As part of LAHC’s commitment to serving and empowering our community, we regularly host events that promote wellness, safety, and family engagement.
Over the past few months, we have organized various activities designed to bring families together, encourage healthy habits, and provide essential resources for a stronger, healthier community.
Read on for a recap of our recent events and information about our upcoming Turkey Drive.
Spreading holiday cheer: Upcoming Turkey Drive in November
In the spirit of giving, our 18th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robichaud High School, 3601 Janet St., Dearborn Heights, MI, 48125.
During the event, we plan to give out 500 turkeys to families in need throughout Wayne County. The drive is part of our ongoing initiative to fight food insecurity and offer a helping hand to our neighbors during the holiday season.
Over the past 17 years, we have distributed over 15,000 turkeys, food boxes, and basic necessities to those in need.
While we prepare for the event, we’d like to share a recap of recent activities that have brought families together in our community.
Highlights from October: Community wellness and safety events
Our October events covered various topics, including health, safety, and community connection.
Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from this impactful month.
Meeting with Dr. Rahul Gupta
On Oct. 15, our coalition met with Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy at the White House, to discuss our efforts to combat substance misuse and promote a drug-free lifestyle.
We shared our initiatives, successes, and challenges in building a healthier community with Dr. Gupta. In response, Dr. Gupta explained the importance of collaboration and engagement in effective prevention strategies.
Together, we discussed methods for strengthening our efforts and boosting the impact of our programs and were reminded of the power each of us has to make a difference.
Family Fitness Soccer Spooktacular
When LAHC was founded in 1982, it began as an athletic organization in Dearborn to provide the community with an outlet to connect and enjoy soccer.
On Oct. 21, we celebrated our roots with a Family Fitness Soccer Spooktacular event.
Families were introduced to various soccer moves and positions and had the opportunity to learn basic skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting.
After practicing these techniques, both kids and adults had the opportunity to team up for a friendly soccer game in a fun, supportive environment that encouraged teamwork, sportsmanship, and family bonding.
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest drug-use prevention campaign occurs each year from Oct. 23-31.
Advocate, Collaborate, Treat, and Reduce Substance Abuse (ACT), a coalition of LAHC, participated in Red Ribbon Week with a booth that provided information on the risks of vaping, tobacco products, marijuana use, refusal skills, and more.
This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug-Free,” reminded us that ordinary Americans contribute daily to their communities by embracing a drug-free lifestyle.
DEA Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day allows participants to safely and anonymously dispose of expired, unused, or unnecessary prescription medications at collection sites across the U.S. The goal is to prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental drug poisoning.
On Oct. 26, LAHC hosted a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Take Back Day at the Leann Hicks Library in collaboration with the Inkster Police Department and Growth Works.
Participants were able to dispose of their medications, including:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Patches
- Vaping devices and cartridges
- Liquid products (sealed in original container)
- Other forms of prescription drugs
We also provided Narcan training for those interested in responding to opioid overdoses and distributed other community resources and support services regarding substance misuse.
SAY BOO to Drugs/Haunted Hallow Safe Night Trunk or Treat
LAHC celebrated Halloween with a trunk-or-treat, “Say No to Drugs and Tobacco” candy, and community resources on the safe disposal of medications and preventing substance misuse.
On Oct. 31, the ACT Drug-Free Community Coalition collaborated with the Inkster Police Department, the Chief’s Office, the Inkster Task Force, and Hearts That Care to host “Say BOO to Drugs/Haunted Hallow Safe Night Trunk-or-Treat.”
The event, which took place at the Booker Dozier Recreation Center, aimed to provide a safe environment for community members while engaging in important conversations about health and safety.
What’s next for LAHC?
We recently opened our Community Kitchen, which provides warm meals, a food pantry, and multigenerational cooking classes.
Our new maternal and infant health page is now live to support new and expectant mothers.
LAHC proudly offers numerous programs and services to Southeast Michigan residents, including:
- Workforce development and education
- Healthy living
- Substance use prevention
- Mental health services
- Digital literacy courses
To learn more, visit our website or Facebook page, or call us at 313-846-8480.