Meet Morgan County Substance Abuse Council (MCSAC)

When people hear the name Morgan County Substance Abuse Council (MCSAC), images such as medicine and illegal drugs come to their minds. However, MCSAC is so much more. Our belief is that education is essential to combat substance use. It is never just addiction, it is mental health, stress reduction, reducing stigma, human trafficking, and suicide prevention. In 2022, more than 1400 individuals in Morgan County participated in a MCSAC program.

Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance use and mental disorders. Prevention activities work to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the misuse of drugs and the development of substance use disorders. Therefore, MCSAC conducts monthly programs to a variety of community partners like the Mooresville High School PASS program, WellSpring, Magdalene House, Martinsville Youth Development Center, YMCA of Morgan County, Hope House, and the Boys & Girls Club of Morgan County. During a typical month, MCSAC conducts several special presentations to groups such as Kiwanis, Martinsville Schools Clinical Staff, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) or one of many locations that request a presentation.

Studies show the earlier the education, the better at preventing addictions. So, age appropriate, evidence-based prevention activities to youth are essential. An example of a recent youth program was a drug trivia game. The game encouraged positive social skills and was a fun way for the youth to discuss and learn about the harmful effects of drugs. They also encourage the youth to participate in stress-reducing activities that do not involve alcohol or drugs.

MCSAC conducts not only youth programs but programs to educate and support individuals in our community. In a recent adult program about reducing stress we discussed how to be positive. We focused on promoting self-care and how to show appreciation for the little things. Everyone discussed things they liked about themselves and others. We enjoyed some healthy snacks and painted glow-in-dark pictures.

One of the suicide prevention programs we conduct is Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR). The training is intended for any community member to learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and be comfortable in how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

MCSAC also facilitates the Suicide Overdose and Fatality Review board for Morgan County. Every month, the team of community partners conducts individual death reviews to effectively identify system gaps and develop community-specific overdose and suicide prevention and intervention strategies. 

And MCSAC does not work alone. We are fortunate to be a part of many community programs and committees to learn more about the issues in the community and how to support the community; committees such as Morgan County Systems of Care, Resiliency Committee, Tobacco Free Morgan County, as well as a monthly gathering of local service providers to discuss community issues. MCSAC also provides education for the community and service providers with a free spring and fall conference. The conferences include local and statewide presentations to strengthen the knowledge of the community in order to combat drug misuse. Topics vary, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, domestic violence, mental health, stigma, human trafficking and substance use disorders and recovery.

Substance use prevention is an issue that has many layers. MCSAC looks for ways to support the community and provide education in many ways. Currently, we are one of many wonderful organizations in the community actively working to create Prevent Child Abuse Morgan County, a charted council of Prevent Child Abuse Indiana. The group includes social service workers, community at large volunteers, educators, foster parents and parents. With shifts in child abuse prevention at the national level, we want to focus on creating safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for all children instead of the emphasis on the negative effects of child abuse.

Since drug misuse is a reality, MCSAC also partners with the Morgan County Health Department and Overdose Lifeline to provide Narcan training to the community and support the addition of Naloxboxes in the community.

MCSAC also serves as the Local Coordinating Council for Morgan County. Every Indiana county has a Local Coordinating Council to oversee Local Drug Free Community Funds. The funds are collected through countermeasure fees that are ordered and collected by the local Morgan County court system. Countermeasure fees can be ordered against any person who is charged and found guilty of a drug or alcohol offense. MCSAC has the honor of awarding these grants to local community organizations that are working hard to combat substance misuse within Morgan County. These grants are another way MCSAC provides support and works to strengthen the community.

 How can you help? 

We are a small nonprofit organization with only 1 full time and 1 part time staff. We rely on donations, fundraising and grants to sustain our staff and programs. Donations can be made directly to MCSAC at any Home Bank location, or checks can be mailed to Morgan County Substance Abuse Council, 180 South Main Street, Martinsville, IN. 46151.

On July 13^th, RD Productions, LLC is conducting a Benefit Christian Concert featuring Chris Tomlin at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Other artists included are Downpour, Megan Duke and Natalie Layne. Tickets go on sale on April 22^nd at the Home Bank located at 59 West Washington Street in Martinsville. Proceeds from the event will benefit MCSAC and Stability First.

Every month we deliver The MCSAC Minute directly to your email with national and local news and events. If you are not currently subscribing you can sign up by emailing Bridgett, Community Coordinator, at bmorales@morganprovention.org.