As a sponsor, your business will be featured in promotions leading up to the event as well as the day of the event. We will also use boosted Facebook posts to highlight your business’s generosity. You can use the QR Code posted or the button below to process your donation. Please make checks out to: Piast Institute at 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212 with 2022 Health Hike in the memo line. Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law as Piast Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
For more information about the Hamtramck Health Hike or about HDFCC, please feel free to contact Shannon Schafer at [email protected] or call the office at 313-733-4535. Any help you can provide is appreciated!
Thank you for considering our request, and for supporting our mission to encourage healthy living among Hamtramck’s youth.
POSITION AVAILABLE 2022
Looking to make a positive difference in the community? Interested in joining the workforce after some time off or if COVID has you rethinking your future plans? Whether you’re in school or after graduation, had time after retirement, join our team at Piast Institute as an Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America).
This position is a one-year commitment to its “Education and Reduction of Opioid Use Initiative” program directed at the area’s senior citizens, immigrant, ethnic and racial groups. The duties will include a hands-on experience focusing efforts on increasing the awareness of the dangers of opioids and prevention of opioid use disorders and the impact on their lives and their community.
You will be working in the city of Hamtramck, a 2.1 square mile diverse, urban environment that is an enclave of Detroit. The district-wide school surveys list 31 different languages and cultures represented in the student body. It is the most densely populated city in Michigan with about 10,000 people per square mile.
The Piast Institute created the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) in 2007 in response to the rising rates of substance abuse. Through this coalition, Piast Institute has applied prevention efforts targeting mostly youth and business owners. The Americorps VISTA will be focusing instead on outreach and prevention to senior citizens who are more likely to be prescribed opioids due to long term chronic health issues.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus in a diverse city such as Hamtramck.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a stipend for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
You can also find more information by going to the Piast Institute’s website and clicking on the link: http://www.piastinstitute.org/updates
This position is a one-year commitment to its “Education and Reduction of Opioid Use Initiative” program directed at the area’s senior citizens, immigrant, ethnic and racial groups. The duties will include a hands-on experience focusing efforts on increasing the awareness of the dangers of opioids and prevention of opioid use disorders and the impact on their lives and their community.
You will be working in the city of Hamtramck, a 2.1 square mile diverse, urban environment that is an enclave of Detroit. The district-wide school surveys list 31 different languages and cultures represented in the student body. It is the most densely populated city in Michigan with about 10,000 people per square mile.
The Piast Institute created the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) in 2007 in response to the rising rates of substance abuse. Through this coalition, Piast Institute has applied prevention efforts targeting mostly youth and business owners. The Americorps VISTA will be focusing instead on outreach and prevention to senior citizens who are more likely to be prescribed opioids due to long term chronic health issues.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus in a diverse city such as Hamtramck.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a stipend for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
You can also find more information by going to the Piast Institute’s website and clicking on the link: http://www.piastinstitute.org/updates
December 2021 Senior High Rise Giveaway
The Piast Institute in collaboration with the Hamtramck Senior Plaza is pleased to announce the distribution of Holiday Bags filled with gifts for all of the seniors who reside at the plaza. This is the second year that the Piast Institute and Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition have organized this event. Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO of the Piast Institute said, “We are thankful to many community organizations and people for helping to fill the gift bags with not only essential items but great information.”
The list of donors include:
Piast Institute
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC)
Ms. Kathy Angerer, Hamtramck City Manager
Jurkiewicz and Wilk Funeral Home
FBI, Detroit Office
Martha G. Scott, Wayne County Commissioner
Wayne County Healthy Communities
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)
Dr. Sami Bilani, DDS from Florian Dental
Al-Haramain International Food
Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA)
The list of donors include:
Piast Institute
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC)
Ms. Kathy Angerer, Hamtramck City Manager
Jurkiewicz and Wilk Funeral Home
FBI, Detroit Office
Martha G. Scott, Wayne County Commissioner
Wayne County Healthy Communities
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)
Dr. Sami Bilani, DDS from Florian Dental
Al-Haramain International Food
Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA)
POSITION AVAILABLE - AMERICORPS VISTA
The Piast Institute is accepting applications for a Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) position for its “Education and Reduction of Opioid Use Initiative” program directed at the area’s senior citizens, immigrant, ethnic and racial groups. The duties include focusing efforts on increasing the awareness of the dangers of opioids and prevention of opioid use disorders and the impact on their lives and their community.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general and youth in particular. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a grant for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
You can also find more information by going to the Piast Institute’s website and clicking on the link: http://www.piastinstitute.org/updates
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general and youth in particular. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a grant for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
You can also find more information by going to the Piast Institute’s website and clicking on the link: http://www.piastinstitute.org/updates
Upcoming Red Ribbon Week - October 2021
Pancake Breakfast - October 2021
Due to COVID-19 we will be simplifying our annual Public Safety Breakfast by offering a drive-up. Please RSVP by filling out the Menu on Google Forms : CLICK HERE.
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition Announces
October Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Hamtramck, MI.- The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) is partnering with the Hamtramck Police Department for the upcoming National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23, 2021. A temporary collection pop-up will be located on the corner of Holbrook Ave. and Joseph Campau in the Dollar Tree parking lot (4215 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212) where community members are encouraged to bring unused or expired medication for proper and safe disposal. The collection will run from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. No paperwork is required, no questions asked!
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
Hamtramck Police Chief Anne Moise says, “keeping unused medication in the house allows for easier accessibility, which can increase the chance of misusing and abusing those drugs. It is important to check your home and dispose of medications that are no longer needed.”
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
DWIHN supports this project and encourages community leaders to help support this semi-annual event.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Lara Girdwood at 313.733.4535 or [email protected]. Like us on Facebook (fb.com/HamtramckDrugFree) for more upcoming events in the area.
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
Hamtramck Police Chief Anne Moise says, “keeping unused medication in the house allows for easier accessibility, which can increase the chance of misusing and abusing those drugs. It is important to check your home and dispose of medications that are no longer needed.”
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
DWIHN supports this project and encourages community leaders to help support this semi-annual event.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Lara Girdwood at 313.733.4535 or [email protected]. Like us on Facebook (fb.com/HamtramckDrugFree) for more upcoming events in the area.
TADAA Town Hall
On October 21, 2021, the Tri-County Anti-Drug Abuse Alliance (TADAA) will host a Town Hall Meeting at the Huntington Woods Public Library, 26091 Scotia Rd. in Huntington Woods. The program will begin at 7:00p.m. and end at 8:30pm for a Q & A session.
