Mission Statement
The Southfield Substance Prevention & Education Coalition’s mission is to create productive opportunities to build healthy communities for youth and families through education, support and resources that lead to the reduction of substance use. We use a comprehensive approach to engage and educate our children, parents, and community, and promote alternative activities for youth which will reduce risk factors and increase protective factors.
Our Approach
Prevention & Education
The Southfield Substance Prevention & Education Coalition (SSPEC) is committed to reducing youth substance use through prevention, education, and early intervention. We provide evidence-based programs in schools, host parent workshops, and share tools that help families understand and address the risks of alcohol, vaping, marijuana, opioids, and other emerging substances. Our goal is to empower youth and families with the knowledge and skills to make safe, healthy decisions.
Community Engagement
SSPEC believes prevention is strongest when the whole community is involved. We partner with parents, schools, youth, law enforcement, healthcare providers, local organizations, and faith-based groups to create a united front against substance misuse. From public forums to awareness campaigns, we foster open conversations and promote resources that strengthen protective factors like positive peer relationships, strong family communication, and access to healthy activities.
Training & Resources
We equip the community with life-saving tools and strategies, including training on Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses and education on recognizing the signs of substance misuse. SSPEC also provides resources that help families and organizations respond to challenges, connect with support services, and create safe environments for young people to thrive.
Advocacy & Policy
Beyond education, SSPEC advocates for policies and practices that support prevention and wellness across Southfield. We work with city leaders, schools, and community partners to promote initiatives that reduce access to harmful substances and encourage long-term community health.
Our Commitment
At SSPEC, prevention is more than a program — it’s a promise to protect the well-being of our youth and community. By addressing risk factors, building resilience, and engaging every sector of our city, we are committed to preventing substance misuse before it starts and empowering young people to reach their full potential.
The SSPEC vision for the City of Southfield and Lathrup Village is one where every resident, with a particular focus on youth, possesses the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to make healthy choices. This vision emphasizes creating an environment free from the harms of substance misuse by promoting education, prevention, and community support systems. Through collaborative efforts involving families, schools, healthcare providers, and local organizations, SSPEC aims to empower individuals to build resilient lives and foster a safe, healthy community for all.
-
![]()
ReNEWed Jr (2nd - 4th grd) Nourished Jr (3rd - 5th grd) ReNEWed (5th - 6th grd)
Fuel Your Body, Healthy Friendships, Social Media Midnfullness
-
![]()
High school Prevention Programs
Catch My Breath, Drinking, Marijuana Use, Prescription Drug Prevention, Vaping
-
![]()
Middle School Programs
ReNEWed, Girls Empowered, Catch My Breath, Alcohol, Marijuana, Prescription Drug Safety, Vaping
“I Inhale Confidence”
Empowering Youth. Inspiring Strength.
The Southfield Substance Prevention & Education Coalition (SSPEC) is proud to launch the I Inhale Confidence campaign, a youth-focused initiative designed to promote substance-free living, positive self-identity, and healthy decision-making. This campaign encourages young people to breathe in confidence, courage, and clarity while rejecting the pressures of vaping, smoking, and other risky behaviors.
By empowering students through peer leadership, school engagement, and strong community partnerships, I Inhale Confidence reminds youth that their choices today shape their opportunities tomorrow. The campaign focuses on building resilience, self-esteem, and a culture of confidence that inspires young people to lead by example.
This effort comes at a critical time, as youth face increasing pressures with the rise of vaping, marijuana use, and synthetic drugs in our communities. Prevention has never been more important, and SSPEC believes that by helping young people find strength from within, we can create a safer, healthier future.
The campaign is made possible through collaboration with Southfield Public Schools, local charter schools, the City of Southfield, and community organizations that share a commitment to protecting and uplifting our youth. Together, we can make confidence contagious and inspire the next generation to live substance-free.
SSPEC Programs
“Pumping with Poison”
A gas station initiative
Gas stations and convenience stores are meant to serve our community with everyday essentials, but too often they are selling dangerous and unregulated substances such as Kratom, Delta-8 THC, synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice, nitrous oxide “whippets,” and so-called energy boosters or mystery pills. These products are marketed as harmless, but in reality, they put our youth and families at serious risk. Teens see them as “legal highs,” yet they can lead to addiction, overdoses, and lasting health consequences.
The Pumping with Poison initiative was created to shine a light on this growing issue. Our campaign focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of gas station drugs, educating parents, youth, and schools, and pushing for stronger accountability from retailers. Through community outreach, prevention workshops, and bold messaging, we are working to stop the sale and promotion of these unsafe substances in our neighborhoods.
