Families Against Narcotics group chapter in Gratiot ready to roll out

Formed last year, organization to host public forums in St. Louis

A new organization formed in Gratiot County last year is ready to host a series of public meetings.

Families Against Narcotics has scheduled its first Family Forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 18 at St. Louis City Hall, 300 N. Mill St.

The group is planning similar meetings the third Monday of each month at the same time and location.

There are 24 chapters of FAN, which was founded in Macomb County in 2007, throughout the state

“The receptiveness of local law enforcement and judicial, mental health and business professionals to helping our community from within, and the speed with which the program has developed since the first discussions, has been remarkable,” said Alan Gatlin, the retired chief operating officer and vice president of finance and administration at Alma College, who is serving as the group’s vice president and was one of its founders.

He began by bringing the idea to Alma Police Chief Kendra Overla, Director of Problem Solving Courts Kalin Greene and county Prosecutor Laura Bever.

“All of them responded quickly and enthusiastically as they had witnessed first hand the devastating effects of addiction,” Gatlin said. “They recognized how difficult it is to find help and the stigma associated with addiction that sometimes stands in the way of individuals and families seeking the help they need.”

He then got in touch with 29th Circuit Court Judge Cori Barkman, now the chapter’s president, and former Undersheriff Steve Sopocy, who recently retired after being appointed to the County