The topic of the meeting is “𝟗𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰?” The featured speakers are Judge (RET) and Families Against Narcotics Executive Director, Linda Davis, as well as Rony Foumia, Area Director—Ascension Continuity of Care, State of Michigan. The program will offer 1.0 CEU credit as well as FREE NARCAN kits to all in attendance.
“We are losing people to drug overdoses in record numbers, said Ex. Director Davis, and unfortunately, the stigma that still surrounds substance use disorder is one of the main reasons people who need and want help don’t seek it. We need to normalize this disease so that no one is hesitant or ashamed to reach out for assistance.”
Space is limited. Please register for the Town Hall Meeting at
TINYURL.COM/TOWNHALL10-21 or call 248-518-0853 for more
information.
The topic of the meeting is “𝟗𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰?” The featured speakers are Judge (RET) and Families Against Narcotics Executive Director, Linda Davis, as well as Rony Foumia, Area Director—Ascension Continuity of Care, State of Michigan. The program will offer 1.0 CEU credit as well as FREE NARCAN kits to all in attendance.
“We are losing people to drug overdoses in record numbers, said Ex. Director Davis, and unfortunately, the stigma that still surrounds substance use disorder is one of the main reasons people who need and want help don’t seek it. We need to normalize this disease so that no one is hesitant or ashamed to reach out for assistance.”
Space is limited. Please register for the Town Hall Meeting at
TINYURL.COM/TOWNHALL10-21 or call 248-518-0853 for more
information.
2021 Summer Health Series Wrap-Up
Thank you to all those who participated in the Hamtramck Summer Health Series held by the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC).
At the end of each event, all participants were encouraged to enter a raffle to be drawn at the end of the summer. The first three names pulled were for a Balkan House gift card, and the last name pulled is the winner of an iPad.
We wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to our gift card winners, Hannah Jones, Kimberly Winiarski, and Sherita Dean, and special congratulations to our iPad winner, Farisa Zarin!
To the winners, please look out for a message via phone or email for more details to claim your prize!
At the end of each event, all participants were encouraged to enter a raffle to be drawn at the end of the summer. The first three names pulled were for a Balkan House gift card, and the last name pulled is the winner of an iPad.
We wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to our gift card winners, Hannah Jones, Kimberly Winiarski, and Sherita Dean, and special congratulations to our iPad winner, Farisa Zarin!
To the winners, please look out for a message via phone or email for more details to claim your prize!
Yoga and Tai Chi Workshop - Saturday August 28th
Fitness Workshop - Saturday July 24th
Gardening Workshop - Saturday June 26th
Little Library Unveiling
On June 15th the Piast Institute and the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition revealed a brand new Little Library in front of its building (11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck). The Little Library will not only include a variety of books donated from the Hamtramck Public Library but also resources for the community. There are flyers for upcoming events, bookmarks, snacks, water, etc. Piast Institute CEO/Co-Founder, Virginia Skrzyniarz, gave an opening speech and invited members to explain why they are donating the book that they brought to the library. Virginia spoke about the late Dr. Thaddeus C. Radzilowski and his love of reading, dedicating the library to him. This is a wonderful way to share knowledge with the world.
Remember, take a book, leave a book!
Remember, take a book, leave a book!
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Health Hike 2021 Photo Gallery
Click on the link below and enter your email to access the full gallery of photos from the photobooth!
You can download your photo for FREE.
You can download your photo for FREE.
Summer Health Series 2021
Don't forget to join the event on Facebook and Share with Friends and Family. See event page below:
Interested in participating in the 5K Hamtramck Health Hike June 5th? Don't forget to officially register at: tinyurl.com/HealthHike2021
Posted by Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) on Monday, May 10, 2021
HELP support the Annual Hamtramck Health Hike - DEADLINE MAY 13, 2021
Please help us continue the annual Hamtramck Health Hike, a FREE 5K event around the city of Hamtramck by sponsoring or donating. Each year we fundraise to put on this great event benefitting the children and adults of all ages.
Attached are sponsor/vendor letters and the sponsor/vendor forms to be returned to
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) (11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212) by the end of the day May 13, 2021.
Please take a look at the types of sponsorships we are seeking as there are a variety of ways that individuals, businesses, and organizations can help make this event a memorable one
https://drive.google.com/.../1MGkWfpP0.../view
https://drive.google.com/.../1V7l6JaJjZ55vLQ4UaD5wnF.../view
Questions? Contact the HDFCC Director, Lara Girdwood at [email protected]
Attached are sponsor/vendor letters and the sponsor/vendor forms to be returned to
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) (11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212) by the end of the day May 13, 2021.
Please take a look at the types of sponsorships we are seeking as there are a variety of ways that individuals, businesses, and organizations can help make this event a memorable one
https://drive.google.com/.../1MGkWfpP0.../view
https://drive.google.com/.../1V7l6JaJjZ55vLQ4UaD5wnF.../view
Questions? Contact the HDFCC Director, Lara Girdwood at [email protected]
Prescription Take Back - April 24, 2021
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) is partnering with the Hamtramck Police Department for the upcoming National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24, 2021. A temporary collection pop-up will be located on the corner of Holbrook Ave. and Joseph Campau Ave. in the Dollar Tree parking lot (4215 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212) where community members are encouraged to bring unused or expired medication for proper and safe disposal. The collection will run from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. No paperwork is required.
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
Hamtramck Police Chief Anne Moise says, “keeping unused medication in the house allows for easier accessibility, which can increase the chance of misusing and abusing those drugs. It is important to check your home and dispose of medications that are no longer needed.”
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
DWIHN supports this project and encourages community leaders to help support this semi-annual event.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Lara Girdwood at 313.733.4535 or [email protected]. Like us on Facebook for more upcoming events in the area.
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
Hamtramck Police Chief Anne Moise says, “keeping unused medication in the house allows for easier accessibility, which can increase the chance of misusing and abusing those drugs. It is important to check your home and dispose of medications that are no longer needed.”
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
DWIHN supports this project and encourages community leaders to help support this semi-annual event.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Lara Girdwood at 313.733.4535 or [email protected]. Like us on Facebook for more upcoming events in the area.
If you missed us this weekend at the National Prescription Take Back, please remember that you can always bring unused and expired medication, vitamins, to the box located at the Hamtramck Police Dept 24/7
Posted by Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) on Monday, April 26, 2021
March is Reading Month
We appreciate your support of the Piast Institute and the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition and are excited to invite you to please join us this month in reading to elementary students throughout Hamtramck!
