South Lyon residents, coalition ask council to partner on substance‑abuse prevention

South Lyon — Speakers during the Oct. 13 public comment period asked the City Council to support local substance‑abuse prevention efforts and help spread awareness of available resources.

Glenn Black, a South Lyon resident, introduced Paige George, executive director of the South Lyon Community Coalition for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, and urged the council to partner with the coalition on public messaging and resource referrals. Black and George asked the council and residents to refer people to the coalition’s free resources and to help identify a business‑sector representative to serve on the coalition’s advisory group.

Black referenced the Oakland County key findings report on youth substance use and read survey figures for vaping prevalence, stating that 2.5 percent of seventh‑grade students and higher rates for ninth‑ and eleventh‑grade students had used an electronic vaping device at least once in the 30 days before the survey. Black said the figures indicate an upward trend between middle and high school and urged early prevention and local engagement.

Paige George, identified herself as the coalition’s executive director and provided the coalition’s Milford address for the record. Coalition representatives said they have additional copies of the county report available and requested the city share prevention messaging and refer residents to their services when appropriate.

Council members did not vote on any action related to the presentation; staff and council acknowledged the request and thanked the presenters for their work.