Protecting our youth means taking a stand against substances that are disguised as safe but are anything but. By spreading awareness, building partnerships, and encouraging community members to report unsafe sales, we can cut off the pipeline of poison and keep our children safe. Together, we can fuel prevention, protect futures, and build a healthier Southfield.
👉 Support the movement—donate today to help us keep youth safe and drug-free.
Narcan
A Lifeline in the Fight Against Opioids
Every life in our community matters, and one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against opioid overdoses is Narcan (naloxone). Narcan is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes. With overdoses continuing to rise, making Narcan widely available is not just a health strategy—it’s a lifeline.
Our campaign is dedicated to increasing awareness, access, and training so that families, schools, businesses, and community members are prepared to act in an emergency. Narcan is simple to administer, carries no risk of misuse, and can mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing an overdose. Along with Narcan, we also provide free fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips to help individuals detect these dangerous additives before harm occurs. These tools offer another layer of protection and prevention for our community.
By educating the public, distributing Narcan, and giving away test strips, we are empowering everyday people to become first responders in critical moments. Together, we can fight stigma, save lives, and build a stronger, healthier Southfield. With more people trained and equipped, we ensure that when seconds count, help is already in someone’s hands.
Roger Goolsby
Executive Director
Executive Board
Darryl B Joyce
President
Paula Lightsey
Member at Large
Jabbar Hill
Vice President
Diana Pegler
Financial Officer
Melissa Medici
Program Coordinator
Marisa Youngblood
Secretary
Cassandra Jones
Treasurer
12 SECTORS
The 12 sectors of a DFC (Drug-Free Communities) anti-drug coalition typically represent a broad range of community stakeholders working together to prevent substance abuse. These sectors include:
Government – Enforce policies and regulations related to drug prevention and control.
Healthcare – Provide medical support, treatment, and prevention services.
Faith Leaders – Offer guidance, moral support, and community outreach.
Civic Groups – Facilitate community engagement and advocacy initiatives.
Volunteers – Participate in grassroots efforts and program delivery.
Schools/Education – Implement prevention education and promote healthy behaviors among youth.
Law Enforcement – Enforce drug laws and contribute to prevention strategies.
Media – Raise public awareness and disseminate information.
Business Community – Support prevention through workplace policies and funding.
Youth – Serve as role models and actively participate in programs.
Parents and Families – Provide support and reinforce prevention efforts at home.
Recreation and Sports – Offer healthy alternatives and positive engagement opportunities.
Together, these sectors form a collaborative framework that addresses substance abuse through comprehensive community involvement. groups mobilize community action. Collectively, these sectors strengthen collaboration and ensure that prevention efforts reach every corner of the community.
Request Substance Use Educational Materials
Community members, schools, businesses, and partner organizations are encouraged to request educational materials on substance use and prevention. These resources are designed to provide accurate, up-to-date information about the risks associated with alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, and other substances. Materials may include fact sheets, brochures, toolkits, and presentations that support awareness, prevention, and access to help.
By requesting these materials, individuals and organizations can strengthen their capacity to inform youth, families, and the community, promote healthy choices, and connect people to local resources and support services.
FAQ
-
Substance Abuse in Oakland County, MI: Key Information
Oakland County, Michigan, is a region that, like many areas across the United States, faces challenges related to substance abuse. Understanding the scope, resources, and support systems available is important for residents seeking help or information.
Prevalence and Impact
Substance abuse in Oakland County includes the misuse of alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs such as opioids, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
The opioid epidemic has notably impacted the county, with increased rates of addiction and overdose deaths over recent years.
Alcohol abuse remains a significant concern, contributing to accidents, health issues, and social problems within the community.
Available Services and Support
Oakland County Health Division offers programs focused on prevention, education, and treatment referrals for substance use disorders.
Multiple treatment centers and rehabilitation programs operate within the county, providing inpatient and outpatient services, detoxification, counseling, and support groups.
Nonprofits and community organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have active groups in the area offering peer support and recovery assistance.
Mental health services often integrate substance abuse treatment, recognizing the link between mental health disorders and addiction.
Prevention and Education
Schools and community programs in Oakland County emphasize prevention education targeting youth and families.
Public awareness campaigns aim to reduce stigma and promote resources for early intervention.
Law enforcement and county agencies collaborate on initiatives to reduce drug trafficking and misuse.
How to Get Help
Residents seeking assistance can contact the Oakland County Health Division or local health care providers for evaluations and referrals.
Emergency services are available 24/7 for overdose situations or immediate intervention.
Helplines
-
The Alliance of Coalition for Health Communities have Save-a-Life Stations located throughout Oakland County. https://achcmi.org/overdose-prevention/save-a-life-stations
-
Contact the SSPEC by email and one of our members will contact you with more information.