Use the link below to find a 30 minute time slot that works for you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044AA5AE2EA4F94-read
Use the link below to find a 30 minute time slot that works for you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044AA5AE2EA4F94-read
Email HDFCC Director, Lara Girdwood at: [email protected] to join the
mailing list.
You can also check out the calendar of events for the coalition for the 2020-2021
Year by visiting this link.
mailing list.
You can also check out the calendar of events for the coalition for the 2020-2021
Year by visiting this link.
2021 Birth Date Sign Distribution
As a service to the community, making sure ALL alcohol and tobacco establishments in Hamtramck have updated signage to better serve their customers is a priority for the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC). It is a service to ensure environmental change in the community after it was brought to attention that many had outdated signs from years ago.
This year the coalition also designed two cards: Do your Part: Don't Sell Alcohol/Tobacco to Minors to distribute with the new 2021 Birth Date Signs. These cards are a reminder to clerks and vendors the responsibilities of following the law by not selling to minors, checking for ID, etc.
This year the coalition also designed two cards: Do your Part: Don't Sell Alcohol/Tobacco to Minors to distribute with the new 2021 Birth Date Signs. These cards are a reminder to clerks and vendors the responsibilities of following the law by not selling to minors, checking for ID, etc.
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Position Available: Americorps VISTA
The Piast Institute is accepting applications for a Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) position for its “Education and Reduction of Opioid Use Initiative” program directed at the area’s senior citizens, immigrant, ethnic and racial groups. The duties include focusing efforts on increasing the awareness of the dangers of opioids and prevention of opioid use disorders and the impact on their lives and their community.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general and youth in particular. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a grant for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
You can also find more information by going to the Piast Institute’s website and clicking on the link: http://www.piastinstitute.org/updates
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general and youth in particular. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a grant for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or [email protected].
You can also find more information by going to the Piast Institute’s website and clicking on the link: http://www.piastinstitute.org/updates
Announcement: HDFCC Awarded 2020 DFC Grant
The Piast Institute is pleased to announce that is has been awarded a 2020 Drug Free Community Grant (DFC) for the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC). The Coalition joined 94 other coalitions that received an additional five years of DFC Grant funding.
The DFC Grant is for a total of $625,000 spread equally over a five-year period. The Institute must provide a 100 percent match for the award to the HDFCC.
The purpose of the grant is to:
Piast Institute CEO/Co-Founder, Ms. Virginia Skrzyniarz noted, “We are not powerless against the challenge of drug use among young people here in Hamtramck. Research shows that prevention is the most effective tool we have to reduce the terrible consequences associated with drug use among youth. This funding will allow HDFCC to help place more young people on the path toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives.”
For more information, please contact Piast Institute at 313-733-4535 or by emailing [email protected].
The DFC Grant is for a total of $625,000 spread equally over a five-year period. The Institute must provide a 100 percent match for the award to the HDFCC.
The purpose of the grant is to:
- Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies; as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.
- Reduce substance use among youth and, over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.
Piast Institute CEO/Co-Founder, Ms. Virginia Skrzyniarz noted, “We are not powerless against the challenge of drug use among young people here in Hamtramck. Research shows that prevention is the most effective tool we have to reduce the terrible consequences associated with drug use among youth. This funding will allow HDFCC to help place more young people on the path toward success and enable them to live healthier and safer lives.”
For more information, please contact Piast Institute at 313-733-4535 or by emailing [email protected].
Reminder: Join our monthly coalition meetings held online
Email HDFCC Director, Lara Girdwood at: [email protected] to join the
mailing list.
You can also check out the calendar of events for the coalition for the 2020-2021
Year by visiting this link.
mailing list.
You can also check out the calendar of events for the coalition for the 2020-2021
Year by visiting this link.
HDFCC staff and Americorp VISTAs Deliver Package to Seniors
Spreading joy this holiday season, not only did our HDFCC staff and VISTAs volunteer earlier in December to partner with the Hamtramck Goodfellows to distribute food to senior citizens, they also created custom care packages. These packages included information on mental health services by DWIHN including the hotline number at 1-800-241-4949. It's available 24/7 and will help in any mental health crisis. With the rising suicide rates during COVID19, it's a great tool to have on hand to help yourself or others.
The packages also included activities such as puzzles, word searches, and a treat for the holidays. These packages were distributed with no person to person contact in order to keep everyone safe due to COVID19. Staff were able to complete the distribution at the Hamtramck Senior Plaza Tues. December 22, 2020 just in time for Christmas.
The packages also included activities such as puzzles, word searches, and a treat for the holidays. These packages were distributed with no person to person contact in order to keep everyone safe due to COVID19. Staff were able to complete the distribution at the Hamtramck Senior Plaza Tues. December 22, 2020 just in time for Christmas.
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Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition Welcomes New Director
The Piast Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Lara Girdwood as the new Director of the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC).
Ms. Girdwood has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is a certified dental hygienist. For almost ten years, she has worked in community mental health and clinical and community service in a variety of capacities. During the past 18 months, Ms. Girdwood worked as an Americorps VISTA within the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition developing and implementing drug and alcohol prevention programs. She is extremely creative and works hard to share the Coalition message and engage the community in a pandemic safe environment. HDFCC is very excited to welcome Ms. Girdwood to this new leadership role and look forward to the ideas and innovations she will bring to the table.
Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO and Co-Founder of the Piast Institute stated, “Ms. Girdwood is in the process of completing requirements to receive the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification. In addition, she has been nominated for the 2020 Michigan Preventionist of the Year and will make a great addition to the team.”
HDFCC has been in existence since 2007 and has created multiple prevention programs in the city of Hamtramck to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It has received numerous awards through its fiduciary organization, the Piast Institute. For more information on the coalition and to see upcoming events please visit: HamtramckDrugFree.com
Ms. Girdwood has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is a certified dental hygienist. For almost ten years, she has worked in community mental health and clinical and community service in a variety of capacities. During the past 18 months, Ms. Girdwood worked as an Americorps VISTA within the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition developing and implementing drug and alcohol prevention programs. She is extremely creative and works hard to share the Coalition message and engage the community in a pandemic safe environment. HDFCC is very excited to welcome Ms. Girdwood to this new leadership role and look forward to the ideas and innovations she will bring to the table.
Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO and Co-Founder of the Piast Institute stated, “Ms. Girdwood is in the process of completing requirements to receive the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification. In addition, she has been nominated for the 2020 Michigan Preventionist of the Year and will make a great addition to the team.”
HDFCC has been in existence since 2007 and has created multiple prevention programs in the city of Hamtramck to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It has received numerous awards through its fiduciary organization, the Piast Institute. For more information on the coalition and to see upcoming events please visit: HamtramckDrugFree.com
Great American Smokeout - November 19, 2020
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition wants you to quit smoking, and believes this Thursday is a good time to stop.
November 19th marks the American Cancer Society’s 43rd annual Great American Smokeout event, which takes
place on the 3rd Thursday of November each year. This event is used to rally communities in initiating conversations about the risks of smoking, helping loved ones make their plan to quit, and encouraging those who are interested in quitting to unite with others making their plans and quitting on the same day.
Lara Girdwood, acting Director of the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), says “It can be easy to overlook important events like this during a pandemic, and maybe say ‘I’ll quit next year’, but there isn't really a better time to be considering your health and what things you have control over to help improve it”. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, there are over 16,000 people in Michigan who die from smoking-related illness every year which could have been prevented.
HDFCC is using an internally-produced video published on their YouTube channel (Which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/BnZVxa5Oh_w), Facebook page, and on local school websites to help bring awareness to the community about the risks of smoking not just cigarettes, but e-cigarettes as well - another closely related substance
leading to reduced health outcomes. In it, one will find statistics about the addictive properties of e-cigarettes and other alarming substances found in e-liquids. The video also provides local and national resources one can use to help make their plan to quit smoking or assist someone else in their journey. HDFCC encourages the community to
support health and the Great American Smokeout by utilizing and sharing those resources, found below:
● Henry Ford Health System Youth Addiction Assessment Appointment:
○ https://www.henryford.com/services/behavioral-health/addiction/requestappointment
○ 248-661-6100 for addiction assessment appointment
■ Specialized treatment for youth addiction
● Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) 24/7 Access Helpline
○ 1-800-241-4949
● Wayne County Healthy Communities, Hamtramck location
○ https://www.waynecountyhealthy.com
○ 313-871-1926
■ Screenings for substance-use disorders
■ Substance use counseling
■ Multiple languages available
■ Sliding scale fees
● Michigan Tobacco Quitline:
○ http://map.naquitline.org/profile/usa/mi/
○ 1-800-480-7848
○ 1-800-784-8669
■ Phone counseling available in Arabic
■ Access to free cessation medication
● SmokeFree.gov:
○ https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping
● American Cancer Society:
○ https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-americansmokeout.html
○ 1-800-227-2345
■ Live chat available
HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 in response to rising rates of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Find out more about the coalition, upcoming events, and other preventative measures such Narcan Training at www.HamtramckDrugFree.com
HDFCC is funded by DWIHN, www.dwihn.org .
November 19th marks the American Cancer Society’s 43rd annual Great American Smokeout event, which takes
place on the 3rd Thursday of November each year. This event is used to rally communities in initiating conversations about the risks of smoking, helping loved ones make their plan to quit, and encouraging those who are interested in quitting to unite with others making their plans and quitting on the same day.
Lara Girdwood, acting Director of the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC), says “It can be easy to overlook important events like this during a pandemic, and maybe say ‘I’ll quit next year’, but there isn't really a better time to be considering your health and what things you have control over to help improve it”. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, there are over 16,000 people in Michigan who die from smoking-related illness every year which could have been prevented.
HDFCC is using an internally-produced video published on their YouTube channel (Which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/BnZVxa5Oh_w), Facebook page, and on local school websites to help bring awareness to the community about the risks of smoking not just cigarettes, but e-cigarettes as well - another closely related substance
leading to reduced health outcomes. In it, one will find statistics about the addictive properties of e-cigarettes and other alarming substances found in e-liquids. The video also provides local and national resources one can use to help make their plan to quit smoking or assist someone else in their journey. HDFCC encourages the community to
support health and the Great American Smokeout by utilizing and sharing those resources, found below:
● Henry Ford Health System Youth Addiction Assessment Appointment:
○ https://www.henryford.com/services/behavioral-health/addiction/requestappointment
○ 248-661-6100 for addiction assessment appointment
■ Specialized treatment for youth addiction
● Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) 24/7 Access Helpline
○ 1-800-241-4949
● Wayne County Healthy Communities, Hamtramck location
○ https://www.waynecountyhealthy.com
○ 313-871-1926
■ Screenings for substance-use disorders
■ Substance use counseling
■ Multiple languages available
■ Sliding scale fees
● Michigan Tobacco Quitline:
○ http://map.naquitline.org/profile/usa/mi/
○ 1-800-480-7848
○ 1-800-784-8669
■ Phone counseling available in Arabic
■ Access to free cessation medication
● SmokeFree.gov:
○ https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping
● American Cancer Society:
○ https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-americansmokeout.html
○ 1-800-227-2345
■ Live chat available
HDFCC was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 in response to rising rates of substance abuse among Hamtramck youth. Find out more about the coalition, upcoming events, and other preventative measures such Narcan Training at www.HamtramckDrugFree.com
HDFCC is funded by DWIHN, www.dwihn.org .
Annual Public Safety Breakfast - Oct. 28, 2020
As a thank you to our public safety workers, we have this annual appreciation breakfast. This year due to COVID19, we are offering a drive-up option instead of meeting in the conference room as usual. If you are a public safety worker of any kind, please drive up and let us serve you! More info on the flyer below:
Red Ribbon Week October 23-31 2020
For Red Ribbon Week our coalition will be posting videos on different subjects such as mental health, alcohol, marijuana, and opioid abuse so stay tuned! Celebrate Red Ribbon Week with the coalition and show solidarity by wearing a red piece of clothing and tagging it with the hashtag #REDRIBBON2020.
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Annual Prescription Take Back
Sat. Oct. 24th from 10am-2pm, the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition with the Hamtramck Police Dept. and the DEA will be collecting unused an expired pills for safe disposal. Find out more below:
Interested in Joining?
Our coalition meetings have been moved to ONLINE meetings due to COVID19. If you'd like to join in the monthly meetings (held every 2nd Thursday of the month from 11-Noon) contact us! We'd love to see you and have you join our community of concerned individuals, business owners, and others. Use the Sign up form below or email: [email protected]
Public Narcan Training Available - Online & Outdoors
Hamtramck Health Hike ** AUGUST 22, 2020 **
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Our signature event, the Hamtramck Health Hike has been rescheduled from May to August 22, 2020 due to COVID-19.
