Great Falls College MSU raises awareness of substance abuse

GREAT FALLS—During Red Ribbon Week, Great Falls College MSU is collaborating with Alliance for Youth and Gateway Community Services to host a series of events on campus that aim to raise awareness about the ins and outs of substance abuse.

The program begins on Monday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. in Heritage Hall with a showing of the critically acclaimed documentaries “Paper Tigers” and “Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope.” Both films address how toxic stress that develops as a result of adverse childhood experiences contribute to substance abuse, mental health and medical problems. The film will immediately be followed by a panel discussion on substance abuse and mental health.

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, there will be three panel discussions:

• 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Prevention and treatment. Panelists include Andrea Fisher, administrator for Drug Treatment Court; Michelle Koppany, case manager with Drug Treatment Court; Jeff Fauque with Gateway Community Services; Kristy Pontet-Stroop with Alliance for Youth; and Tammi Coffey with Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. Lunch is included.
• 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Substance abuse prevention: Why legislation matters. Panelists include Senator Steve Fitzpatrick, County Attorney Carolyn Mattingly, GFPD Officer Steve Sheer and MHP Trooper Dan Arnold.
• 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., My loved one has a substance use disorder: what do I do? Panelists include Casey Ayers, Terri Flebotte Huston, Terri Sandstrom and Jeff Fauque from Gateway Community Services. Great Falls Mayor Bob Kelly will be the moderator.

“Through these events and discussions our goal is to raise awareness about substance abuse and the resources available to individuals and their families and friends,” said Elfie Neber, psychology faculty at Great Falls College MSU.

Each presentation and panel discussion will take place in Heritage Hall at Great Falls College MSU, 2100 16th Ave. S. The events are all free and open to students, faculty, staff and the community.

For more information, contact:

Lewis Card
Executive Director—Development, Communications & Marketing
Great Falls College MSU
Phone: (406)771-4412
[email protected]

Erin Granger
Marketing Specialist
Great Falls College MSU
Phone: (406)771-4314, Email: [email protected]