Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force

Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force (KCSATF)

We are a community-based coalition that works to reduce youth substance use issues in our community. The Task Force is made up of over 150 members, representing a cross-section of our community, including law enforcement, healthcare professionals, schools, youth, parents, businesses, media, treatment and recovery, and prevention. KCSATF has 4 action teams:

Data and Evaluation Team
This team develops and implements comprehensive data collection strategies, interprets evaluation findings and provides recommendations for future initiatives and prevention strategies based on data.

Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Team
This team develops and implements KCSATF alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit or emerging drug trend prevention strategies as outlined in the Task Force annual action plan. Strategies include alcohol and tobacco retailer education visits and compliance checks.

Marijuana Team
This team develops and implements KCSATF marijuana prevention strategies as outlined in the Task Force annual action plan. Strategies include providing training on changes to Michigan's marijuana laws to elected officials.

Opioid Team
This team develops and implements KCSATF opioid and opiate prevention strategies as outlines in the Task Force annual action plan. Strategies include partnering with local funeral homes and senior centers and living communities to provide training on opioid abuse and prescription medication disposal.

Task Force Successes

Passing a Social Host Ordinance in Portage, which provides local penalties to adults hosting underage drinking parties.
Implementing Red Med Box medication disposal sites in 6 local law enforcement agencies and collecting over 45,000 lbs of medication.
Providing training to elected officials, healthcare professionals, and community groups on issues such as opioid abuse, marijuana laws, and underage drinking.
Named Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking's Coalition of the Year for work preventing underage alcohol use.

Misson

To decrease youth alcohol and substance abuse issues in our community through the development of strategies that will reduce access to substances, prevent high-risk behaviors, connect community resources and provide educational opportunities.

Vision

A healthy community free from substance abuse.