We are so excited to partner with many people in the community to put this free family event on. ** NEW THIS YEAR: Taking safety precautions in mind, there will be staggered start times to avoid large group gatherings and keep social distancing requirements. Registration of each participant is required before the event. CLICK HERE TO GET TO REGISTRATION PAGE. Check in the morning of to get your 2020 Health Hike t-shirt. (limited to first 300 registrants) This 5K is only 3.1 miles around the city and it goes by fast! We welcome families, runners, walkers, but please NO dogs allowed. After you complete your route, you'll be treated to your FREE backpack filled with information and give-aways, and a celebration of your completion. 
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A special THANK YOU goes out to our planning committee to put on this tremendous, family-friendly event FREE for all participants. Don't forget to thank the sponsors in your community for all their help with the Hamtramck Health Hike 2020.
ONLINE Narcan Training Available June 2020
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Use the registration links on the left to sign up today for an online training in Narcan. See the flier below for more information. You can always contact the Piast Institute at 313-733-4535 or email: [email protected] with questions and we'll be more than happy to help! |
Vendor Education in the Community
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) is partnered with other local coalitions to provide vendor education for tobacco retailers. HDFCC created this updated birthdate sign to help clerks when they check IDs so they do not sell to underage youth. We also check to make sure the Youth Tobacco Act is posted which is legally required to be posted.
Let us know if you need a birth date sign for your business or simply download the image on the left.
National Prevention Week May 10 - May 16, 2020
This is an annual celebration to recognize prevention efforts being made all over the country to help reduce substance abuse and improve mental health. Join the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition on Monday-Friday for a virtual Spirit Week that will get you thinking about the risks of substance use and allow you an opportunity to join the prevention effort - starting with yourself and those closest to you!
Be sure to put on your Spirit Gear, do the Spirit Challenge, and look for our Facebook posts (https://www.facebook.com/hamtramckdrugfree/) or emails Monday-Friday to learn about a different topic and get helpful resources. Also, if you document your participation, you can earn chances to win a VISA gift card each day!
Here's how it works:
Be sure to put on your Spirit Gear, do the Spirit Challenge, and look for our Facebook posts (https://www.facebook.com/hamtramckdrugfree/) or emails Monday-Friday to learn about a different topic and get helpful resources. Also, if you document your participation, you can earn chances to win a VISA gift card each day!
Here's how it works:
- Submit a picture of you in your Spirit Gear and get one entry to the drawing for that day
- Submit a picture/video of you doing the Spirit Challenge and get a second entry to the drawing for that day
- If you have only one picture but it includes both your Spirit Gear and Challenge, that will be allowed as two entries
- To qualify, your pictures must be submitted on the Spirit Day they represent
- How to submit: post your photo(s) on your Facebook page and tag HDFCC, Respond to the daily HDFFC post on Facebook with your photo(s), direct message HDFCC your photo(s) on Facebook, or email your photo(s) to [email protected]
- Each day is a new opportunity to win a gift card so be sure to participate Monday-Friday to increase your chances of winning! Gift card winners will be contacted the following week.
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Monday - May 11, 2020
Today, our Spirit Gear is Pajamas. We will wear them as a reminder of the effects that opioids have on our bodies – slowing everything down, sometimes even to death. Our spirit challenge is to use one of the links below to participate in one of the exercises that have been reported to manage pain – no prescription necessary! (https://www.health.harvard.edu/…/8-non-invasive-pain-relief…) 🟣Standing Yoga: https://dahlc.mayoclinic.org/2015/04/15/chair-yoga/ 🟣 Chair Yoga: https://dahlc.mayoclinic.org/2015/04/15/standing-yoga/ 🟣 Listen to at least 10 minutes of classical music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHl6wYCwlcQ 🟣 Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9QdyfihMVc 
Wednesday - May 13, 2020
Did you know that your brain continues to develop until you are about 25? Using any substance that can alter your brain while it is still developing can have life-long damaging effects. https://teens.drugabuse.gov/ https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/teens.htm#3 https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html Today, our Spirit Gear is Red clothing because it is the opposite of green. We will wear this as an indicator that we oppose the use of marijuana because of how it can limit our mental and physical potential. Our Spirit Challenge is to use one of the following links to complete a digital puzzle or print and complete a provided one and engage your brain in a positive way. Digital jigsaw puzzle: https://im-a-puzzle.com/look_i_m_a_puzzle_8Rl1QZ0j.puzzle Memory game: https://matchthememory.com/hdfccspiritweek 
Friday - May 15, 2020
Today’s Spirit Gear is Wacky Neon Day! Bust out in your favorite bright colors and wacky styles to support positive self esteem and spread some smiles on others faces today. Developing relationships and participating in physical activities are both ways to maintain mental health! Your Spirit Challenge is to do both by participating in a physical activity with your family - whether it’s hop scotch outside, bike-riding, or taking a walk… You name it - we want to see it! Be sure to document your participation and earn entries to today’s drawing for a VISA gift card! How it works: ▪️Submit a picture of you in your Wacky Neon Colors and get one entry to the drawing for today ▪️Submit a picture/video of you doing a physical activity with the family and get a second entry to the drawing for today ▪️If you have only one picture but it includes both your Spirit Gear and Challenge, that will be allowed as two entries ▪️To qualify, your entries must be submitted on the Spirit Day they represent (so don’t wait until tomorrow!) >>>If you, or someone you know, suffers from depression or suicidal thoughts, use some of the following links to learn more or find help:
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Tuesday - May 12, 2020
Today, our Spirit Gear is College and Sports team apparel. We will wear this as a reminder of the effects that alcohol can have on our bodies and our lives – including everything from our academic abilities, decision-making skills and judgment, to physical and sports performance. Our spirit challenge is to write down 3-5 goals for your future and display them in a visible place. This will help you focus on your goals and remind you why you choose to not drink alcohol under age. Be sure to document your participation and earn entries to today’s drawing for a VISA gift card! How it works: ▪️Submit a picture of you in your College or Sports team gear and get one entry to the drawing for today ▪️Submit a picture of your completed Spirit Challenge and get a second entry to the drawing for today (you do not have to make your goals visible in the photo, but we do want to see that they are posted somewhere! If you feel comfortable sharing a close up, we would love to see your future goals!!) ▪️If you have only one picture but it includes both your Spirit Gear and Challenge, that will be allowed as two entries ▪️To qualify, your pictures must be submitted on the Spirit Day they represent (so don’t wait until tomorrow!) How to submit: post your photo(s) on your Facebook page and tag HDFCC, Respond to the daily HDFCC post on Facebook with your photo(s), direct message HDFCC your photo(s) on Facebook, or email your photo(s) to [email protected] 
Thursday - May 14, 2020
Today, our Spirit Gear is themed: Animal Day. This will remind us that we join with the animals who oppose vaping companies testing their product on humans test subjects, as found in the following PSA: https://www.thetruth.com/articles/videos/tested-on-humans Bring out your inner animal and dress fiercely or show off your favorite pet! Our Spirit Challenge is to explore tobacco or vaping PSAs (commercials, posters, articles, etc. that bring awareness about risks of tobacco or vape products) and share the link of your favorite one with us. Use one of these websites to get started: The Real Cost website: https://therealcost.betobaccofree.hhs.gov/ The Real Cost Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxg_kBtJtSclPreOEjRDweQ The Truth website: https://www.thetruth.com/ The Truth Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU6Yy6QttlTcwf96aafYHkQ 
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Volunteer Opportunity
The Hamtramck Health Hike, our annual 5K event needs volunteers like YOU to help make it go smoothly. Find the volunteer form here:
forms.gle/VxFcEa15QPNd4cqf8
Want more information? Here is an attached flyer.
forms.gle/VxFcEa15QPNd4cqf8
Want more information? Here is an attached flyer.
Tau Beta Health Army - HDFCC's Junior Coalition
Students from the junior coalition at Tau Beta, named the Health Army, created posters to help stop peers from smoking, drug use, drinking and discourage them from even trying it.
You may think these students are too young and this isn't an issue at their age, but the use of vaping products has increased dramatically over the last few years. Recently, an age requirement has been set for vaping products whereas it was unregulated for a long time. Then in December of 2019, the age requirement for tobacco products including vaping products increased from 18 years to 21 years of age. However, young children and teens still are in possession of these nicotine products and use them exclusively. Students also admit to trying other things they have access to at home. Prevention starts with yourself and your family.
As we say, "It's not hard to stop if you never have to start."
Check out the students flyers here:
You may think these students are too young and this isn't an issue at their age, but the use of vaping products has increased dramatically over the last few years. Recently, an age requirement has been set for vaping products whereas it was unregulated for a long time. Then in December of 2019, the age requirement for tobacco products including vaping products increased from 18 years to 21 years of age. However, young children and teens still are in possession of these nicotine products and use them exclusively. Students also admit to trying other things they have access to at home. Prevention starts with yourself and your family.
As we say, "It's not hard to stop if you never have to start."
Check out the students flyers here:
Piast Institute CEO/Co-Founder, Virginia Skrzyniarz sits down with Tiffany Stone
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, DWIHN, is a healthcare safety net organization that provides access to a full array of integrated services that facilitate individuals to maximize their level of function and create opportunities for quality of life.
Save the Date for the next Health Hike POSTPONED
This fun 5K walk/run is back again this year but POSTONED TO A LATER DATE! More information will follow soon.
The family friendly event is FREE to all participants so save the date and come on out Saturday morning. Participants receive a t-shirt, snacks, and are entered into a drawing for prizes.
This community event is organized by various Hamtramck businesses, schools, Police and Fire.
Interested in participating or volunteering? We are in need of donations, supplies, and VOLUNTEERS! Contact us at 313-733-4535 or email Megan at: [email protected] to find out how YOU can HELP!
Follow us on Facebook for updates, volunteer opportunities, and other upcoming events. Facebook.com/HamtramckDrugFree
The family friendly event is FREE to all participants so save the date and come on out Saturday morning. Participants receive a t-shirt, snacks, and are entered into a drawing for prizes.
This community event is organized by various Hamtramck businesses, schools, Police and Fire.
Interested in participating or volunteering? We are in need of donations, supplies, and VOLUNTEERS! Contact us at 313-733-4535 or email Megan at: [email protected] to find out how YOU can HELP!
Follow us on Facebook for updates, volunteer opportunities, and other upcoming events. Facebook.com/HamtramckDrugFree
Interested in Narcan Training for yourself, workplace or other?
Thank you to our participants at Art from the Heart @ Hamtramck Public Library
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2020 Birth Date SignsThe federal minimum age for purchasing any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, jumped to 21 on December 20, 2019 when President Donald Trump signed a $1.4 trillion spending bill that had the tobacco age restriction tucked into it.
The new minimum age took effect immediately, which came as a surprise to many retailers who expected some type of transition period. The timing of the rule change — shortly before Christmas — was also unexpected. You can download HDFCC's new Birth Date Signs HERE for 2020. |
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HDFCC VISTA's Go to LansingLara Girdwood (pictured left) and Megan Pham attended a public hearing by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. At the meeting Lara spoke on the issue of the high density of alcohol retailers in Hamtramck and shared how Hamtramck has a relatively young population, but the number of licenses are past the state quota of 1 license per 1,500 people. The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) created a map of Hamtramck’s alcohol retail locations and local schools, which was provided to the commissioners. The commissioners were responsive to the concerns and encouraged the public to inform the commission of any license violations.
Megan shared that after the hearing, HDFCC had a meeting with Police Chief Anne Moise to discuss partnering with the police to organize stings to identify and report liquor locations violating underage sale laws. Mike Tobias, Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD), also thanked HDFCC for attending and speaking at the hearing. |
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HDFCC Calendar of Events
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Interested in receiving Naloxone (Narcan) Training?
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Great! We'd love to train you or your staff/co-workers in the use so that you can save someone in an emergency. After completing your training you will receive naloxone of your own to keep in your possession.
Contact us at: 313 - 733 - 4535 x. 102 or email: [email protected] Not in the area? Online training available through Next Naloxone |
Red Ribbon Week October 2019
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Pictured are some photos from Red Ribbon Week. Along with some treats, all were encouraged to sign a pledge to stay Drug Free. In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Find out more about the initiative at:
http://redribbon.org/about/ |
MCRUD Meeting in Hamtramck on October 22, 2019.
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Thank you to all that came to the meeting. We enjoyed hosting it and giving a presentation on Hamtramck, a community we serve.
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Saturday Oct. 26, 2019 was the National Prescription Take Back
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2019-2020 Calendar of Events
2019 Public Safety Breakfast - Thank you for Attending!
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Thank you to our attendees for another year filled with laughter, great food, and conversation at the Public Safety Breakfast. Each year we have more and more people stopping by. If you missed it this time, mark your calendar for Halloween of 2020!
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HDFCC receives a VISTA Grant - Announcement
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) has received a grant from the Americorp VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program for three VISTA members. These members will begin their 12-month program working with the HDFCC in May. The HDFCC and Piast Institute are currently screening candidates.
The Americorp VISTA program is a part of a national service program with members across the U.S. The VISTA program sends its members to local organizations in underprivileged areas to assist them with their efforts in bettering the community. The Piast Institute has had 11 VISTA members in the past who have helped to develop and organize various HDFCC programs.
Over the past months, the HDFCC has focused on addressing the opioid crisis. Previously, efforts have been directed toward Hamtramck youth and families, but with the help of the VISTA members, the HDFCC plans to expand these efforts to also address senior populations and other cultural, religious and racial groups that have been isolated by poverty.
The three VISTA members will receive training in data collection with an Audience Response System, the use of Narcan in emergency situations, and various methods of educating people through Community Conversations, posters, and other prevention education materials. The HDFCC also plans to work with the VISTA members to develop focus groups and training sessions that will provide the methodology, materials and prevention information for community members themselves to take part in continuing to educate and inform others about opioid use, abuse and disorders in Hamtramck.
For additional information about the HDFCC, visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Virginia Skrzyniarz at [email protected].
The Americorp VISTA program is a part of a national service program with members across the U.S. The VISTA program sends its members to local organizations in underprivileged areas to assist them with their efforts in bettering the community. The Piast Institute has had 11 VISTA members in the past who have helped to develop and organize various HDFCC programs.
Over the past months, the HDFCC has focused on addressing the opioid crisis. Previously, efforts have been directed toward Hamtramck youth and families, but with the help of the VISTA members, the HDFCC plans to expand these efforts to also address senior populations and other cultural, religious and racial groups that have been isolated by poverty.
The three VISTA members will receive training in data collection with an Audience Response System, the use of Narcan in emergency situations, and various methods of educating people through Community Conversations, posters, and other prevention education materials. The HDFCC also plans to work with the VISTA members to develop focus groups and training sessions that will provide the methodology, materials and prevention information for community members themselves to take part in continuing to educate and inform others about opioid use, abuse and disorders in Hamtramck.
For additional information about the HDFCC, visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Virginia Skrzyniarz at [email protected].
2019 Alcohol and Tobacco Birth Date Signs Available NOW
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These signs are available for all alcohol and tobacco vendors for download and are to be posted visibly. The PDF file can be downloaded HERE. These signs, designed by the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition, are to better serve the community and create environmental change. The variation in color allows clerks to easily look over and confirm a purchaser's birth date year when checking ID's. The coalition has printed and delivered these to all vendors in Hamtramck at no cost since 2016. At the monthly coalition meeting, concern over underage youth purchasing alcohol and an observation of outdated signs in the community was voiced and brought to the table. This prompted action and the colorful birth date signs were born! |
Save the Date - National Prescription Take Back April 27th 10am-2pm
This National Prescription Take Back is scheduled for Saturday April 27th (one week before our Health Hike).
More information can be found on our Take Back Page or click HERE.
Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition Announces
April Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Hamtramck Drug Free Coalition (HDFCC) is partnering with the Hamtramck Police Department for the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27. A temporary collection box will be located in the Hamtramck Senior Plaza lobby (2620 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212) where community members are encouraged to bring unused or expired medication for proper and safe disposal. The collection will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
During the Take Back, the HDFCC staff and the Hamtramck Police will accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and medication for pets. They will NOT accept any liquid medications, sharps, ointments or inhalers. All personal information on prescription labels should be marked out before disposing of items at the collection.
Returning expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to proper receptacles helps prevent water supply contamination and prescription abuse.
Hamtramck Police Chief Anne Moise says, “keeping unused medication in the house allows for easier accessibility, which can increase the chance of misusing and abusing those drugs. It is important to check your home and dispose of medications that are no longer needed.”
A permanent prescription drug drop box is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at the Police Department lobby (3401 Evaline Street, Hamtramck, MI).
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition is excited to provide this valuable service to the community and thanks the Hamtramck Police Department for its continued support of youth substance abuse prevention programming in Hamtramck as well as the Piast Institute, which hosts the coalition and its activities.
For more information visit HamtramckDrugFree.com or contact Geneva Rivera at 313.733.4535 ext. 102. Like us on Facebook for more upcoming events in the area.
Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook and get notifications about the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalitions events. |
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Piast Institute Interns from Hamtramck High School Produce Groundbreaking Demographic Study
Three Hamtramck High School students, Ihsan Akhtar, Jaynab Akhtar, and Zubaeer Akhtar, who are triplets, produced an important study in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Piast Institute’s summer research internship. The study analyzed the relationship between sex ratios, poverty and marital status by race, ethnicity and age in the United States using the American Community Survey five-year sample, 2011-2015.
Although there are 1.04 the males born for each female on average in the United States, by the age cohort 25-29 the number of women on average in the general population exceeds the number of men for the first time by a ratio of 1.03. However, the study by the interns showed that the average age at which women surpass men varies widely by ethnic group and poverty status. In the white, Hawaiian, and Hispanic groups below the poverty level, the number of females exceeds the number of males by the 18-24 age cohort. Among African Americans, the number of females exceeds males already by age 15 for those below the poverty level. For those in families above the poverty level, it is not until at least the 25-34 cohort that the number of females exceeds males. Among whites and the general population, that ratio is not reached until age 45.
However, and this is one of the most significant findings, in the African American population below the poverty line between the ages of 18 and 54 (the marriageable age cohorts), there is a very significant gap between the number of men and women. This gap is also found in the cohort of whites living below the poverty line. Thus, for the African American population living below the poverty line, the difference is the absence of 400,000 men. There are 46% more women than men within this age cohort. The discrepancy between males and females is most acute in the 25-34 year age category, where the shortage of males is over 700,000. In the white population below the poverty line, the difference is less but significant. There are more than 14,000,000 more females than males. On the other hand, in both white and African American cohorts living above the poverty line, there is virtually no discrepancy between males and females.
The Piast Institute presented the student intern researchers with a certificate acknowledging their work and contributions on May 24th, 2018 at the Hamtramck High School.
The Piast Institute has founded the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition.
Although there are 1.04 the males born for each female on average in the United States, by the age cohort 25-29 the number of women on average in the general population exceeds the number of men for the first time by a ratio of 1.03. However, the study by the interns showed that the average age at which women surpass men varies widely by ethnic group and poverty status. In the white, Hawaiian, and Hispanic groups below the poverty level, the number of females exceeds the number of males by the 18-24 age cohort. Among African Americans, the number of females exceeds males already by age 15 for those below the poverty level. For those in families above the poverty level, it is not until at least the 25-34 cohort that the number of females exceeds males. Among whites and the general population, that ratio is not reached until age 45.
However, and this is one of the most significant findings, in the African American population below the poverty line between the ages of 18 and 54 (the marriageable age cohorts), there is a very significant gap between the number of men and women. This gap is also found in the cohort of whites living below the poverty line. Thus, for the African American population living below the poverty line, the difference is the absence of 400,000 men. There are 46% more women than men within this age cohort. The discrepancy between males and females is most acute in the 25-34 year age category, where the shortage of males is over 700,000. In the white population below the poverty line, the difference is less but significant. There are more than 14,000,000 more females than males. On the other hand, in both white and African American cohorts living above the poverty line, there is virtually no discrepancy between males and females.
The Piast Institute presented the student intern researchers with a certificate acknowledging their work and contributions on May 24th, 2018 at the Hamtramck High School.
The Piast Institute has founded the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition.
Mock Crash Videos
Below are videos from previous Mock Crashes (Fake crash using Drama students from Horizon High School). These events were organized the week of prom at the Hamtramck High School. Students were able to visualize what it takes to save a life, what would happen if caught drinking and driving or the impact their decision would make to their friends, peers, and strangers while driving under the influence.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition is proud to announce that since we have worked with the entire community to put on these crashes, there were no reported incidences involving Hamtramck Public School students the day of and the day after prom. This is one example of what a community of concerned people have accomplished! Join our coalition meetings every second Thursday of the month at 11am and get involved.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition is proud to announce that since we have worked with the entire community to put on these crashes, there were no reported incidences involving Hamtramck Public School students the day of and the day after prom. This is one example of what a community of concerned people have accomplished! Join our coalition meetings every second Thursday of the month at 11am and get involved.
HDFCC Has Been Named Prevention Organization of the Year by Michigan Prevention Agency (MPA)
Geneva Rivera, Director of HDFCC, Karra Thomas Prevention Services Manager at DWMHA, Virginia Skrzyniarz, Executive Vice President of the Piast Institute
On November 10, 2016, Ms. Virginia Skrzyniarz, Executive Director of the Piast Institute and Ms. Geneva Rivera, Director of the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) proudly received the Prevention Organization of the Year award on behalf of the HDFCC from the Michigan Prevention Association of Michigan at the Annual Burning Issues Conference in Lansing. HDFCC was chosen for the Award as the best Drug Prevention Program in the state.
The award was presented by Ms. Karra Thomas of the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) under whose aegis the HDFCC operates. HDFCC, created by the Piast Institute in 2007 to fight substance abuse by the youth of Hamtramck, is a coalition of representatives of the community, parents, religious institutions, city and school officials, health professionals and the police and fire departments established to find innovative ways to present prevention programs in a unique multi-cultural community. Its work has been recognized and honored locally, regionally, and nationally for its effective and imaginative programs.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition is a Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant recipient that has been active in providing training and support regionally and nationally with community coalitions. It was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 with the mission to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth by implementing effective prevention strategies for a uniquely diverse community.
HDFCC is also one of 12 coalitions in Region 7 of the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) who has provided collaborative support and mentoring to other programs and newly formed coalitions across the nation.
HDFCC has provided a variety of prevention services in schools and community settings. It has put a particular emphasis on prescription drug abuse and youth leadership development. Among many activities, HDFCC works in partnership with the Hamtramck Police Department in providing a box for Prescription Disposal and many Prescription Take Back events in the community.
MPA established its annual Prevention Awards to recognize excellence, innovation and persistence in promoting prevention services and environments across fields and disciplines in Michigan.
The award was presented by Ms. Karra Thomas of the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) under whose aegis the HDFCC operates. HDFCC, created by the Piast Institute in 2007 to fight substance abuse by the youth of Hamtramck, is a coalition of representatives of the community, parents, religious institutions, city and school officials, health professionals and the police and fire departments established to find innovative ways to present prevention programs in a unique multi-cultural community. Its work has been recognized and honored locally, regionally, and nationally for its effective and imaginative programs.
The Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition is a Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant recipient that has been active in providing training and support regionally and nationally with community coalitions. It was founded by the Piast Institute in 2007 with the mission to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth by implementing effective prevention strategies for a uniquely diverse community.
HDFCC is also one of 12 coalitions in Region 7 of the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) who has provided collaborative support and mentoring to other programs and newly formed coalitions across the nation.
HDFCC has provided a variety of prevention services in schools and community settings. It has put a particular emphasis on prescription drug abuse and youth leadership development. Among many activities, HDFCC works in partnership with the Hamtramck Police Department in providing a box for Prescription Disposal and many Prescription Take Back events in the community.
MPA established its annual Prevention Awards to recognize excellence, innovation and persistence in promoting prevention services and environments across fields and disciplines in Michigan.
Need to report a tobacco violation?
If you have a complaint about a tobacco violation (like selling e-cigarettes to minors or stores selling loosies) then please submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration. This can be done anonymously or by name.
You can also call the Tip Line at (855) 648-6222 to report any Tobacco related complaints or violations.
You can also call the Tip Line at (855) 648-6222 to report any Tobacco related complaints or violations.
Join us at our next coalition meeting (every second Thursday of the month) at 11:00am - 11633 Joseph Campau
Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook to see other upcoming events.
Coalition MeetingsCoalition Meetings are held every second Thursday of the month.
Come on by at 11am to 11633 Joseph Campau All are welcome. |
Yearly Calendar of EventsClick on the link below for a full calendar of our events for the year.
If you have any questions, email us at G[email protected] |
Mock Crash for High School StudentsAlong with the Hamtramck Police Department and Fire Department, we organized a mock crash scene to emphasize the importance of not drinking and driving. Tips for Teens Brochures were distributed.
Click below to download. |